MSI Primo81

This is a brand name tablet from a reputable hardware vendor, so no problems with identification are expected. The tablet has a nice slim, but sturdy aluminium body and a really high quality 1024x768 IPS screen. However the linux-sunxi software support for A31s SoC is still a work in progress (u-boot is a major show stopper), so don't expect anything spectacular or even usable as a GNU/Linux user yet. The stock Android system from the vendor naturally works.

= Identification = On the back of the device, the following is printed (the model number part after dash may be a bit different, depending on the color of the tablet): MSI Primo81-216

The PCB has the following silkscreened on it:

In Android, under Settings->About Tablet, you will find:
 * Model Number: Primo81
 * Build Number: MSI N821 20140218

= Sunxi support =

Current status
At least FEX file has been submitted to the mailing list.

The mainline kernel support is blocked on the missing USB OTG driver, which means no easy connectivity with the outside world. Unless we manage to alternatively take WLAN into use, which also may require some investigation.

The mainline u-boot support for sun6i is incomplete and missing the SPL part.

Manual build

 * For building u-boot, use the  target.
 * The .fex file can be found in sunxi-boards as msi_primo81.fex

Everything else is the same as the manual build howto.

Mainline U-Boot
For building mainline u-boot, use the  target.

Mainline kernel
Use the  device-tree file for the mainline kernel.

= Tips, Tricks, Caveats =

FEL mode
The VOL+ button triggers FEL mode. The button is directly connected to the UBOOT_SEL pin and drives it low when pressed (as can be verified by reading the BOOT_SEL_PAD_STA bits from VER_REG).

= Adding a serial port (voids warranty) =



Locating the UART
= Pictures =

= Also known as =

= See also =

Manufacturer images
The manufacturer provides a PhoenixSuite recovery image at http://www.msi.com/support/windpad/Primo_81.html#down-firmware