[Android General] Viva La Android R.I.P.:
QLINK SCEPTER 8​

8" WiFi Android Tablet

Gen 1 & Gen 2 Models

By Hot Pepper Mobile

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1st Gen QLink Scepter 8 (2021)

The original, 1st Gen model, is powered by the Allwinner-A100 chipset platform, has 1 GB RAM, and ships with the Android 11 Go Edition OS. This model has an FCC-ID of 2APD4-AP10, which will be embossed on the manufacturer's label, located on the tablet's rear casing. The 1st Gen model was released by Hot Pepper Mobile in April, 2021.​

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2nd Gen QLink Scepter 8 (2022)

The newer, 2nd Gen model, released in mid-July, 2022, integrates an upgraded Allwinner-A133 chipset, has 2 GB RAM, and ships with the Android 12 Go Edition OS preinstalled. The 2nd Gen model has an FCC-ID of 2APD4-AP15, printed on the manufacturer's label affixed to the rear housing of the device.​

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TABLET VARIANTS

The Gen 1 and Gen 2 models of the Scepter 8 were released with two board variants each. These variants are codified by the first two letters of the device serial number: either CF or MD. In other words, the Gen 1 model includes the CF and MD variants, as does the latest Gen 2. Hence, in total, there are 4 variations of this tablet Knowing your exact model & variant is crucial when restoring the factory firmware and/or when rooting your device. My firmware and rooting guides are both outlined in a format which categorizes the relevant downloads under separate headings, consistent with each particular model and variant of the Scepter 8.

Determining your model and variant is a very straightforward task. If your device is running on Android 11 Go Edition, you have the Gen 1 model. In contrast, if your tablet is running on Android 12 Go Edition, you have he latest Gen 2 model. Regardless of which model you own, the serial number, located on the manufacturer's label on the back housing, will begin either with the letters CF or MD. Again, this information is pertinent to both my firmware restoration and bootloader unlocking/rooting guides.

The CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile, Mr. Shawn Sun, has most graciously provided me with factory firmware images for both the 1st Gen & 2nd Gen models of this tablet. These firmware packages are available over in my stock firmware restoration guide linked in the downloads section below. Likewise, instructions for unlocking the bootloader and attaining root access on both variants can be found on my below-linked guide as well.​

FEATURES & SPECS:

Gen 1 Model (2021)

Release Date: April, 2021

FCC-ID: 2APD4-AP10

Board Platform: Allwinner-A100

CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

Architecture: ARMv8-A (64-bit)

CPU Max Clock: 1.46 GHz

Process: 28 nm HPC

GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300

GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz

RAM: 1 GB (LPDDR3)

Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion

Camera: 2 MP Main / 0.3 MP Front

Internal Storage: 16 GB eMMC 5.1

WLAN: 802.11/b/g/n

WiFi Band Support: 2.4 GHz Only

Bluetooth: v4. 0

OS: Android 11 (Go Edition)

Partition Scheme: Dynamic A/B

USB OTG: Supported

Project Treble: Supported

Gen 2 Model (2022)

Release Date: July, 2022

FCC-ID: 2APD4-AP15

Board Platform: Allwinner-A133

CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

Architecture: ARMv8-A (64-bit)

CPU Max Clock: 1.6 GHz

Process: 12 nm HPC

GPU: Imagination PowerVR GE8300

GPU Max Clock: 650 MHz

RAM: 2 GB (LPDDR3)

Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Ion

Camera: 2 MP Main / 0.3 MP Front

Internal Storage: 16 GB eMMC 5.1

WLAN: 802.11/b/g/n

WiFi Band Support: 2.4 GHz Only

Bluetooth: v4. 0

OS: Android 12 (Go Edition)

Partition Scheme: Dynamic A/B

USB OTG: Supported

Project Treble: Supported

OVERVIEW:

This is a general info and discussion thread for any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8 tablet. This is an 8" budget Android tablet manufactured specifically for eligible recipients of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, a federally funded FCC initiative to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of December 31, 2021, the EBB was renamed the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Ironically, even though the EBB was originally intended specifically for assistance with internet service, and although this tablet is branded by Q-Link, a major mobile service provider of the federal Lifeline program, the Q-Link Scepter 8 is a WiFi-only device and does not support cellular connectivity. Because there is very little info available online for this device, a general info and discussion thread was needed as a collective forum and resource for device owners.

DEVELOPMENT STATUS:

This tablet is supported for bootloader unlocking by way of the standard fastboot mode procedure. Root access can be attained by the standard Magisk systemless strategy of ramdisk patching. Unfortunately, I no longer own one of these tablets and I did not save copies of any of the firmware images I was able to pull from the device by way of a flash tool in read-back mode. Likewise, as luck would have it, the modded flash tool is no longer accessible due to a broken download link online and no working mirrors As it stands, we are lacking a stock boot/recovery image with which to patch the ramdisk for root. To date, despite numerous formal requests made to the manufacturer, the kernel source code has not been released to the public. Likewise, the manufacturer has released no factory images or stock firmware for this device, making custom development a futile effort at this point. I am presently attempting to locate a chipset-supported version of an Allwinner flashing utility which can be used to dump partition images.

This thread is intended for general discussion of any topics relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. As resources for source code, firmware, etc., become available, additional development threads will be posted and maintained. For now, however, this is the catch-all device thread. Although I no longer own one of these devices, I will try to diligently maintain this thread and make efforts to break ground on custom development projects. A couple of days ago, on January 11th, I emailed support for Hot Pepper, Inc., and made formal written requests for both the kernel source code (which the manufacturer is required to provide pursuant to the GNU General Public License) and factory images or a stock firmware package for this tablet. Because Hot Pepper, Inc., recently changed hands in terms of ownership and operations, I am hopeful that at least one of my requests Is granted.

UPDATE: On January 27th, I received a reply from a support specialist of Hot Pepper, Inc. His correspondence advised me that my request for kernel source code had been forwarded to Hot Pepper's software developers in China, who should be returning to the office from Chinese Holiday on February 6th. Accordingly, access to the kernel source code should be forthcoming in just a matter of days.

Update: February 22, 2022:

I have received correspondence from the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile regarding my request for stock firmware and kernel source code for the Scepter 8. It appears that the delay was merely an issue of English--Chinese translation with respect to my original request. This is the correspondence in full:

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Per the CEO's instructions,, I have clarified my requests and provided specific examples. It now looks as though development for this tablet is imminent. I will, of course, keep this thread updated accordingly and post links to stock firmware/source code here just as soon as Hot Pepper Mobile grants access.

Update: February 23, 2022:

Finally, after weeks of back-and-forth correspondence, the CEO of Hot Pepper Mobile has provided me with two factory images for the QLink Scepter 8: one package is V6 and the other appears to be the latest build, V9. Both firmware images are available in my Stock Firmware Restoration Guide, which I have linked below. Although I did not receive the actual kernel source code, I'm content that the factory images will advance our efforts for rooting and a TWRP port build, which I will be working on as soon as free time permits.

UPDATE ON TWRP: As it currently stands, the TWRP port for this device is at a standstill. Because this tablet is Allwinner-based, uses the Dynamic partition scheme, and supports seamless updates (A/B), there are simply too many obstacles to complete the build at this time. I am requesting assistance from a TeamWin developer on this project. I will keep this thread updated with the status on the unofficial TWRP port. However, on a positive note, I am currently porting LineageOS 19.1 (Android 12) to this tablet, which will be installable with PhoenixSuit, LiveSuit, or PhoenixUSBPro. Believe it or not, a custom ROM is child's play in comparison to porting TWRP.

Update: December 5, 2022

I have recently resubmitted a request for the kernel source code for both the Gen 1 & Gen 2 models of the Scepter 8. I have a new contact over at Hot Pepper Mobile who is over software development, OTA updates, bug reports, etc. I am in hopes that kernel source code is now imminent.

DOWNLOADS & LINKS:

Gen 1 QLink Scepter 8 User Manual

Gen 2 QLink Scepter 8 User Manual

Bootloader Unlocking & Rooting Guide

Firmware Restoration & Upgrading Guide

PLEASE CONSIDER:

Please keep this thread on topic and post only about subject matter relating to the Q-Link Scepter 8. While all discussion and questions are welcome, please keep it device specific. Also, please be respectful to others when posting or replying. Keep in mind that English is not the primary language of every member, as the XDA community spans the entire globe. As such, it is often easy to misinterpret text which has been translated into English, or to take statements out of context. Be patient with, and kind to, new members who seek knowledge and answers. Remember when you were a noob and others patiently assisted you here on XDA. In short, it is my wish to keep this thread an open and welcome platform for all members, regardless of language, experience, nationality, etc. Please be respectful. Any topics relating to factory firmware, bootloader unlocking or rooting should be posted in the appropriate device threads linked below.

$$ DONATIONS $$

I do not request or expect donations from members for my work. I adhere firmly to the open source spirit of the Android OS. With that said, for any members who want to help and are financially able during these hard economic times, I do have two completely broken and inoperable QLink Scepter 8 tablets at the moment. I am presently unable to continue any development work, custom ROMs, custom recovery projects, , etc., due to having no functional device. Any little bit would help tremendously with buying a working device from eBay or Amazon. I think $30 to $40 is avarage on a new device. With an abundance of bills at the moment, I simply don't have the extra to buy one.

Below is my PayPal link and my CashApp link, where you can give as little as $1. For those unable to help financially, I understand. A tap on the thanks button, however, doesn't cost a thing. 😁

Donate via CashApp

Donate via PayPal

THANKS & MENTIONS:

Thanks goes out to Hot Pepper Mobile, Inc., for providing factory firmware images for this device. Specifically, I want to thank Hot Pepper Support Specialist Joshua G. and Hot Pepper CEO Shawn Sun for their professional assistance. Last, but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to @fuzzyTew for donating the funds that allowed me to order both hardware variants of this tablet. Because I have been without a working device, and have been suffering a bit financially, this donation was most helpful. I will now be able to continue my work on projects for this tablet. @fuzzyTew, you are a scholar and a gentleman, and most gracious. A heartfelt thank you.

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