Modding an Android MK808 TV Stick (Android 2600:Part 2)

[degenatrons]

Part 2 of the Android 2600 project

I bought an Android MK808 TV stick a while ago.  It's great when it works but have had lots of issues with it overheating and crashing on me.  It handles the emulators really well so I had a go at fixing the problems.

The MK808 has a great spec and the device is tiny.  Lots of potential for arcade projects and would be ideal for the smaller projects.

Dual Core RK3066 SOC running at 1.6Ghz
1GB of ram
8GB of NAND storage
Wifi b/g/n RK901
Micro SD card slot
2x Micro USB (1 for power)
Full size USB Host
HDMI 1.4 female male port

Check out the size of this thing:




To fix the issues I did a couple of things:

1) Removed the case to prevent overheating.







The orange wire I added at the end is for the wi-fi signal. I thought it was for grounding at the time.  Attaching wires to the 2 pins makes for a much improved wi-fi signal

2) I flashed a better firmware.  The default firmware was buggy and unstable.

I'm using Minix HFW firmware (v2.2.4).  This provides a rooted version of Android v4.1 (Jelly Bean).
I burned the firmware using the RKBatchTool tool.
To ready the device for firmware update you need to enter the bootloader.  This is done by pressing the microswitch on the PCB while plugging into a USB port on PC.
I can provide better instructions for flashing the firmware.

Device is powered by 5V to either the power input or the USB OTG socket.  Both sockets are USB mini B type.

More info to follow

[Superfrog]

As always,

Great projects to follow and to dribble 

 

[degenatrons]

Ordered an MK908 from geekbuying today.

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tronsmart-MK908-Google-Android-4-1-Mini-PC-TV-Box-RK3188-Quad-Core-2G-8G-BT-Black-315155.html

Was amazed to pick this up for $65 including shipping (that's £42 quid)!

* Cortex A9 Rk3188 Quad Core CPU ,Quad Core Mali 400 GPU;
* 2GB DDR3 RAM,8GB NAND FLASH ROM
* Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean;
* Bluetooth v4.0,wifi support 802.11 b/g/n
* Dual Heatsink,Dual Wifi Antenna;
* Mini SD support up to 32GB

I'm getting frustrated with OUYA.  Having much more fun with these little guys.

Also picked up a mini HDMI/VGA converter from geekbuying for $8.49 (£5.50) with free shipping 

http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Mini-HDMI-to-VGA-with-Aduio-HD-Convertor-Cable-Adapter-for-Tablet-PC-314183.html

[Superfrog]

I think you mad a new standard for cab builders here 

I see some reviews of the Ouya, but it was no positive sound when it comes to emulators and usb support.
Maybe I must give it a try with this one  ..

[mike boss]

Liking this project, and some great info in part 1 also.
I'm actually a lil surprised to hear you weren't happy with the OUYA. Most of what I've seen on YouTube was positive.
None the less I think these lil units are great and really could make for some awesome cabinets.