Disclaimer
Installing a non-official operating system on the Remix Mini PC is done at your own risk. This process may void your warranty, and there is a potential for hardware or software damage. The author of this guide assumes no responsibility for any issues, malfunctions, or damages that may occur as a result of following these instructions. Proceed with caution and ensure you understand the risks before attempting any modifications!
I'm also using Linux (Ubuntu 22.04), so this guide is based on that distro, just as a reminder.
Introduction
The Remix Mini PC was an ambitious project that promised to deliver a compact and efficient desktop experience powered by Android. However, as time passed, official support dwindled, leaving many owners of the Remix Mini wondering how to make better use of the device.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to breathe new life into the Remix Mini PC by running an ARM-based operating system (OS) on it. Despite being a closed product with limited options for modification, it's possible to overcome these challenges and unlock its full potential. We’ll also reference discussions and guides from platforms like Reddit to provide a comprehensive roadmap for enthusiasts.
My aim is to use this device as a Pasbperry PI 3. RPI3 has a similar resource which is capable for running a Linux based environment like Raspbian which is a Debian based OS. For a private git server or web service or even as an office use I think it would fit in. Such a waste to have it just roasted in the bin after all these years.
Challenges of Running an OS on Remix Mini
The Remix Mini PC was designed with a locked-down ecosystem in mind. Its proprietary firmware and closed bootloader make it difficult to install or boot alternative operating systems. Additionally, there’s limited technical documentation available, which has led to fragmented discussions across various online communities.
Despite these hurdles, the Remix Mini’s hardware is still capable of running modern ARM-based OS images, such as Debian, Pine, or Raspbian. By leveraging the collective knowledge of online forums and a bit of technical ingenuity, we can overcome these limitations.
What is the current status?
Well, at the moment I'm using the device's FEL mode, which is an OTG connection (male-to-male). In this particular method, the device is able to side-load another uBoot file, which in this case is a modified one.
- There are some cases where the device may not read or scan the SD card slot the first time during the uBoot side-load!
The image itself is already set up and working with the device's hardware, such as the wifi module or plug-and-play gadgets.
What You’ll Need
Remix Mini PC: Ensure you’re using the RM1G or RM2G version
(optional and also another story) CP2102 Module: A USB-to-UART bridge for debugging and accessing the device’s bootloader + UART Communication Software: Such as PuTTY or Minicom
OTG connection like male-to-male cable - link
sunxi-tools package onto your machine - link
An 8gb micro SDcard
a flashing tool like "dd" - link
A modified version of uBoot (uboot u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin) because the default in Remix Mini PC has a delimited version - link
A modified armbian image - link
Step-by-Step Guide
- Install the sunxi tools (from GitHub) on your machine
- Download the
u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin.binand ArmBian image - Flash the ArmBian image to the micro SDcard
- Put the flashed SDcard into the sd card slot of your Remix Mini PC
- Open up your terminal and locate the
u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin.binfile - Type the following
sunxi-fel uboot u-boot-sunxi-with-spl.bin- but DO NOT! hit the enter - On your Remix Mini PC hold down the reset button while you power up the device and hold it like appr 5-8 ms and then release it
- In the meanwhile at that open terminal hit the enter button
..the system will side load the uBoot bin file and initiate the sequence which will load mmc 0 which is the SDcard from your Remix Mini PC. The image will be written into the RAM of the device and the system will boot up. If everything goes well you will see the login screen with a given profile of Matt. Hit enter and type kolbas as a password (sudo pw too)
Open-source project
If you guys are interested in this project (any further) I can make a video of this current state and/or a better detailed tutorial - just leave a comment then.
The ultimate goal of this, is to make it fully functional as a Raspberry Pi 3.
Conclusion
Repurposing the Remix Mini PC is a rewarding journey that combines technical challenges with the satisfaction of unlocking a device’s full potential. By following this guide and utilizing the wealth of knowledge from online communities, you can transform your Remix Mini into a versatile platform for running ARM-based operating systems.
Have you tried similar modifications or have insights to share? Let’s discuss in the comments or collaborate on refining the process further!
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