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Difference between revisions of "A13-OLinuXino"

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==Hardware==
+
[[File:A13-OLinuXino-MAXI-WIFI-1.jpg|thumb| A13-OlinuXino-WIFI]]
 +
 
 +
[[File:A13-OLinuXino-MICRO.jpg|thumb| A13-OlinuXino-MICRO]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The A13 processor from Allwinner runs at 1GHz with a Mali400 GPU. It was designed for integration into tablets. Olimex has made several development board designs based around this chip. This wiki page contains information about hardware and software to help make use of these development boards.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The A13 based boards currently available are<br />
 +
*[https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/A13-OLinuXino-WIFI/ A13-OLinuXino-WIFI] - Recommended if your developing software for the A13 for the first time as its the only one with network connectivity.
 +
*[https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/A13-OLinuXino/ A13-OLinuXino] - This is the same as the WIFI version but without WIFI module and NAND flash. Note: Android requires NAND flash to run, so this board can't run Android.
 +
*[https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/A13-OLinuXino-MICRO/ A13-OLinuXino-MICRO] - Similar to the A13-OlinuXino but with less extras
 +
*[https://www.olimex.com/Products/SOM/A13/A13-SOM-512/ A13-SOM-512] - System-on-Module A13 board recommended for users with experience in Allwinner development. Allows developing custom extensions with only the peripherals needed.
 +
<br>
 +
== Official Images from OLIMEX ==
 +
 
 +
=== Linux ===
 +
 
 +
The official Debian images are suitable only for microSD card. Information on booting Debian from the NAND might be found at the forum.
 +
 
 +
Download methods and locations might be found below!
 +
 
 +
'''Please note that you might need different Debian Linux images for different boards with different hardware - you would need to inspect the DDR3 RAM memory and use the image suitable for your board. We use either HYNIX H5TQ2G83CFR, or SAMSUNG K4B2G0846Q.'''
 +
 
 +
'''Newest official Debian release (recommended):'''
 +
 
 +
Direct download for Debian release 11.3 suitable for boards with SAMSUNG K4B2G0846Q DDR3 RAM memory: [https://ftp.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/2.legacy_images_kernel_3.4.x/A13_debian_34_90_mainline_u-boot_release_11_3.7z A13 Debian Linux with kernel 3.4.90+, suitable for boards with SAMSUNG DDR3 RAM]
 +
 
 +
Direct download Debian release 10 suitable for boards with HYNIX H5TQ2G83CFR DDR3 RAM memory: [https://ftp.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/2.legacy_images_kernel_3.4.x/A13_debian_34_90_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_3G_video_accell_release_10.7z Debian A13 Linux with kernel 3.4.90+, suitable for HYNIX DDR3 RAM]
 +
 
 +
'''Instructions and required files for preparing the Debian images: [https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/SOFTWARE/A13/A13-build building Linux for A13-OLinuXino and A13-OLinuXino-WIFI]'''
 +
 
 +
The images include the following:
 +
*Linux Kernel 3.4.90+
 +
*LXDE desktop environment
 +
*GCC 4.6
 +
*dpkg
 +
*git
 +
*i2c-tools
 +
*perl
 +
*xorg
 +
*Python 2.7
 +
*vlc
 +
*mplayer
 +
*smplayer
 +
*midori browser
 +
*usb-modeswitch
 +
*sshfs
 +
*wvdial
 +
*LCD and touchscreen support
 +
*GPIO
 +
*I2C
 +
*SPI
 +
*USB WIFI RTL8188CU, Ethernet AX88772B
 +
*Audio
 +
*PyA13 python module with GPIO,I2C,SPI support
 +
*Default Login: '''root/olimex'''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Note:''' the A13-OLinuXino-SD card which we have on our webshop contain same image on 4GB Class10 fast micro sd-card, if you want to use this image please use Class10 fast card or the performance of Linux will slow down
 +
 
 +
The file A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z is an archive of A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file.
 +
 
 +
So in order to write the image on SD card you have to unzip A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file:
 +
 
 +
For Windows use 7zip and then use Win32DiskImager.exe (http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/) for image writing
 +
 
 +
For Linux use p7zip package. If you have no installed 7zip then type
 +
 
 +
    #apt-get install p7zip
 +
 
 +
Copy A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file in your directory and unzip it with
 +
 
 +
    #7za e A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z
 +
 
 +
The output should be a new 4GB file named A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z
 +
Put 4GB SD card in your card reader and type
 +
 
 +
    # ls /dev/sd
 +
 
 +
Then press two times <TAB> you will see a list of your sd devices like sda sdb sdc note that some of these devices may be your hard disk so make sure you know which one is your sd card before you proceed as you can damage your HDD if you choose the wrong sd-device. You can do this by unplugging your sd card reader and identify which "sd" devices remove from the list.
 +
Once you know which device is your sdcard like sda use this text instead of the sdX name in the references below:
 +
 
 +
    #dd if=A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z <br>of=/dev/sdX
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The main tested onboard hardware modules are:
 +
 
 +
'''GPIO''' - they are located in /sys/class/gpio directory. Note that first you have to export GPIOs.
 +
For example: to add PB03
  
−
Schematics and board designs can be found here
+
    root@A10:~# echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/export
  
−
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/HARDWARE Olimex Hardware]
+
to make PB03 output
  
−
Designs were created with Eagle
+
    root@A10:~# echo out > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/direction
  
−
A limited functionality freeware version of Eagle can be downloaded here
+
to make PB03 high level(3.3V)
  
−
[http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/freeware/?language=en Eagle Freeware]
+
    root@A10:~# echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/value
  
−
There is very limited information about the A13 processor. The only detailed data found is an A10 datasheet which has some errors in it apparently. As this is the best source of low level information it is linked here
+
to make PB03 low level(0V)
  
−
[http://dl.linux-sunxi.org/A10/ A10 datasheet]
+
    root@A10:~# echo 0 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/value
  
−
==Software==
+
Full list with supported GPIOs is:
−
=== DEBIAN SD CARD IMAGES ===
 
  
−
The A13 board can boot from the SD card. There are some ready made SD card images that are suitable. Some of these images can be found in this wiki section.
+
    gpio12_pg9  gpio1_pb3  gpio4_pe4  gpio7_pe7
 +
    gpio10_pe10  gpio13_pg10  gpio2_pb4  gpio5_pe5  gpio8_pe8
 +
    gpio11_pe11  gpio14_pg11  gpio3_pb10  gpio6_pe6  gpio9_pe9
  
−
Once a suitable SD card is imaged with these files, place it into the board then power the board on, it should boot.
+
note that:
  
−
All images will have been generated for a specific SD card size. To use these images you must use a SD card that is the specified size or larger.  
+
gpio12_pg9(GPIO2/pin10) is connected to on board LED and it is multiplexed with UART3_TX and gpio13_pg10(GPIO2/pin8) is multiplexed with UART3_RX
 +
Therfore if you want to use these ports like GPIO then UART3_TX and UART3_RX will not be available.  
  
−
When the image is downloaded the SD card will only have partitions set up for the originally specified size for the image. If a larger SD card was used you can access the extra memory by using resize2fs.
+
'''LCD''' - 4.3"(480x272), 7"(800x480), 10"(1024x600)
  
−
==== Download Method====
+
'''VGA''' - 800x600, 1024x768
−
These images can be downloaded using the methods below
 
  
−
'''Windows:'''
+
'''Touch_screen''' - you need calibrate LCD touch screen usi it. Note that by default the X environment does not start like root user. In our case the X starts with user named olimex
−
* Download [http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ Win32 Disk Imager]
 
−
* Insert card
 
−
* Start program
 
−
* Select file
 
−
* Click "write"
 
  
 +
Therefore if you want to use the touch screen in X environment then you have to run calibrate procedure like olimex user. For example type:
  
−
'''Linux:'''
+
    #su olimex
−
*dd to card
 
−
For example an image with the file name of "debian_2g.img" would be downloaded to the SD card connected to a linux machine using the following command
 
  
−
<nowiki># dd if=debian_2g.img of=/dev/sdX</nowiki>
+
enter the olimex password:olimex
  
−
where X is the uSD card.
+
    #sudo ts_calibrate
  
−
====Debian image====
+
calibrate the touch screen and reboot the board
  
−
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-bAEPML8fwlU1NBQ015V2Naa2s A13 Debian Linux Image]
+
    #sudo reboot
  
−
Configuration
+
ASIX8877 USB-LAN - https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/USB-ETHERNET-AX88772B/
−
* 2g SD card image
 
−
* without X
 
−
* includes Mplayer CLI, GCC
 
−
* The default user/password are '''root'''/'''password'''
 
  
−
Extract it and write the image (A13_Micro_Debian_first_preliminary_release.img) on SD card
+
WEB camera A4TECH
  
−
Note: as this comes in a tar.bz2 file this is best imaged using linux
+
MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 - https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/Ethernet/MOD-WIFI-RTL8188/ instructions on how to enable it might be found here: [[How_to_configure_MOD-RTL8188_on_official_OLinuXino_Debian_releases]]
  
−
====Debian with GUI (X)====
+
USB_OTG - low/full/high USB host
−
[https://dl.dropbox.com/u/26179254/olinuxino_xfce.zip A13 Debian Image with X]
 
  
−
Configuration
+
USB_HOST_up - low/full/high USB host
−
* 4g SD card image
 
−
* wpa-supplicant (change /etc/network/interfaces to enter your ssid/key)
 
−
* xfce4
 
−
* tightvncserver (starts on boot)
 
−
* various dev tools (python, gcc, etc)
 
−
* sudo
 
−
* 500mb swap file
 
−
* custom (non-debug) kernel
 
−
* default user name and password: olinuxino and olinuxino
 
  
−
once logged in to start the user interface type "startx"
+
USB_HOST_down - low/full/high USB host
  
−
====Script files====
+
mico_SD_card
−
The script.bin is a text file with very important configuration parameters like port GPIO assignments, DDR memory parameters, Video resolution etc, by changing these parameters in the script.bin you can configure your Linux without need to re-compile your kernel again and again this is smart way Allwinner provides for tweaking A13 Linux Kernel
 
  
−
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-bAEPML8fwlNElERXRUZURTTUU A13 script bin and fex tool]
+
I2C2(100KHz) - /dev/i2c-2
  
−
The directory A13_script_files contains:
+
I2C1(100KHz) - /dev/i2c-1
  
−
'''script.bin''' - the default script with VGA800x600settings
+
UART3 - /dev/ttyS1
  
−
'''fex2bin_bin_fex_tools.tar.gz''' - tools fex2bin and bin2fex for converting the *.bin script file to *.fex(text file)
+
'''[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-bAEPML8fwlYnUwdnpkUllVNFU/edit?usp=sharing A13 Debian 4GB SD-card image armel (softfloat) with: MONO complete]'''
 +
*Linux Kernel 3.4.67+
 +
*XFCE4 desktop environment
 +
*Mplayer CLI
 +
*GCC 4.6
 +
*iceweasel WEB browser
 +
*LCD and touchscreen support
 +
*GPIO
 +
*I2C
 +
*SPI
 +
*USB WIFI RTL8188CU, Ethernet AX88772B
 +
*Audio
 +
*apache2
 +
*dpkg
 +
*git
 +
*i2c-tools
 +
*perl
 +
*vlc
 +
*xorg
 +
*Scratch
 +
*GCC
 +
*Python 2.7.3
 +
*PyA13 python module with GPIO,I2C,SPI support
 +
*OpenCV
 +
*mono-complete
 +
*Default Login: '''root/olimex'''
  
−
'''script_GPIO_VGA''' - script with VGA800x600settings
+
<br>
  
−
'''script_GPIO_LCD_800x480''' - script with VGA800x480settings
+
=== Android ===
  
−
=== Changing A13-OLinuxino settings to VGA800x600 or LCD800x480 ===
+
====Android for NAND====
 +
<br>
  
−
The default SD card setup is made with settings for VGA 800x600.
+
There are different images depending on the screen output settings. Also there are different images depending on the WIFI module placed. Latest hardware revisions use MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV and an updated image.
−
If you want to switch between VGA 800x600 and LCD800x480 mode then you have to replace the existing script.bin file from the first SD card partitition (note that this partition is FAT - so you can replace the file under Windows or Linux) with the script.bin file from script_GPIO_VGA directory (if you want to change to VGA800x600 mode) or from script_GPIO_LCD_800x480 directory (if you want to change to LCD800x600 mode).
 
  
−
=== Establish WIFI connection ===
+
'''
 +
'''A13 Android NAND images with LCD 4.3" 480x272 and touchscreen (torrents):'''
 
   
 
   
−
plug in  [https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/RF/MOD-WIFI-RTL8188/ MOD-WIFI-RTL8188] if the board is not A13-OLinuXino-WIFI
+
[ftp://staging.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/4.%D0%B0ndroid_images/nand/A13_android_8G_NAND_LCD_480x272_EN_fifth_release.img A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for 480x272 display output + MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV module]
 +
 
 +
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV wifi module
 +
*LCD 4.3" 480x272 pixels with backlight
 +
*Touchscreen support
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Media:A13_android_NAND_LCD_480x272_EN_first_release.torrent‎‎|A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for 480x272 display output + MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 module]]
 +
 
 +
'''
 +
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
 +
*LCD 4.3" 480x272 pixels with backlight
 +
*Touchscreen support
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''
 +
'''A13 Android NAND images with LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen support (torrents):'''
 +
 
 +
[ftp://staging.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/4.%D0%B0ndroid_images/nand/A13_android_8G_NAND_LCD_800x480_EN_fifh_release.img A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen]
 +
'''
 +
 
 +
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188-ETV wifi module
 +
*LCD 7" 800x480 pixels with backlight
 +
*touchscreen support
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Media:A13_android_8G_NAND_LCD_800x480_EN_third_release.torrent|A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen]]
 +
'''
 +
 
 +
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
 +
*LCD 7" 800x480 pixels with backlight
 +
*Touchscreen support
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''
 +
 
 +
'''A13 Android NAND images with LCD 10" 1024x600 and touchscreen support:'''
 +
 
 +
[ftp://staging.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/4.%D0%B0ndroid_images/nand/A13_android_8G_NAND_LCD_1024x600_EN_fifth_release.img A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 10" 1024x600 and touchscreen]
 +
 
 +
'''
 +
 
 +
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188-ETV wifi module
 +
*LCD 10" 1024x600 pixels with backlight
 +
*Touchscreen support
 +
 
  
−
type
+
'''A13 Android NAND image with VGA 800x600 support, torrents:'''
−
ifconfig -a
 
  
−
lo        Link encap:Local Loopback
+
[ftp://staging.olimex.com/Allwinner_Images/A13-OLinuXino/4.%D0%B0ndroid_images/nand/A13_android_8G_NAND_VGA_800x600_EN_fifth_release.img A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with VGA 800x600 support]
−
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
+
'''
−
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:16436  Metric:1
+
*Android_version - 4.0.3
−
          RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
+
*Baseband version - 1.2
−
          TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
+
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
+
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV wifi module
−
          RX bytes:0 (0.0 B)  TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)
+
*VGA 800x600 pixels
  
−
tunl0    Link encap:IPIP Tunnel  HWaddr
 
−
          NOARP  MTU:1480  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
 
−
          RX bytes:0 (0.0 B)  TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)
 
  
−
wlan2    Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 48:02:2a:eb:21:1c
+
[[Media:A13_android_8G_NAND_VGA_800x600_EN_third_release.torrent‎‎|A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with VGA 800x600 support]]
−
          inet addr:192.168.0.229  Bcast:192.168.0.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
+
'''
−
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
+
*Android_version - 4.0.3
−
          RX packets:166 errors:0 dropped:726 overruns:0 frame:0
+
*Baseband version - 1.2
−
          TX packets:7 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
+
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
+
*MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
−
          RX bytes:31361 (30.6 KiB)  TX bytes:1248 (1.2 KiB)
+
*VGA 800x600 pixels
  
−
and look at your wlan number. In this case we have wlan2
 
  
−
open the file /etc/network/interfaces- for example using vi tool
+
----
  
−
vi /etc/network/interfaces
+
====Android for microSD card====
 +
<br>
  
−
and change
+
'''Torrent of Android release 3 with LCD support for microSD card (recommended):
  
−
auto wlan2
+
[[Media:A13_android_sd_800x480_USB_OTG_8G_third_release.torrent‎‎|A13-OLinuXino A13 Android for microSD card with video support for 800x480 LCD, release 3]]
  
−
iface wlan2 inet dhcp
+
*Android_version - 4.0.3
 +
*Baseband version - 1.2
 +
*Kernel version 3.0.8+
 +
*Only LCD support - 800x480 pixels
  
−
wpa-ssid YourSSIDname
 
  
−
wpa-psk YourWPAkey
+
'''Older (not recommended) releases:'''
  
−
reboot A13-OLinuXino board
+
Torrent of Android release 2 with LCD support for microSD card (not recommended, the USB OTG does not work properly due to fex error): [[Media:A13_android_sd_800x480_second_release.torrent‎|A13-OLinuXino A13 Android for microSD card with video support for 800x480 LCD, release 2]]
  
−
Chek your connection
+
<br>
  
−
ifconfig -a
+
==HOWTOs==
  
−
if everything is ok you should see something as:
+
===General===
  
−
wlan1    Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 48:02:2a:eb:21:1c
+
'''How to write the Debain image to a microSD card?'''
−
          inet addr:192.168.0.229  Bcast:192.168.0.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
 
−
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:166 errors:0 dropped:726 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:7 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
 
−
          RX bytes:31361 (30.6 KiB)  TX bytes:1248 (1.2 KiB)
 
  
 +
To write a Linux image to an SD card under Windows we use Win32 Disk Imager):
  
−
=== Establish ethernet connection using USB-ETHERNET adapter ===
+
*Download Win32 Disk Imager [http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ Win32 Disk Imager]
 +
*Insert card
 +
*Start program
 +
*Select file
 +
*Click "write"
  
−
[https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/USB-ETHERNET-AX88772B/ recommended supported adapter USB-ETHERNET-AX88772B]
 
  
−
plug in USB-ETHERNET-AX88772B adapter
+
To write a Linux image to an SD card under Linux:
  
−
type
+
For instance you have an image with the file name of "debian_2g.img". It would be downloaded to the SD card connected to a Linux machine using one of the following commands:
  
−
ifconfig -a
+
* # dd bs=4M oflag=sync if=debian_2g.img of=/dev/sdX
 +
or
 +
* # cp debian_2g.img /dev/sdX
  
−
you should see something like this
 
  
−
eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:80:80:9a:4a:63
+
where X is the uSD card.
−
          inet addr:192.168.0.113  Bcast:192.168.0.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
 
−
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:58 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:4 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
 
−
          RX bytes:7852 (7.6 KiB)  TX bytes:510 (510.0 B)
 
  
−
lo        Link encap:Local Loopback
+
'''How to change VGA and LCD resolutions under Debian?'''
−
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
 
−
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:16436  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
 
−
          RX bytes:0 (0.0 B)  TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)
 
  
−
tunl0    Link encap:IPIP Tunnel  HWaddr
+
The default SD card setup is made with settings for 800x600 VGA video output. If you want to change to some other LCD or VGA resolution then you have to start change_display.sh script file in /root directory.
−
          NOARP  MTU:1480  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
 
−
          RX bytes:0 (0.0 B)  TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)
 
  
−
look at your eth number. In this case we have eth1
+
Type:
 +
 
 +
    ./change_display* (press 'TAB' to auto-complete) 
 +
or
 +
    ./change_display_A13.sh
  
−
open the file /etc/network/interfaces- for example using vi tool
+
and press "Enter". 
  
−
vi /etc/network/interfaces
+
Then choose the resolution and the interface(LCD or VGA). Note that the selection of a specific resolution is done by navigating with the arrow keys and pressing "space" button. Make sure the asterisk marks your selection properly.
  
−
and change the following rows
+
The supported resolutions are:
  
−
auto eth1
+
'''For LCD:'''
  
−
iface eth1 inet dhcp
+
*1. 4.3" (480x272)
 +
*2. 7" (800x480)
 +
*3. 10" (1024x600)
 +
<br>
 +
Important: initially the boards are calibrated for a specific display. If you re-write the image (no matter whether the SD card or the NAND memory) you might need to use a mouse to calibrate the display initially. It might be impossible to calibrate it via touching the display.
  
−
where eth1 is the interface number
+
'''For VGA:'''
 +
<br>
 +
*1. 800x600
 +
*2. 1024x768
 +
<br>
  
−
reboot A13-OLinuXino board
+
===Linux related===
 +
'''How to build latest official Debian release'''
  
−
or type ifup eth1
+
The latest official instructions might be found here:
 +
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/SOFTWARE/A13/A13-build building the latest official Debian release, at Olimex GitHub]
  
−
Check your connection
+
There are a number of unofficial guides to building the Debian, among them:
  
−
ifconfig -a
+
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/blob/master/SOFTWARE/A13/olinuxino-debian.pdf How to build Debian for A13-OLinuXino-WIFI by Marcin Twardak]
  
−
if everything is ok you should see something as:
+
[https://github.com/linux-sunxi/u-boot-sunxi/wiki Sunxi u-boot loader] The linux-sunxi git page contains a lot of sources for all Olimex Allwinner boards.
  
−
eth1      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:80:80:9a:4a:63
+
'''How to edit my MAC address?'''
−
          inet addr:192.168.0.113  Bcast:192.168.0.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
 
−
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
 
−
          RX packets:725 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
 
−
          TX packets:10 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
 
−
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
 
−
          RX bytes:77056 (75.2 KiB)  TX bytes:1686 (1.6 KiB)
 
  
 +
However, it is very easy to change MAC under Debian.
 +
 +
All you have to do is:
 +
 +
1. turn off the network interface (it is off by default, can be turned off by “ifdown eth0”)
 +
2. open /etc/network/interfaces with a text editor (for instance “nano /etc/network/interfaces”)
 +
3. add the following line under eth0 definitions: “hwaddress ether 00:11:22:33:44:55”, where 00:11:22:33:44:55 is the desired MAC address.
 +
4. save and turn on the network interface (“ifup eth0”)
 +
 +
You can think of own way implementing own MAC address (for instance storing a consecutive number in the small EEPROM and then loading it).
  
 +
'''How to enable WIFI?'''
  
−
=== GPIO ===
+
Note: in the previous Debian releases the Ethernet was auto-detected and initialized during boot BUT this was causing big delays in the start-up of the board if you didn't want to use Ethernet or if there wasn't Ethernet cable connected.
  
 +
You can enable it by following these two steps:
  
−
'''GPIO changing'''
+
1. To check under what name the LAN is associated write "ifconfig –a"
  
−
type lsmod
+
2. If, for example, it is under eth0 name, then write: "dhclient eth0"
  
−
if sun4i-gpio is present - OK
+
This should enable the Ethernet and then SSH would also be available.
  
−
unless type modprobe sun4i-gpio
+
'''How to enable Ethernet?'''
  
−
go to /sys/devices/virtual/misc/sun4i-gpio/pins and type ls
+
Note: in the previous Debian releases the Ethernet was auto-detected and initialized during boot BUT this was causing big delays in the start-up of the board if you didn't want to use Ethernet or if there wasn't Ethernet cable connected.
  
−
list of supported pins will be shown
+
You can enable it by following these two steps:
  
−
example for port reading:
+
1. To check under what name the LAN is associated write "ifconfig –a"
−
cat pe4 read PortE4
 
−
the result should be
 
−
0 or 1
 
−
example for port writing:
 
−
echo 1 > pg9 - turn on LED
 
  
−
'''Changing A13 GPIO direction'''
+
2. If, for example, it is under eth0 name, then write: "dhclient eth0"
  
−
extract  fex2bin_bin2fex_tools on linux machine
+
This should enable the Ethernet and then SSH would also be available.
  
−
sudo su
+
===Android related===
 +
'''How to compile new Android image?'''
  
−
enter password
+
Good guide shared by Akshay Mathur might be found here: [https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/SOFTWARE/A13/Android-JellyBean pdf instructions available at GitHub]
  
−
cd fex2bin_bin2fex_tools directory
+
'''How to make code to run on power up?'''
  
 +
You would need an application that works in kiosk mode. There is a lot of information available online on how to write an application capable of autostart.
  
−
mount /dev/sdx1 /mnt/sd - mount first partitition on SD card
+
'''How to access GPIOs?'''
  
−
./bin2fex /mnt/sd/script.bin > /mnt/sd/script_test.fex - convert bin file to fex
+
There is an application we wrote to demonstrate how this can be done under Android. Please check the following two links:
  
−
gedit /mnt/sd/script_test.fex
+
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBydZn8FylE YouTube video of relay control via MOD-IO under Android]
  
−
GPIOs are defined in the end.
+
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/SOFTWARE/A13/ANDROID-MOD-IO Source code of the above example]
  
−
where
+
'''How to add PWM support?'''
  
−
Pxx<mode><pull><drive><data>
+
There is a separate article on the subject here: [[how to add pwm]]
−
mode 0-7, 0=input, 1=ouput, 2-7 I/O function
 
−
pull 0=none, 1=up, 2=down
 
−
drive 0-3, I/O drive level
 
−
data - data output - logical 0 or 1
 
  
−
for example:
+
===Python===
−
if you want to change GPIO direction then change first parameter after port name:
 
−
gpio_pin_8 = port:PE08<0><default><default><default> make PE8 input
 
−
gpio_pin_8 = port:PE08<1><default><default><default> make PE8 output
 
  
−
save and exit
+
The Debian Linux Python package for A13-OLinuXino is called pyA13. It is installed in the default Debian image. More information and examples on how it can be used might be found here:
  
−
./fex2bin /mnt/sd/script_test.fex > /mnt/sd/script.bin - convert fex to bin
+
[https://pypi.python.org/pypi/pyA13 Link to pyA13 package at python.org]
  
−
=== Creating a program to run on the A13-OlinuXino board ===
+
===Scratch===
 +
 
 +
There are a number of SCRATCH resources we have published. The following might be of interested for you if you are interested in SCRATCH or OpenCV:
 +
 
 +
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyidx-zOsm4 YouTube video of A13-OLinuXino running SCRATCH + OPENCV interractive project with web camera]
 +
 
 +
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzmvqlQodac YouTube video of A13-OLinuXino-WIFI + SCRATCH animation of GPIO-2 connector with buttons and LEDs]
 +
 
 +
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/SOFTWARE/A13 source code and other scratch-related project available at Github]
 +
 
 +
===How to edit board configurations and definitions in the official Debian Linux? ===
 +
 
 +
Do you want a custom video resolution output? Do you need a different port definition? Do you need to change the hardware defitions of the board?
 +
 
 +
You would need to edit the board's script.bin/script.fex file. How to do it is described in a separate article: [[How_to_edit_board_configurations_and_definitions_in_the_official_Debian_Linux]].
 +
 
 +
===How to add STK1160 video capture driver support in Kernel 3.4===
 +
 
 +
[https://www.olimex.com/wiki/STK1160-howto-linux-sunxi-3_4 STK1160] driver backport by Dimitar Tomov
 +
 
 +
==Hardware==
 +
 
 +
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/HARDWARE/A13-OLinuXino A13-OLinuXino schematic in PDF format and Eagle CAD files]
 +
 
 +
[https://github.com/OLIMEX/OLINUXINO/tree/master/HARDWARE/A13-PDFs A13 datasheet and user manual PDFs]
 +
 
 +
[http://linux-sunxi.org/A13_Register_guide A13 Registers Guide]
 +
 
 +
GPIOs
 +
 
 +
UEXT
 +
 
 +
LCD
 +
 
 +
RTC
 +
 
 +
[[Serial connection to A13]] description of how to connect a computer to the A13 board over serial cable.
 +
 
 +
===Power supply===
 +
 
 +
The A13-OLinuXino can be partially powered over Micro USB, but to power all peripherals, a 6+ watt DC power supply between 6 and 16 volts can be used.  The connector is a positive-center 2.5mm barrel plug.  There is also an on-board connector for a Li-PO battery.
 +
'''Important note: A13-OLinuXino-MICRO works with +5V only! If you apply more than 5V you will damage the board.'''
 +
 
 +
==Software==
 +
 
 +
===Linux Commands===
 +
 
 +
[[Linux-Commands]] Brief Linux Command reference
 +
 
 +
[http://linux-sunxi.org/Main_Page A generic wiki for the Allwinner devices might be found here. It contains some great detailed info]
 +
<br>
 +
 
 +
=== Bare Metal programming - no OS ===
 +
 
 +
It is possible to program and debug code written directly on the chip without an OS such as linux or android.<br />
 +
The advantage is no kernel overhead and tighter control of the CPU operation.
 +
 
 +
[[Bare Metal programming A13]]
 +
 
 +
=== Using an operating system - Nand flash ===
 +
 
 +
The Wifi version of the A13 board comes preprogrammed with android, which is held in the Nand flash.
 +
 
 +
The image in the Nand flash can be updated using the tools found at the following links:
 +
 
 +
[https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7WHuNCASY8cWlZ2djh4X0QtV0U/edit?usp=sharing LiveSuit for Windows]
 +
 
 +
[http://linux-sunxi.org/LiveSuit LiveSuit for loading images]
 +
 
 +
to the NAND flash; to activate A13 bootloader do as follows: run Livesuit, disconnect the power supply and USB cable, then press HOME button, apply power supply, attach USB cable and release the button, Livesuit will detect the bootloader and will ask which file to program to the NAND flash.
 +
 
 +
Prebuilt images that can be programmed into the Nand flash can be found here.
 +
 
 +
=== Using an operating system - SD card ===
 +
The A13 board can boot from an SD card. Just plug it in an imaged uSD card and connect power.
  
−
[[Programming for A13 in debian]] Step by step instructions to make your first hello world program run on the A13 board running debian.
+
Note: The SD card can easily be corrupted if power is removed while the system is booting or writing to system files.
 +
To avoid this do not remove power while it is booting and shut the system down properly before disconnecting power.
  
−
=== Software Links ===
+
==== Prebuilt images ====
  
 +
Some prebuilt images have been created, follow the link below for details.
  
−
[http://linux-sunxi.org/Linux Linux Sunxi] to build latest Kernel yourself
+
[[Prebuilt SD card images running debian]]
  
−
[http://linux-sunxi.org/U-boot U-boot] to build community U-boot
+
==== Build your own kernel and image onto SD card ====
  
−
[http://linux-sunxi.org/Sunxi-tools Tools to hack A13-OLinuXino]
+
Some developers want more control over the kernel and modules that are included. The link below shows directions to build your own kernel and image it onto an SD card.
  
 
[[Build Bootable SD Card with Debian]] Step by step instructions how to make SD card image with above Kernel and U-boot
 
[[Build Bootable SD Card with Debian]] Step by step instructions how to make SD card image with above Kernel and U-boot
  
−
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/building-bootable-sd-card-with-debian-linux-image-for-a13-olinuxino/ Building bootable Debian SD card for A13-OLinuXino] Original step by step instructions how to make SD card image with above Kernel and U-boot
+
====Setup and configure the installed debian image====
 +
 
 +
There are several settings that can be made for a particular hardware configuration in the script file.
 +
 
 +
The following link explains the script file as well as wifi or ethernet setup and GPIO settings
 +
 
 +
[[Configuration of hardware in the debian image]]
 +
 
 +
====Installing UsbVideoClass(UVC) on A13-OLinuXino board====
 +
 
 +
To work with USB Video Cameras you have to enable the UVC support in the kernel. The link below explains how to do it.
 +
 
 +
[[UVC support]]
  
−
[https://www.olimex.com/forum/index.php?topic=518.0 Forum post ] with yet another more up to date explanation how to build SD card
+
====Setup VLC player for video streaming on A13-OLinuXino board====
 +
 
 +
To setup video streaming you should first have installed UVC support so you can connect USB cameras to A13-OLinuXino.
 +
 
 +
[[VLC streaming]]
 +
 
 +
=== Creating a program to run on the A13-OlinuXino board ===
 +
 
 +
[[Programming for A13 in debian]] Step by step instructions to make your first hello world program run on the A13 board running debian.
 +
 
 +
=== Software links ===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[http://linux-sunxi.org/Sunxi-tools Tools to hack A13-OLinuXino]
  
 
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/running-debian-with-xfce4-on-a13-olinuxino/ Installing Xfce4 graphical interface on Debian] How to install XFCE4 on A13-OLinuXino
 
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/running-debian-with-xfce4-on-a13-olinuxino/ Installing Xfce4 graphical interface on Debian] How to install XFCE4 on A13-OLinuXino
  
−
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-bAEPML8fwlR3hSS0R5aHpoVmM Andoroid 4.0.3 NAND flash prebuild image for VGA 800x600 resolution (default shipped with A13-OLinuXino-WIFI)]
+
=== A13-SDK Android 4.0.3 ICS ===
  
−
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-bAEPML8fwleXBMellGdWJ3RUk Andoroid 4.0.3 NAND flash prebuild image for LCD 800x480 resolution ]
+
The official Allwinner repository contains all official files, including the files required to build Android ACS 4.0.3 NAND image for A13-OLinuXino-WIFI.
  
−
[http://linux-sunxi.org/LiveSuit LiveSuit for loading images] to the NAND flash; to activate A13 bootloader do as follows: run Livesuit, disconnect the power supply and USB cable, then press HOME button, apply power supply, attach USB cable and release the button, Livesuit will detect the bootloader and will ask which file to program to the NAND flash.
+
[https://github.com/allwinner-dev-team Allwinner's official GitHub]
 +
 
 +
=== A13-SDK Android 4.1 JB ===
 +
 
 +
This is version 1.5 of A13-SDK which builds Android 4.1 Jelly Beans image. It works slower than 4.0.3 and we personally do not see any advantage to use 4.1 vs 4.0.3
 +
 
 +
[http://emicrotec.at/public/ Andreas Auer kindly offered to host this 4GB image]
  
 
== Projects ==
 
== Projects ==
 +
Projects people from the olinuxino community are working on or have finished and how they did it.
 +
 +
'''LINUX:'''<br>
 +
[[Build Bootable SD Card with Debian]] Run Debian and u-boot, Step by step instructions how to make SD card image.<br>
 +
[[Prebuilt SD card images running debian]]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/bootling-linux-on-a13-for-less-than-1-second/ Booting Linux for less than 1 second] optimization made by Miroslav Bendik.
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/a13-olinuxino-playing-with-gpios/ Change GPIOs using scripts in linux]
 +
 +
[https://www.olimex.com/forum/index.php?topic=436.msg4066#msg4066 A13 OLinuXino fast GPIO with /dev/mem now achieve up to 2 Mhz toggle]
  
−
ANDROID PROJECTS:
+
[https://www.olimex.com/forum/index.php?topic=899.0 A13 kernel module for direct support of UEXT MOD-IO board, adding ADC, relays etc, cool project can be used as reference how to make your own kernel modules]
  
 +
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7WHuNCASY8cWnRrQ0tGVFMybFk Instructions how to run MOD-BT with A13-OLinuXino]
 +
 +
[https://github.com/asfluido/olinuxino/ Customer project of A13-OLinuXino communication via SPI with MOD-MRF89-868]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/a13-olinuxino-wifi-and-opencv-face-detection-project/ A13-Olinuxino-WIFI and opencv face detection]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/scratch-control-for-mod-io/ Controlling Relays, Switching ON/OFF of 220V appliances and home automation]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/make-door-security-logger-with-a13-olinuxino-wifi-opencv/ Door security logger, image capture]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/gps-logger-with-google-maps-viewer-made-with-a13-olinuxino-and-mod-gps/ GPS logger with google maps viewer, MOD-GPS module on UEXT]
 +
 +
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/a13-olinuxino-web-server-with-mod-rgb-controlling-rgb-led-stripe-over-internet/ Web server with MOD-RGB controlling RGB LED strip]
 +
 +
'''ANDROID:'''<br>
 
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/a13-olinuxino-project-control-relays-and-read-adcs-and-ios-with-android/ Interface MOD-IO board with I2C under Android ]
 
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/a13-olinuxino-project-control-relays-and-read-adcs-and-ios-with-android/ Interface MOD-IO board with I2C under Android ]
  
−
LINUX PROJECTS:
+
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/mame4droid-is-running-on-a13-olinuxino/ Run old games on android mame4droid]
 +
 
 +
'''No OS'''<br>
 +
[[Bare Metal programming A13]] Programming directly for the chip without an OS
 +
 
 +
'''FreedomBox:'''<br>
 +
[https://wiki.debian.org/FreedomBox/UniLeipzigPractical FreedomBox/UniLeipzigPractical is the documentation of a freedom box related practical course at the AKSW Research Group at the University of Leipzig]
 +
 
 +
== List of Contributors ==
 +
 
 +
'''Henrik Nordstrom''' - a.k.a. hno, uboot for A13 development, A1X guru, Linux-Sunxi maintainer
 +
 
 +
'''Dimitar Gamishev''' - a.k.a. HEHOPMAJIEH, Linux kernel configuration for OLinuXino, Android images, LCD touchscreen
 +
 
 +
'''Alexandro Mery''' - a.k.a. mnemoc, Linux-Sunxi maintainer
 +
 
 +
'''Davide Fabbri''' - Linaro kernel and lubuntu image
 +
 
 +
'''Scott Anderson''' - A13 wiki maintainer
  
−
[http://olimex.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/a13-olinuxino-playing-with-gpios/ GPIOs ]
+
'''Jeffrey Wischkaemper''' - a.k.a. jwischka,  A13-OLinuXino Debian image with X
  
−
[https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7WHuNCASY8cWnRrQ0tGVFMybFk Instructions how to run MOD-BT with A13-OLinuXino]
+
'''Maxime Ripard''' - ARM Linux patches
  
−
== FAQ ==
+
'''Jason Plum''' - Arch Linux support
−
Under construction
 
  
−
[[Category:A13]]
+
[[Main_Page]]

Latest revision as of 05:52, 7 June 2022

A13-OlinuXino-WIFI
A13-OlinuXino-MICRO


The A13 processor from Allwinner runs at 1GHz with a Mali400 GPU. It was designed for integration into tablets. Olimex has made several development board designs based around this chip. This wiki page contains information about hardware and software to help make use of these development boards.


The A13 based boards currently available are

  • A13-OLinuXino-WIFI - Recommended if your developing software for the A13 for the first time as its the only one with network connectivity.
  • A13-OLinuXino - This is the same as the WIFI version but without WIFI module and NAND flash. Note: Android requires NAND flash to run, so this board can't run Android.
  • A13-OLinuXino-MICRO - Similar to the A13-OlinuXino but with less extras
  • A13-SOM-512 - System-on-Module A13 board recommended for users with experience in Allwinner development. Allows developing custom extensions with only the peripherals needed.


Official Images from OLIMEX

Linux

The official Debian images are suitable only for microSD card. Information on booting Debian from the NAND might be found at the forum.

Download methods and locations might be found below!

Please note that you might need different Debian Linux images for different boards with different hardware - you would need to inspect the DDR3 RAM memory and use the image suitable for your board. We use either HYNIX H5TQ2G83CFR, or SAMSUNG K4B2G0846Q.

Newest official Debian release (recommended):

Direct download for Debian release 11.3 suitable for boards with SAMSUNG K4B2G0846Q DDR3 RAM memory: A13 Debian Linux with kernel 3.4.90+, suitable for boards with SAMSUNG DDR3 RAM

Direct download Debian release 10 suitable for boards with HYNIX H5TQ2G83CFR DDR3 RAM memory: Debian A13 Linux with kernel 3.4.90+, suitable for HYNIX DDR3 RAM

Instructions and required files for preparing the Debian images: building Linux for A13-OLinuXino and A13-OLinuXino-WIFI

The images include the following:

  • Linux Kernel 3.4.90+
  • LXDE desktop environment
  • GCC 4.6
  • dpkg
  • git
  • i2c-tools
  • perl
  • xorg
  • Python 2.7
  • vlc
  • mplayer
  • smplayer
  • midori browser
  • usb-modeswitch
  • sshfs
  • wvdial
  • LCD and touchscreen support
  • GPIO
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • USB WIFI RTL8188CU, Ethernet AX88772B
  • Audio
  • PyA13 python module with GPIO,I2C,SPI support
  • Default Login: root/olimex


Note: the A13-OLinuXino-SD card which we have on our webshop contain same image on 4GB Class10 fast micro sd-card, if you want to use this image please use Class10 fast card or the performance of Linux will slow down

The file A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z is an archive of A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file.

So in order to write the image on SD card you have to unzip A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file:

For Windows use 7zip and then use Win32DiskImager.exe (http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/) for image writing

For Linux use p7zip package. If you have no installed 7zip then type 

   #apt-get install p7zip

Copy A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z file in your directory and unzip it with 

   #7za e A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z

The output should be a new 4GB file named A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z Put 4GB SD card in your card reader and type 

   # ls /dev/sd

Then press two times <TAB> you will see a list of your sd devices like sda sdb sdc note that some of these devices may be your hard disk so make sure you know which one is your sd card before you proceed as you can damage your HDD if you choose the wrong sd-device. You can do this by unplugging your sd card reader and identify which "sd" devices remove from the list. Once you know which device is your sdcard like sda use this text instead of the sdX name in the references below: 

   #dd if=A13_debian_34_75_WIFI_RALINK_GCC_GPIO_X_I2C_100KHz_UVC_TS_FTDI_video_release_9.7z 
of=/dev/sdX


The main tested onboard hardware modules are:

GPIO - they are located in /sys/class/gpio directory. Note that first you have to export GPIOs. For example: to add PB03 

   root@A10:~# echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/export

to make PB03 output 

   root@A10:~# echo out > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/direction

to make PB03 high level(3.3V) 

   root@A10:~# echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/value

to make PB03 low level(0V) 

   root@A10:~# echo 0 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio1_pb3/value

Full list with supported GPIOs is: 

   gpio12_pg9  gpio1_pb3   gpio4_pe4  gpio7_pe7 
   gpio10_pe10  gpio13_pg10  gpio2_pb4   gpio5_pe5  gpio8_pe8 
   gpio11_pe11  gpio14_pg11  gpio3_pb10  gpio6_pe6  gpio9_pe9

note that:

gpio12_pg9(GPIO2/pin10) is connected to on board LED and it is multiplexed with UART3_TX and gpio13_pg10(GPIO2/pin8) is multiplexed with UART3_RX Therfore if you want to use these ports like GPIO then UART3_TX and UART3_RX will not be available.

LCD - 4.3"(480x272), 7"(800x480), 10"(1024x600)

VGA - 800x600, 1024x768

Touch_screen - you need calibrate LCD touch screen usi it. Note that by default the X environment does not start like root user. In our case the X starts with user named olimex

Therefore if you want to use the touch screen in X environment then you have to run calibrate procedure like olimex user. For example type: 

   #su olimex

enter the olimex password:olimex 

   #sudo ts_calibrate

calibrate the touch screen and reboot the board 

   #sudo reboot

ASIX8877 USB-LAN - https://www.olimex.com/Products/OLinuXino/A13/USB-ETHERNET-AX88772B/

WEB camera A4TECH

MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 - https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/Ethernet/MOD-WIFI-RTL8188/ instructions on how to enable it might be found here: How_to_configure_MOD-RTL8188_on_official_OLinuXino_Debian_releases

USB_OTG - low/full/high USB host

USB_HOST_up - low/full/high USB host

USB_HOST_down - low/full/high USB host

mico_SD_card

I2C2(100KHz) - /dev/i2c-2

I2C1(100KHz) - /dev/i2c-1

UART3 - /dev/ttyS1

A13 Debian 4GB SD-card image armel (softfloat) with: MONO complete

  • Linux Kernel 3.4.67+
  • XFCE4 desktop environment
  • Mplayer CLI
  • GCC 4.6
  • iceweasel WEB browser
  • LCD and touchscreen support
  • GPIO
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • USB WIFI RTL8188CU, Ethernet AX88772B
  • Audio
  • apache2
  • dpkg
  • git
  • i2c-tools
  • perl
  • vlc
  • xorg
  • Scratch
  • GCC
  • Python 2.7.3
  • PyA13 python module with GPIO,I2C,SPI support
  • OpenCV
  • mono-complete
  • Default Login: root/olimex


Android

Android for NAND


There are different images depending on the screen output settings. Also there are different images depending on the WIFI module placed. Latest hardware revisions use MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV and an updated image.

A13 Android NAND images with LCD 4.3" 480x272 and touchscreen (torrents):

A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for 480x272 display output + MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV module

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV wifi module
  • LCD 4.3" 480x272 pixels with backlight
  • Touchscreen support


A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for 480x272 display output + MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 module

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
  • LCD 4.3" 480x272 pixels with backlight
  • Touchscreen support


A13 Android NAND images with LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen support (torrents):

A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188-ETV wifi module
  • LCD 7" 800x480 pixels with backlight
  • touchscreen support


A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 7" 800x480 and touchscreen

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
  • LCD 7" 800x480 pixels with backlight
  • Touchscreen support


A13 Android NAND images with LCD 10" 1024x600 and touchscreen support:

A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with video settings for LCD 10" 1024x600 and touchscreen

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188-ETV wifi module
  • LCD 10" 1024x600 pixels with backlight
  • Touchscreen support


A13 Android NAND image with VGA 800x600 support, torrents:

A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with VGA 800x600 support

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188ETV wifi module
  • VGA 800x600 pixels


A13-OLinuXino Android for NAND memory with VGA 800x600 support

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • MOD-WIFI-RTL8188 wifi module
  • VGA 800x600 pixels


Android for microSD card


Torrent of Android release 3 with LCD support for microSD card (recommended):

A13-OLinuXino A13 Android for microSD card with video support for 800x480 LCD, release 3

  • Android_version - 4.0.3
  • Baseband version - 1.2
  • Kernel version 3.0.8+
  • Only LCD support - 800x480 pixels


Older (not recommended) releases:

Torrent of Android release 2 with LCD support for microSD card (not recommended, the USB OTG does not work properly due to fex error): A13-OLinuXino A13 Android for microSD card with video support for 800x480 LCD, release 2


HOWTOs

General

How to write the Debain image to a microSD card?

To write a Linux image to an SD card under Windows we use Win32 Disk Imager):

  • Download Win32 Disk Imager Win32 Disk Imager
  • Insert card
  • Start program
  • Select file
  • Click "write"


To write a Linux image to an SD card under Linux:

For instance you have an image with the file name of "debian_2g.img". It would be downloaded to the SD card connected to a Linux machine using one of the following commands:

  • # dd bs=4M oflag=sync if=debian_2g.img of=/dev/sdX

or

  • # cp debian_2g.img /dev/sdX


where X is the uSD card.

How to change VGA and LCD resolutions under Debian?

The default SD card setup is made with settings for 800x600 VGA video output. If you want to change to some other LCD or VGA resolution then you have to start change_display.sh script file in /root directory.

Type: 

   ./change_display* (press 'TAB' to auto-complete)

or 

   ./change_display_A13.sh

and press "Enter".

Then choose the resolution and the interface(LCD or VGA). Note that the selection of a specific resolution is done by navigating with the arrow keys and pressing "space" button. Make sure the asterisk marks your selection properly.

The supported resolutions are:

For LCD:

  • 1. 4.3" (480x272)
  • 2. 7" (800x480)
  • 3. 10" (1024x600)


Important: initially the boards are calibrated for a specific display. If you re-write the image (no matter whether the SD card or the NAND memory) you might need to use a mouse to calibrate the display initially. It might be impossible to calibrate it via touching the display.

For VGA:

  • 1. 800x600
  • 2. 1024x768


Linux related

How to build latest official Debian release

The latest official instructions might be found here: building the latest official Debian release, at Olimex GitHub

There are a number of unofficial guides to building the Debian, among them:

How to build Debian for A13-OLinuXino-WIFI by Marcin Twardak

Sunxi u-boot loader The linux-sunxi git page contains a lot of sources for all Olimex Allwinner boards.

How to edit my MAC address?

However, it is very easy to change MAC under Debian.

All you have to do is:

1. turn off the network interface (it is off by default, can be turned off by “ifdown eth0”) 2. open /etc/network/interfaces with a text editor (for instance “nano /etc/network/interfaces”) 3. add the following line under eth0 definitions: “hwaddress ether 00:11:22:33:44:55”, where 00:11:22:33:44:55 is the desired MAC address. 4. save and turn on the network interface (“ifup eth0”)

You can think of own way implementing own MAC address (for instance storing a consecutive number in the small EEPROM and then loading it).

How to enable WIFI?

Note: in the previous Debian releases the Ethernet was auto-detected and initialized during boot BUT this was causing big delays in the start-up of the board if you didn't want to use Ethernet or if there wasn't Ethernet cable connected.

You can enable it by following these two steps:

1. To check under what name the LAN is associated write "ifconfig –a"

2. If, for example, it is under eth0 name, then write: "dhclient eth0"

This should enable the Ethernet and then SSH would also be available.

How to enable Ethernet?

Note: in the previous Debian releases the Ethernet was auto-detected and initialized during boot BUT this was causing big delays in the start-up of the board if you didn't want to use Ethernet or if there wasn't Ethernet cable connected.

You can enable it by following these two steps:

1. To check under what name the LAN is associated write "ifconfig –a"

2. If, for example, it is under eth0 name, then write: "dhclient eth0"

This should enable the Ethernet and then SSH would also be available.

Android related

How to compile new Android image?

Good guide shared by Akshay Mathur might be found here: pdf instructions available at GitHub

How to make code to run on power up?

You would need an application that works in kiosk mode. There is a lot of information available online on how to write an application capable of autostart.

How to access GPIOs?

There is an application we wrote to demonstrate how this can be done under Android. Please check the following two links:

YouTube video of relay control via MOD-IO under Android

Source code of the above example

How to add PWM support?

There is a separate article on the subject here: how to add pwm

Python

The Debian Linux Python package for A13-OLinuXino is called pyA13. It is installed in the default Debian image. More information and examples on how it can be used might be found here:

Link to pyA13 package at python.org

Scratch

There are a number of SCRATCH resources we have published. The following might be of interested for you if you are interested in SCRATCH or OpenCV:

YouTube video of A13-OLinuXino running SCRATCH + OPENCV interractive project with web camera

YouTube video of A13-OLinuXino-WIFI + SCRATCH animation of GPIO-2 connector with buttons and LEDs

source code and other scratch-related project available at Github

How to edit board configurations and definitions in the official Debian Linux?

Do you want a custom video resolution output? Do you need a different port definition? Do you need to change the hardware defitions of the board?

You would need to edit the board's script.bin/script.fex file. How to do it is described in a separate article: How_to_edit_board_configurations_and_definitions_in_the_official_Debian_Linux.

How to add STK1160 video capture driver support in Kernel 3.4

STK1160 driver backport by Dimitar Tomov

Hardware

A13-OLinuXino schematic in PDF format and Eagle CAD files

A13 datasheet and user manual PDFs

A13 Registers Guide

GPIOs

UEXT

LCD

RTC

Serial connection to A13 description of how to connect a computer to the A13 board over serial cable.

Power supply

The A13-OLinuXino can be partially powered over Micro USB, but to power all peripherals, a 6+ watt DC power supply between 6 and 16 volts can be used. The connector is a positive-center 2.5mm barrel plug. There is also an on-board connector for a Li-PO battery. Important note: A13-OLinuXino-MICRO works with +5V only! If you apply more than 5V you will damage the board.

Software

Linux Commands

Linux-Commands Brief Linux Command reference

A generic wiki for the Allwinner devices might be found here. It contains some great detailed info

Bare Metal programming - no OS

It is possible to program and debug code written directly on the chip without an OS such as linux or android.
The advantage is no kernel overhead and tighter control of the CPU operation.

Bare Metal programming A13

Using an operating system - Nand flash

The Wifi version of the A13 board comes preprogrammed with android, which is held in the Nand flash.

The image in the Nand flash can be updated using the tools found at the following links:

LiveSuit for Windows

LiveSuit for loading images

to the NAND flash; to activate A13 bootloader do as follows: run Livesuit, disconnect the power supply and USB cable, then press HOME button, apply power supply, attach USB cable and release the button, Livesuit will detect the bootloader and will ask which file to program to the NAND flash.

Prebuilt images that can be programmed into the Nand flash can be found here.

Using an operating system - SD card

The A13 board can boot from an SD card. Just plug it in an imaged uSD card and connect power.

Note: The SD card can easily be corrupted if power is removed while the system is booting or writing to system files. To avoid this do not remove power while it is booting and shut the system down properly before disconnecting power.

Prebuilt images

Some prebuilt images have been created, follow the link below for details.

Prebuilt SD card images running debian

Build your own kernel and image onto SD card

Some developers want more control over the kernel and modules that are included. The link below shows directions to build your own kernel and image it onto an SD card.

Build Bootable SD Card with Debian Step by step instructions how to make SD card image with above Kernel and U-boot

Setup and configure the installed debian image

There are several settings that can be made for a particular hardware configuration in the script file.

The following link explains the script file as well as wifi or ethernet setup and GPIO settings

Configuration of hardware in the debian image

Installing UsbVideoClass(UVC) on A13-OLinuXino board

To work with USB Video Cameras you have to enable the UVC support in the kernel. The link below explains how to do it.

UVC support

Setup VLC player for video streaming on A13-OLinuXino board

To setup video streaming you should first have installed UVC support so you can connect USB cameras to A13-OLinuXino.

VLC streaming

Creating a program to run on the A13-OlinuXino board

Programming for A13 in debian Step by step instructions to make your first hello world program run on the A13 board running debian.

Software links

Tools to hack A13-OLinuXino

Installing Xfce4 graphical interface on Debian How to install XFCE4 on A13-OLinuXino

A13-SDK Android 4.0.3 ICS

The official Allwinner repository contains all official files, including the files required to build Android ACS 4.0.3 NAND image for A13-OLinuXino-WIFI.

Allwinner's official GitHub

A13-SDK Android 4.1 JB

This is version 1.5 of A13-SDK which builds Android 4.1 Jelly Beans image. It works slower than 4.0.3 and we personally do not see any advantage to use 4.1 vs 4.0.3

Andreas Auer kindly offered to host this 4GB image

Projects

Projects people from the olinuxino community are working on or have finished and how they did it.

LINUX:
Build Bootable SD Card with Debian Run Debian and u-boot, Step by step instructions how to make SD card image.
Prebuilt SD card images running debian

Booting Linux for less than 1 second optimization made by Miroslav Bendik.

Change GPIOs using scripts in linux

A13 OLinuXino fast GPIO with /dev/mem now achieve up to 2 Mhz toggle

A13 kernel module for direct support of UEXT MOD-IO board, adding ADC, relays etc, cool project can be used as reference how to make your own kernel modules

Instructions how to run MOD-BT with A13-OLinuXino

Customer project of A13-OLinuXino communication via SPI with MOD-MRF89-868

A13-Olinuxino-WIFI and opencv face detection

Controlling Relays, Switching ON/OFF of 220V appliances and home automation

Door security logger, image capture

GPS logger with google maps viewer, MOD-GPS module on UEXT

Web server with MOD-RGB controlling RGB LED strip

ANDROID:
Interface MOD-IO board with I2C under Android

Run old games on android mame4droid

No OS
Bare Metal programming A13 Programming directly for the chip without an OS

FreedomBox:
FreedomBox/UniLeipzigPractical is the documentation of a freedom box related practical course at the AKSW Research Group at the University of Leipzig

List of Contributors

Henrik Nordstrom - a.k.a. hno, uboot for A13 development, A1X guru, Linux-Sunxi maintainer

Dimitar Gamishev - a.k.a. HEHOPMAJIEH, Linux kernel configuration for OLinuXino, Android images, LCD touchscreen

Alexandro Mery - a.k.a. mnemoc, Linux-Sunxi maintainer

Davide Fabbri - Linaro kernel and lubuntu image

Scott Anderson - A13 wiki maintainer

Jeffrey Wischkaemper - a.k.a. jwischka, A13-OLinuXino Debian image with X

Maxime Ripard - ARM Linux patches

Jason Plum - Arch Linux support

Main_Page

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