[Android Stick & Console AMLogic based Computers] effgee:
Hi everyone,

Updates:

2021-08-17 - Added patched Magisk boot for this device. (Conceptum Stock ROM)

I'm starting this thread to collect information and files regarding this particular version of X96 box and to explain to anyone interested what I have discovered so far..

The company who has repackaged the firmware for this box for the Greek market, CONCEPTUM, refuses to release the original firmware for this device.

So currently, I have dumped two types of firmware from a stock box in case it is needed. A standard TWRP backup, and a dd image.

At the moment, I actually am NOT having any luck restoring the firmware using the TWRP restore. Not sure why.

I was able to restore the original firmware using the dd image. So for anyone who screws up their stock firmware, you can use the dd image from the mega drive. Punchline: The stock image has terrible wifi speed as well. I have yet to try restoring the firmware via dd yet but when I do I will write if it works or not.

Here is a link to the folder where I will be updating what compatible files I can find.

4.38 GB folder on MEGA

13 files and 6 subfolders

mega.nz

This post is very incomplete and I will be adding to it shortly.

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SPECIFICATIONS

4GB RAM/32GB Storage

Ethernet Speed: 1000mbps / 1gbs

Ethernet Chipset: Realtek RTL8211F

Wifi : 5ghz & 2.4 ghz support

Wifi / Bluetooth Chipset: Cdtech 4761743 (which is a Qualcomm QCA6174A design? See links below.)

https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/looking-for-users-with-no-working-wifi-or-bt/9649/248

https://discourse.coreelec.org/t/looking-for-users-with-no-working-wifi-or-bt/9649/249

https://blog.csdn.net/u012851408/article/details/86605778

Motherboard Markings: BM805H_141 V3.2 20352 4020

Motherboard Sticker: 4+32+CDW ZF210129

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How to get into recovery

The button needed to access recovery is hidden. It is deep inside the stereo jack. (You can see it if you shine a flashlight into there.

My suggested tool to press this button easily is a qtip with the cotton from one end removed.

Insert the tool, and press it in until you feel the click.

Apply power to the device and as soon as you can see the logo come on, release the tool pressure.

It should enter recovery in 5 to 10 seconds.

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CoreELEC

I was able to boot CoreELEC via sdcard, with bluetooth and wifi working with the following device tree:

sm1_s905x3_4g_1gbit.dtb

I forgot to check the speed of the wifi, but if I recall, both 2.4 & 5ghz was working with that dtb.

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TWRP

The TWRP_AML_ViT_3.3.1_2020.zip (in the Mega folder) is a "hinged" version. Not sure if its the right term, but it can be run from the stock recovery, (Apply update from external). It does NOT install, it just runs it and lets you do stuff from there.

If anyone knows the source or an update for the Amlogic TWRP Hinged version, please post it here.

I used a previous "hinged version" TWRP_322.zip but this version did not backup properly all the partitions, ex it totally skipped the Vendor partition, which is why I have 2 of these Tvboxes as my first one the backup was bad and it was essentially bricked.

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Amlogic USB Burning Tool

This seems to work fine, but something that is always missing from peoples instructions,

The Male to Male USB cable, on this device must be plugged into the USB 3 port.

The power cable must also be removed, and when plugging in the USB cable to the correct port, will provide power for the "fastboot" equivalent mode needed to flash from the Amlogic tool.

So the procedure to flash is (after installing the USB Flash tool)

Device is powered off.

Insert USB cable into your pc end.

Insert tool and press recovery mode button.

Plug in other end of USB cable into the tvbox.

It should power on, keep the recovery button pressed until you hear the device connect to Windows (USB being plugged in sound)

They you should be able to flash.

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Compatible ROMS

Long story short, due to a initial TWRP backup that was missing certain important partitions, I bricked my first box.

While trying to get the box working again, I have found the following firmware to work mostly. I am not reccomending them, as I am not sure they are working optimally, but if needed these can boot the system and work in some capacity.

X96Max_Plus_Q2_20201209-1446.img

Original firmware for X96 Max Plus Q2 version

sbx_x96max_plus_q2_v12

Slimbox Version 12 for X96 Max Plus Q2

This version does not come with Google framework which I needed so I didn't work with it much.

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Magisk

Patched boot image for this device.

9.67 MB file on MEGA

mega.nz

Download and extract this file and put it somewhere you can flash from.

Install Magisk Manager.

Boot from Hinged TWRP, goto Install, Install image, select the file and flash to Boot partition. BE CAREFUL AND DON'T FLASH TO BOOTLOADER

Magisk Should be working, try running a root app and magisk should pop up

Magisk is complicated. On all the Amlogic boxes as far as I know, Magisk will install but NOT function properly.

The geniuses at 4pda have figured out a procedure to make Magisk work properly, but it requires hex editing the boot partition and reflashing it.

I have done the procedure successfully when I was using the X96Max_Plus_Q2_20201209-1446.img firmware. It does work.

I will upload this to the mega folder when I have time.

When I manage to hex edit the stock boot image, I will also upload it. Its an involved process and takes some time.