R36S Problems and Troubleshooting: Difference between revisions

From Handhelds Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
← Older editNewer edit →
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=1}}  {{#seo:|image=1192215416_max.jpg}}
{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=1}}  {{#seo:|image=1192215416_max.jpg}}


= Stock SD Cards =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== Stock SD Cards ==


{{R36S_sd_card}}
{{R36S_sd_card}}


<div><ul>  
<div>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:355272312-43a44d42-f9ca-4655-b26c-74befaa48f9d.jpg|thumb|none|300px|stock SD cards]] </li>
<ul style="list-style:none; padding:0; display:flex; gap:10px; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center;">
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:355272317-6b395fa1-948c-4997-8e10-81bf565796cf.jpg|thumb|none|300px|stock SD cards]] </li>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:355272312-43a44d42-f9ca-4655-b26c-74befaa48f9d.jpg|300px|thumb|none|stock SD cards]]</li>
</ul></div>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:355272317-6b395fa1-948c-4997-8e10-81bf565796cf.jpg|300px|thumb|none|stock SD cards]]</li>
<div><ul>  
</ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36S stock SD cards - bought at Flipkart (India).webp|thumb|none|200px|stock SD cards - [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1fpdp7z/got_today_from_flipkartindia/ device bought at Flipkart (India)]]] </li>
</div>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:r36s stock card v5 reddit.jpeg|thumb|none|200px|stock SD card - Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1iekuia/do_i_have_two_r36s_now/ reddit]]] </li>
 
</ul></div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style:none; padding:0; display:flex; gap:10px; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center; margin-top:1em;">
<li style="display:inline-block; text-align:center; max-width:200px;">
[[File:R36S stock SD cards - bought at Flipkart (India).webp|200px|thumb|none|stock SD cards - [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1fpdp7z/got_today_from_flipkartindia/ device bought at Flipkart (India)]]]  
</li>
<li style="display:inline-block; text-align:center; max-width:200px;">
[[File:r36s stock card v5 reddit.jpeg|200px|thumb|none|stock SD card - Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1iekuia/do_i_have_two_r36s_now/ reddit]]]  
</li>
</ul>
</div>


There have also been [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1crogee/people_here_who_didnt_change_the_original_sd_card/ reports] of these cheap cards overheating and destroying the screen.
There have also been [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1crogee/people_here_who_didnt_change_the_original_sd_card/ reports] of these cheap cards overheating and destroying the screen.


=== ✅ Solution ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>


<gallery class=notpageimage widths=100px heights=100px perrow=5>
<gallery widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="5" class="notpageimage">
356039984-cba51b0a-edf3-4a0a-8ad9-471e0891b55a.jpg|link=
356039984-cba51b0a-edf3-4a0a-8ad9-471e0891b55a.jpg|link=
356039986-78e0b2b1-0398-4b0a-88c1-1885a4a913e7.jpg|link=
356039986-78e0b2b1-0398-4b0a-88c1-1885a4a913e7.jpg|link=
Line 28: Line 38:
356039998-c3d4a903-e30c-40d9-8413-10d7485bd704.png|link=
356039998-c3d4a903-e30c-40d9-8413-10d7485bd704.png|link=
356040001-9d6f0951-c2bc-4142-8ffd-fa3b7275cfb7.png|link=
356040001-9d6f0951-c2bc-4142-8ffd-fa3b7275cfb7.png|link=
356040004-cf9d091e-d6a5-43d5-a4d8-d7aa3c35c018.png |link=
356040004-cf9d091e-d6a5-43d5-a4d8-d7aa3c35c018.png|link=
</gallery>
</gallery>


Use quality/branded microSD cards. Please refer to the [[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|SD Cards]] section and [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gWxtr-GmwWop-_qGUq022RXxK2aTLpPg9Qra68TQLI8/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Compatibility List] or check out the [[R36S Buying Guide|buying guide]].
Use quality/branded microSD cards. Please refer to the [[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|SD Cards]] section and [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gWxtr-GmwWop-_qGUq022RXxK2aTLpPg9Qra68TQLI8/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Compatibility List] or check out the [[R36S Buying Guide|buying guide]].
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S Buying Guide|↪ R36S Buying Guide]]}}


{{Notice|Not every card will work in the TF2 (roms) slot}}
{{Notice|Not every card will work in the TF2 (roms) slot}}
</div>


= Hardware clones =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== Hardware clones ==


A lot of problems are caused by Hardware clones. Those "fake" EmuELEC R36S are basically a different device in the R36S shell.
A lot of problems are caused by Hardware clones. Those "fake" EmuELEC R36S are basically a different device in the R36S shell.
Line 41: Line 55:
See the [[R36S Clones]] page for how to know if you have a clone, working custom firmwares and more info.
See the [[R36S Clones]] page for how to know if you have a clone, working custom firmwares and more info.


= Black Screen =
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S Clones|↪ R36S Clones]]}}
<div><ul>  
</div>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:351842026-8644fe06-4180-44fc-abd6-69ccc37127b8.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1bz5e80/r36s_black_screen_and_speaker_popping/ reddit]]] </li>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:351843947-6ef115d2-a4be-4bf4-981f-3e8fbdefa7e0.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1ctk89s/broken_device/ reddit]]] </li>
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
</ul></div>
== Black Screen ==
 
<div>
<ul style="list-style:none; padding:0; display:flex; gap:10px; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center;">
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:351842026-8644fe06-4180-44fc-abd6-69ccc37127b8.jpg|300px|thumb|none|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1bz5e80/r36s_black_screen_and_speaker_popping/ reddit]]]</li>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:351843947-6ef115d2-a4be-4bf4-981f-3e8fbdefa7e0.jpg|300px|thumb|none|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1ctk89s/broken_device/ reddit]]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>


Wrong &quot;device tree blob&quot; files (.dtb) in the BOOT partition. There are at least 5 different screen versions for the R36S.
Wrong "device tree blob" files (.dtb) in the BOOT partition. There are at least 5 different screen versions for the R36S.


=== ✅ Solution (ArkOS) ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution (ArkOS)</h3>


You need to use the correct .dtb file. After flashing [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS Community Maintained Image]] to the SD card and before booting up your device, replace the <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code>''' file in the <span class="emoji" data-emoji="file_folder">📁</span><code>BOOT</code> partition with the one from your original/stock SD card (see [[R36S_Guides_%E2%80%90_Tutorials_%E2%80%90_How%E2%80%90To%27s#Backup_your_stock_SD_card|Backup]]).
You need to use the correct .dtb file. After flashing [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS Community Maintained Image]] to the SD card and before booting up your device, replace the <code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code> file in the <code>BOOT</code> partition with the one from your original/stock SD card (see [[R36S_Guides_%E2%80%90_Tutorials_%E2%80%90_How%E2%80%90To%27s#Backup_your_stock_SD_card|Backup]]).


In case you didn't backup your original <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code>''' file, here's a link to all the different versions: [https://github.com/AeolusUX/R36S-DTB R36S-Device Tree Blob]
In case you didn't backup your original <code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code> file, here's a link to all the different versions: [https://github.com/AeolusUX/R36S-DTB R36S-Device Tree Blob]


=== ✅ Solution (AmberELEC) ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution (AmberELEC)</h3>


Rename your original <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code>''' to <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-rg351mp-linux.dtb</code>''' and replace this file on the <span class="emoji" data-emoji="file_folder">📁</span><code>AMBRELC</code> partition. If you have no sound, use the .dtb files from this link: [https://github.com/tech4bot/r35s/tree/main/new_displays new DTB files for AmberELEC] or use this to fix the sound + the FN button: [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sese06Ha9HCRFr622vAQ10vFyww1a9ZB?usp=drive_link Panel 4 (V5) AmberELEC sound + FN button fix]
Rename your original <code>rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb</code> to <code>rk3326-rg351mp-linux.dtb</code> and replace this file on the <code>AMBRELC</code> partition. If you have no sound, use the .dtb files from this link: [https://github.com/tech4bot/r35s/tree/main/new_displays new DTB files for AmberELEC] or use this to fix the sound + the FN button: [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sese06Ha9HCRFr622vAQ10vFyww1a9ZB?usp=drive_link Panel 4 (V5) AmberELEC sound + FN button fix]


=== ✅ Further Troubleshooting ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Further Troubleshooting</h3>


* Try the Panel 4 (V5) version of [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS Community Maintained Image]]
* Try the Panel 4 (V5) version of [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS Community Maintained Image]]
Line 73: Line 94:
* Use a different microSD card
* Use a different microSD card


=== ✅ Black Screen Fix Step by Step Guide ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Black Screen Fix Step by Step Guide</h3>


This is a slightly modified guide by u/FreshNoobAcc
This is a slightly modified guide by u/FreshNoobAcc


# Make sure device has been charged for several hours with a usb A to usb C charger (cable that came with device).
# Flash [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS]] (/or [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|EmulELEC]] if clone) onto branded [[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|SD card]]. Make sure you are flashing the decompressed ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone). It should not end in .xz, if it does, decompress it with a program like 7zip.
# Put SD card into device after flashing ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone).
# Turn on device. '''Important:''' leave the device ON for 10 minutes, even if the device shows a black screen, it should be expanding the OS file and working away even if the screen is black. If you see black screen and turn device off too soon, you will corrupt the OS and have to start from step 1 again
# After about 10 minutes, turn device off with the off button (btw, once screen works, try to never do this, always turn off in the game menu)
# Plug SD into computer
# '''Important:''' delete all .dtb, .tony, .orig files in the OS partition (if you can’t see it you need to follow the youtube video to find out how to unhide the OS partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard)
# Only after deleting the above files (basically any file that has dtb in the name), copy/paste the dtb files from your stock OS card to the new branded SD card. (There is not always a 1:1 switch, some OS have 3-4 dtb files, others only 2, that is ok).


* Make sure device has been charged for several hours with a usb A to usb C charger (cable that came with device).
If you don’t have them (corrupted stock OS card), follow warning 3 in the [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/new/ reddit] sidebar and copy/paste in one set of dtb files at a time from the [https://github.com/AeolusUX/R36S-DTB github repository], (one panel at a time) and test the branded SD in the device (see if it turns on) after each copy/paste of dtb files from a panel folder. Best start with newer (higher number) panels and work backwards
* Flash [[R36S_Custom_Firmware#ArkOS_Community_Maintained_Image|ArkOS]] (/or [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|EmulELEC]] if clone) onto branded [[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|SD card]]. Make sure you are flashing the decompressed ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone). It should not end in .xz, if it does, decompress it with a program like 7zip.
* Put SD card into device after flashing ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone).
* Turn on device. '''Important:''' leave the device ON for 10 minutes, even if the device shows a black screen, it should be expanding the OS file and working away even if the screen is black. If you see black screen and turn device off too soon, you will corrupt the OS and have to start from step 1 again
* After about 10 minutes, turn device off with the off button (btw, once screen works, try to never do this, always turn off in the game menu)
* Plug SD into computer
* '''Important:''' delete all .dtb, .tony, .orig files in the OS partition (if you can’t see it you need to follow the youtube video to find out how to unhide the OS partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard)  
* Only after deleting the above files (basically any file that has dtb in the name), copy/paste the dtb files from your stock OS card to the new branded SD card. (There is not always a 1:1 switch, some OS have 3-4 dtb files, others only 2, that is ok).


If you don’t have them (corrupted stock OS card), follow warning 3 in the [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/new/ reddit] sidebar and copy/paste in one set of dtb files at a time from the [https://github.com/AeolusUX/R36S-DTB github repository], (one panel at a time) and test the branded SD in the device (see if it turns on) after each copy/paste of dtb files from a panel folder. Best start with newer (higher number) panels and work backwards
# Eject SD. Then plug SD back into r36s
* Eject SD. Then plug SD back into r36s


The good thing about this method is if you don’t know which dtb files your device needs (if your SD is DOA) you can quickly swap out/in new dtb files from the github repository (see warning 3 in the [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/new/ reddit] sidebar) to test them and don’t necessarily need to re-flash the OS every time you want to test new dtb files (saves about 10 minutes per attempt)
The good thing about this method is if you don’t know which dtb files your device needs (if your SD is DOA) you can quickly swap out/in new dtb files from the github repository (see warning 3 in the [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/new/ reddit] sidebar) to test them and don’t necessarily need to re-flash the OS every time you want to test new dtb files (saves about 10 minutes per attempt)
</div>


= Stuck On The Bootlogo =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
<div><ul>  
== Stuck On The Bootlogo ==
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36S stock SD card boot logo.webp|thumb|none|300px|stock SD card boot logo]] </li>
 
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36S v20 stock bootlogo.png|thumb|none|300px|stock SD card boot logo]] </li>
<div>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348525177-3180a4d5-449a-4f72-8d3a-c1ff0f22b599.jpg|thumb|none|300px]] </li>
<ul style="list-style:none; padding:0; display:flex; gap:10px; flex-wrap:wrap; justify-content:center;">
</ul></div>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:R36S stock SD card boot logo.webp|300px|thumb|none|stock SD card boot logo]]</li>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:R36S v20 stock bootlogo.png|300px|thumb|none|stock SD card boot logo]]</li>
<li style="display:inline-block;">[[File:348525177-3180a4d5-449a-4f72-8d3a-c1ff0f22b599.jpg|300px|thumb|none]]</li>
</ul>
</div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>


SD card problem. That's the bootlogo from the stock SD cards with an outdated firmware.
SD card problem. That's the bootlogo from the stock SD cards with an outdated firmware.


=== ✅ Solution ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>


Change the SD Card.
Change the SD Card.


= Stuck During Loading Emulationstation =
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}
 
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>
 
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
 
== Stuck During Loading Emulationstation ==
 
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526103-063e036d-f236-483e-9412-9c6aa6381ad1.png|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1d97yta/r36s_booting_problem/ reddit]]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526103-063e036d-f236-483e-9412-9c6aa6381ad1.png|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1d97yta/r36s_booting_problem/ reddit]]] </li>
Line 114: Line 147:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>SD card problem (corrupted roms/bios or other files)</li>
</ul>
 
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Change the SD Card or re-flash your good card.</li>
</ul>
 
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}


SD card problem (corrupted roms/bios or other files)
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


=== ✅ Solution ===
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


Change the SD Card or re-flash your good card.
== White Lines ==


= White Lines =
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348524717-1754e345-37c4-4972-ad1f-9bda506e8230.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1bhf5wl/help_new_black_screen/ reddit]]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348524717-1754e345-37c4-4972-ad1f-9bda506e8230.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1bhf5wl/help_new_black_screen/ reddit]]] </li>
Line 130: Line 173:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
 
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
Battery is empty. It says something like &quot;Voltage level low&quot; if you look closely.
  <li>Battery is empty. It says something like &quot;Voltage level low&quot; if you look closely.</li>
</ul>


=== ✅ Solution ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Charge the device with a 5V 1.5A-2A adapter and a USB-A to USB-C cable. Charging via Computer/Laptop USB ports also works fine.</li>
</ul>
</div>


Charge the device with a 5V 1.5A-2A adapter and a USB-A to USB-C cable. Charging via Computer/Laptop USB ports also works fine.
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== "booting fail! check kernel and dtb images!" error at boot logo ==


= "booting fail! check kernel and dtb images!" error at boot logo =
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36S booting fail! check kernel and dtb images error1.jpeg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1htmhlt/what_is_this_what_can_i_do/ reddit]]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36S booting fail! check kernel and dtb images error1.jpeg|thumb|none|300px|Source: [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1htmhlt/what_is_this_what_can_i_do/ reddit]]] </li>
Line 146: Line 194:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>SD card problem.</li>
</ul>
 
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Change the SD Card.</li>
</ul>
 
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}


SD card problem.
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


=== ✅ Solution ===
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


Change the SD Card.
== Small Blinking Line / Blinking Cursor ==


= Small Blinking Line / Blinking Cursor =
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526571-b98f7bbc-af29-473b-8e4b-ba88327bfca1.jpg|thumb|none|300px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526571-b98f7bbc-af29-473b-8e4b-ba88327bfca1.jpg|thumb|none|300px]] </li>
Line 160: Line 218:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Blinking Cursor = Looking for TF2 (roms) SD card</li>
  <li>Defect SD card in TF2 slot (most of the times)</li>
  <li>Can happen after upgrading</li>
  <li>Wrong card setting in the menu</li>
</ul>


Blinking Cursor = Looking for TF2 (roms) SD card
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Change the defect TF2 SD card or re-flash the TF1 SD Card.</li>
  <li>[Not very likely] If both cards are good you can change the rom card slot via a script. Read the comments in [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1bz2l05/blinking_cursor_top_left_after_flashing_new_sd/ this thread] for a possible solution.</li>
</ul>


* Defect SD card in TF2 slot (most of the times)
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}
* Can happen after upgrading
* Wrong card setting in the menu


=== ✅ Solution ===
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


Change the defect TF2 SD card or re-flash the TF1 SD Card.
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


[Not very likely] If both cards are good you can change the rom card slot via a script. Read the comments in [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1bz2l05/blinking_cursor_top_left_after_flashing_new_sd/ this thread] for a possible solution.
== Themes Keep Disappearing ==
 
= Themes Keep Disappearing =


<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
Line 181: Line 246:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>SD card problem - SD card is slowly corrupting/dying</li>
</ul>


SD card problem - SD card is slowly corrupting/dying
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Change the SD Card</li>
</ul>


=== ✅ Solution ===
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}


Change the SD Card
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


= Stuck on Boot =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
 
== Stuck on Boot ==


<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
Line 195: Line 269:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Another SD card problem</li>
</ul>


Another SD card problem
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Change the SD card</li>
</ul>


=== ✅ Solution ===
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}


Change the SD card
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


= Stuck in RetroArch =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
 
== Stuck in RetroArch ==


<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
Line 209: Line 292:
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Accidentally enabled the option to use RetroArch as the main frontend.</li>
</ul>


Accidentally enabled the option to use RetroArch as the main frontend.
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
 
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
=== ✅ Solution ===
  <li>Reboot the device and hold B to enter &quot;Boot and Recovery Tools&quot; (BaRT) and choose &quot;Emulationstation&quot;.</li>
 
</ul>
Reboot the device and hold B to enter &quot;Boot and Recovery Tools&quot; (BaRT) and choose &quot;Emulationstation&quot;.


<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:349221003-d528274f-7df7-4269-afe2-cb7f9f004c74.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Hold B button during boot to enter this menu (ArkOS)]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:349221003-d528274f-7df7-4269-afe2-cb7f9f004c74.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Hold B button during boot to enter this menu (ArkOS)]] </li>
</ul></div>
</ul></div>
</div>
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== No Gamepads Detected ==


= No Gamepads Detected =
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:351847157-a729ebfa-4e15-40e0-a822-55b7bbe93783.jpg|thumb|none|200px|error during boot]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:351847157-a729ebfa-4e15-40e0-a822-55b7bbe93783.jpg|thumb|none|200px|error during boot]] </li>
</ul></div>
</ul></div>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Wrong .dtb or boot.ini file</li>
  <li>SD card problem</li>
  <li>Firmware problem</li>
</ul>


Wrong .dtb or boot.ini file
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Re-flash the firmware</li>
  <li>Use the correct .dtb file or change the R36S SD Card</li>
  <li>This error can also be fixed by replacing the boot.ini file (see [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1ecqu3j/comment/mez0033/?context=3 this comment])</li>
</ul>


SD card problem
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}


Firmware problem
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


=== ✅ Solution ===
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


Re-flash the firmware, Use the correct .dtb file or change the R36S SD Card.
== Joystick Problems - Stick Drift ==


This error can also be fixed by replacing the boot.ini file (see [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1ecqu3j/comment/mez0033/?context=3 this comment])
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li>Common problem in lots of controllers. Can have different causes.</li>
  <li>loose connector cable</li>
  <li>defective joystick</li>
  <li>SD card / software related problem</li>
</ul>


= Joystick Problems - Stick Drift =
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
 
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
=== ⚠️ Cause ===
  <li>Re-seat loose-connector cablek</li>
 
  <li>Change the joystick (you can use any switch style joystick)</li>
Common problem in lots of controllers. Can have different causes.
  <li>Read [https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/18dbyxe/r36s_left_analog_defect/ this thread] for possible solutions or look for threads with [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/search/?q=stick+drift&type=link&cId=003fe4f6-ff33-425a-bff3-87c7bcbd1d17&iId=8bf76ce9-7ff7-47cb-ba07-5edf45884330 similar problems].</li>
 
</ul>
loose connector cable
 
defective joystick
 
SD card / software related problem
 
=== ✅ Solution ===
 
Read [https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/18dbyxe/r36s_left_analog_defect/ this thread] for possible solutions or look for threads with [https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/search/?q=stick+drift&type=link&cId=003fe4f6-ff33-425a-bff3-87c7bcbd1d17&iId=8bf76ce9-7ff7-47cb-ba07-5edf45884330 similar problems].


<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526780-8b9727dc-568b-4807-aaf7-ff2a8a7d986d.jpg|thumb|none|200px|connector cable]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:348526780-8b9727dc-568b-4807-aaf7-ff2a8a7d986d.jpg|thumb|none|200px|connector cable]] </li>
</ul></div>
</ul></div>
</div>


= Saving not working / Can't save / Stuck at saving =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== Saving not working / Can't save / Stuck at saving ==


Problems with saving can have different causes.
<p>Problems with saving can have different causes.</p>


=== ⚠️ Cause ===
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #c0392b; margin-top: 1.2em;">⚠️ Cause</h3>
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
  <li><b>SD card problem</b></li>
  <li><b>Bad rom dumps</b> (from the stock SD cards)</li>
  <li>Can also be a user error like not shutting down the device correctly which can cause problems.</li>
</ul>


* '''SD card problem'''
<h3 style="font-size: 1.1em; color: #27ae60; margin-top: 1.2em;">✅ Solution</h3>
* '''Bad rom dumps''' (from the stock SD cards)
<ul style="padding-left: 1.2em; line-height: 1.4;">
* Can also be a user error like not shutting down the device correctly which can cause problems.
  <li>Change the SD card</li>
  <li>Change the bad roms that were included in the stock SD card</li>
  <li>Shut down your device safely from within the menu or the {{key press|FN|Power}} hotkey</li>
  <li>Don't press the reset button to exit your game</li>
</ul>


=== ✅ Solution ===
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_File_Transfer#How_to_add_more_games|↪ Roms Guide]]}}


* Change the SD card
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Compatibility_Lists#SD_Cards|↪ SD Card Compatibility]]}}
* Change the bad roms that were included in the stock SD card
* Shut down your device safely from within the menu or the {{key press|FN|Power}} hotkey
* Don't press the reset button to exit your game


= Emulator Settings Keep Resetting =
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Guides_Tutorials_HowTos#Video_Guides_-_Tutorials_-_How-To's|↪ Firmware Flashing Guide]]}}
</div>


✅ Don't forget to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJRAL4DBs9U save the RetroArch configuration file] after changing things or use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/overrides/ overrides].
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


<br />‎<br />‎
== Emulator Settings Keep Resetting ==


<p>✅ Don't forget to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJRAL4DBs9U save the RetroArch configuration file] after changing things or use [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/overrides/ overrides].</p>


= Error Message During Boot (EmuELEC clone) =
</div>
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
== Error Message During Boot (EmuELEC clone) ==
 
"Can't find any syytems"


✅ Solution: Install one of the available [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.
✅ Solution: Install one of the available [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.
Line 295: Line 405:
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S EmuELEC clone error message on boot5.jpeg |thumb|none|300px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S EmuELEC clone error message on boot5.jpeg |thumb|none|300px]] </li>
</ul></div>
</ul></div>
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone]]}}
</div>


= Stuck During Boot (EmuELEC clone) =
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">
 
== Stuck During Boot (EmuELEC clone) ==


✅ Solution: Install one of the [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.
✅ Solution: Install one of the [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.
Line 307: Line 421:
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S EmuELEC clone stuck during boot15.jpeg|thumb|none|300px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S EmuELEC clone stuck during boot15.jpeg|thumb|none|300px]] </li>
</ul></div>
</ul></div>
<br>
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone]]}}
</div>
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


= Red blinking light during boot (EmuELEC clone) =
== Red blinking light during boot (EmuELEC clone) ==


This happens when you install the standard (or community maintained) ArkOS custom firmware on a EmuELEC clone.
This happens when you install the standard (or community maintained) ArkOS custom firmware on a EmuELEC clone.
Line 315: Line 431:
✅ Solution: Install one of the [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.
✅ Solution: Install one of the [[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|custom firmware for R36S clones]] to a new SD card.


[[File:R36S EE clone flashing red light.mp4|400px]]<br>
[[File:R36S EE clone flashing red light.mp4|400px]]
 
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Clones#Custom_Firmware_for_the_EmuELEC_Clone|↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone]]}}
</div>
 
<div style="max-width: 100%; margin: 1.5em auto; padding: 1em; border-radius: 12px; background: linear-gradient(145deg, #ffffff, #f3f3f3); border: 1px solid #ccc; box-shadow: 0 3px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.07); font-family: sans-serif; text-align: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">


= No rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb or rk3326-rg351mp-linux.dtb on SD card (EmuELEC clone) =
== Missing dtb file on SD card (EmuELEC clone) ==
<div><ul>  
<div><ul>  
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36s emuelec clone boot partition.jpg|thumb|none|300px|different files on the Boot partition]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:R36s emuelec clone boot partition.jpg|thumb|none|300px|different files on the Boot partition]] </li>
Line 324: Line 445:
If your stock SD card has the <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-evb-lp3-v12-linux.dtb</code>''' or <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rf3536k3ka.dtb</code>''' file, you got the [[R36S_Clones#EmuELEC_Clone|EmuELEC Clone]] that is not compatible with standard ArkOS or AmberELEC custom firmware. See the [[R36S Clones]] page for more info.
If your stock SD card has the <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rk3326-evb-lp3-v12-linux.dtb</code>''' or <span class="emoji" data-emoji="page_facing_up">📄</span>'''<code>rf3536k3ka.dtb</code>''' file, you got the [[R36S_Clones#EmuELEC_Clone|EmuELEC Clone]] that is not compatible with standard ArkOS or AmberELEC custom firmware. See the [[R36S Clones]] page for more info.


<br />‎<br />‎<br />‎
{{Clickable button 3|[[R36S_Clones|↪ R36S Clones]]}}
</div>


{{R36S sd card}}
{{R36S sd card}}

Revision as of 07:03, 29 May 2025

Stock SD Cards

  • stock SD cards
  • stock SD cards

There have also been reports of these cheap cards overheating and destroying the screen.

✅ Solution

Use quality/branded microSD cards. Please refer to the SD Cards section and Compatibility List or check out the buying guide.

↪ R36S Buying Guide

ℹ️
Info
Not every card will work in the TF2 (roms) slot

Hardware clones

A lot of problems are caused by Hardware clones. Those "fake" EmuELEC R36S are basically a different device in the R36S shell.

See the R36S Clones page for how to know if you have a clone, working custom firmwares and more info.

↪ R36S Clones

Black Screen

⚠️ Cause

Wrong "device tree blob" files (.dtb) in the BOOT partition. There are at least 5 different screen versions for the R36S.

✅ Solution (ArkOS)

You need to use the correct .dtb file. After flashing ArkOS Community Maintained Image to the SD card and before booting up your device, replace the rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb file in the BOOT partition with the one from your original/stock SD card (see Backup).

In case you didn't backup your original rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb file, here's a link to all the different versions: R36S-Device Tree Blob

✅ Solution (AmberELEC)

Rename your original rk3326-r35s-linux.dtb to rk3326-rg351mp-linux.dtb and replace this file on the AMBRELC partition. If you have no sound, use the .dtb files from this link: new DTB files for AmberELEC or use this to fix the sound + the FN button: Panel 4 (V5) AmberELEC sound + FN button fix

✅ Further Troubleshooting

  • Try the Panel 4 (V5) version of ArkOS Community Maintained Image
  • Make sure you are using the correct dtb file with the correct name
  • Delete all .dtb, .tony, .orig and boot.ini files, then copy/paste the dtb files plus the boot.ini from your stock SD card
  • Re-flash every time you try different .dtb files
  • Replace the .dtb file before booting up the first time
  • Delete the .dtb file first instead of replacing it
  • Use a different tool for flashing (Rufus, Win32DiskImager, ApplePi-Baker). balenaEtcher is not recommended
  • Flash the firmware image on a different PC or with a Android device
  • Use a different microSD card

✅ Black Screen Fix Step by Step Guide

This is a slightly modified guide by u/FreshNoobAcc

  1. Make sure device has been charged for several hours with a usb A to usb C charger (cable that came with device).
  2. Flash ArkOS (/or EmulELEC if clone) onto branded SD card. Make sure you are flashing the decompressed ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone). It should not end in .xz, if it does, decompress it with a program like 7zip.
  3. Put SD card into device after flashing ArkOS (/EmulELEC if clone).
  4. Turn on device. Important: leave the device ON for 10 minutes, even if the device shows a black screen, it should be expanding the OS file and working away even if the screen is black. If you see black screen and turn device off too soon, you will corrupt the OS and have to start from step 1 again
  5. After about 10 minutes, turn device off with the off button (btw, once screen works, try to never do this, always turn off in the game menu)
  6. Plug SD into computer
  7. Important: delete all .dtb, .tony, .orig files in the OS partition (if you can’t see it you need to follow the youtube video to find out how to unhide the OS partition with MiniTool Partition Wizard)
  8. Only after deleting the above files (basically any file that has dtb in the name), copy/paste the dtb files from your stock OS card to the new branded SD card. (There is not always a 1:1 switch, some OS have 3-4 dtb files, others only 2, that is ok).

If you don’t have them (corrupted stock OS card), follow warning 3 in the reddit sidebar and copy/paste in one set of dtb files at a time from the github repository, (one panel at a time) and test the branded SD in the device (see if it turns on) after each copy/paste of dtb files from a panel folder. Best start with newer (higher number) panels and work backwards

  1. Eject SD. Then plug SD back into r36s

The good thing about this method is if you don’t know which dtb files your device needs (if your SD is DOA) you can quickly swap out/in new dtb files from the github repository (see warning 3 in the reddit sidebar) to test them and don’t necessarily need to re-flash the OS every time you want to test new dtb files (saves about 10 minutes per attempt)

  • stock SD card boot logo
  • stock SD card boot logo

⚠️ Cause

SD card problem. That's the bootlogo from the stock SD cards with an outdated firmware.

✅ Solution

Change the SD Card.

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Stuck During Loading Emulationstation

⚠️ Cause

  • SD card problem (corrupted roms/bios or other files)

✅ Solution

  • Change the SD Card or re-flash your good card.

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

White Lines

⚠️ Cause

  • Battery is empty. It says something like "Voltage level low" if you look closely.

✅ Solution

  • Charge the device with a 5V 1.5A-2A adapter and a USB-A to USB-C cable. Charging via Computer/Laptop USB ports also works fine.

⚠️ Cause

  • SD card problem.

✅ Solution

  • Change the SD Card.

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Small Blinking Line / Blinking Cursor

⚠️ Cause

  • Blinking Cursor = Looking for TF2 (roms) SD card
  • Defect SD card in TF2 slot (most of the times)
  • Can happen after upgrading
  • Wrong card setting in the menu

✅ Solution

  • Change the defect TF2 SD card or re-flash the TF1 SD Card.
  • [Not very likely] If both cards are good you can change the rom card slot via a script. Read the comments in this thread for a possible solution.

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Themes Keep Disappearing

⚠️ Cause

  • SD card problem - SD card is slowly corrupting/dying

✅ Solution

  • Change the SD Card

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Stuck on Boot

⚠️ Cause

  • Another SD card problem

✅ Solution

  • Change the SD card

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Stuck in RetroArch

  • different RetroArch "menu driver"

⚠️ Cause

  • Accidentally enabled the option to use RetroArch as the main frontend.

✅ Solution

  • Reboot the device and hold B to enter "Boot and Recovery Tools" (BaRT) and choose "Emulationstation".
  • Hold B button during boot to enter this menu (ArkOS)

No Gamepads Detected

  • error during boot

⚠️ Cause

  • Wrong .dtb or boot.ini file
  • SD card problem
  • Firmware problem

✅ Solution

  • Re-flash the firmware
  • Use the correct .dtb file or change the R36S SD Card
  • This error can also be fixed by replacing the boot.ini file (see this comment)

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Joystick Problems - Stick Drift

⚠️ Cause

  • Common problem in lots of controllers. Can have different causes.
  • loose connector cable
  • defective joystick
  • SD card / software related problem

✅ Solution

  • Re-seat loose-connector cablek
  • Change the joystick (you can use any switch style joystick)
  • Read this thread for possible solutions or look for threads with similar problems.
  • connector cable

Saving not working / Can't save / Stuck at saving

Problems with saving can have different causes.

⚠️ Cause

  • SD card problem
  • Bad rom dumps (from the stock SD cards)
  • Can also be a user error like not shutting down the device correctly which can cause problems.

✅ Solution

  • Change the SD card
  • Change the bad roms that were included in the stock SD card
  • Shut down your device safely from within the menu or the FN+Power hotkey
  • Don't press the reset button to exit your game

↪ Roms Guide

↪ SD Card Compatibility

↪ Firmware Flashing Guide

Emulator Settings Keep Resetting

✅ Don't forget to save the RetroArch configuration file after changing things or use overrides.

Error Message During Boot (EmuELEC clone)

"Can't find any syytems"

✅ Solution: Install one of the available custom firmware for R36S clones to a new SD card.

↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone

Stuck During Boot (EmuELEC clone)

✅ Solution: Install one of the custom firmware for R36S clones to a new SD card.

↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone

Red blinking light during boot (EmuELEC clone)

This happens when you install the standard (or community maintained) ArkOS custom firmware on a EmuELEC clone.

✅ Solution: Install one of the custom firmware for R36S clones to a new SD card.

Load video
Local File

↪ Custom Firmware for the EmuELEC Clone

Missing dtb file on SD card (EmuELEC clone)

  • different files on the Boot partition

If your stock SD card has the 📄rk3326-evb-lp3-v12-linux.dtb or 📄rf3536k3ka.dtb file, you got the EmuELEC Clone that is not compatible with standard ArkOS or AmberELEC custom firmware. See the R36S Clones page for more info.

↪ R36S Clones

Retrieved from "https://handhelds.wiki/index.php?title=R36S_Problems_and_Troubleshooting&oldid=42626"