Ippo q8h

This cheap (40EUR) tablet is an A23 based update of the hugely popular Q88, which was based on the A13. It is currently often sold as an A13 device, even though the A23 is a serious step up from the measly A13.

= Identification =

The Q8H has multiple revisions, with minor variations to passive component placement.

Q8H-v2
This version comes with a Realtek RTL8188ETV wifi usb module.

In android, under Settings->About Tablet, you will find:
 * Model Number: Q8H
 * Build Number: polaris a70H-eng 4.2.2 JDQ39 20131127 test-keys

This image matches the android image used on the Eken A70h, which has a different case design.

Q8H-v5
This version comes with Espressif ESP8089 wifi usb module.

In android, under Settings->About Tablet, you will find:
 * Model Number: Q8H
 * Build Number: polaris-eng 4.2.2 8089 20140103-8089

Q8H-V1.0
board number Q8H-V1.0 2014 03 15

uses RDA 5990P WiFi

In android, under Settings->About Tablet, you will find:
 * Model Number: Q8H
 * Build Number: polaris-eng 4.2.2 JDQ39 20140326 test-keys

= Sunxi support =

Current status
Like all things A23, this hardware is not supported. It is however a prime target for development. For more information, check the Allwinner A23 SoC page.

Manual build specifics

 * For building u-boot, use the "Ippo_q8h" target.
 * The .fex file can be found in sunxi-boards as ippo_q8h_v5.fex

Everything else is the same as the manual build howto.

= Tips, Tricks, Caveats =

FEL mode
The Volume + button triggers FEL mode.

Android ADB access
Standard ADB does not work out of the box. You need to add the vendor id 0x1F3A to the adb usb config file.

Espressif Wireless driver
The linux-rockchip repository has the source code. See Espressif ESP8089.

= Adding a serial port (voids warranty) =



Device disassembly
As is the case with the Q8, it is absolutely trivial to open this device.

The edge of the back cover needs to be pushed to the outside to release the clips. So put the device on its back and insert your plastic tool in the outer edge. Push the outer casing away from the display, and you should soon hear the clips release.

Locating the UART
An obvious serial port is available on the mainboard, to the right of the SoC, between the 2 oscillators. The 2 pads are separately enclosed in white circles. The pad nearer to the SoC is TX, the other is RX.

These pads correspond to PL2/3, which is the R_UART in the SoC. This UART is not listed in the datasheets, however you can find information about it in the A23 SDK sources.

The serial port is not enabled in the stock Android image. Edit the FEX file and set s_uart_used = 1 in the s_uart0 section. The port is then used by the OpenRISC core to dump debug messages. Whether this port can be used by the primary system is still unknown.

= Pictures =

= Also known as =

This hardware is sold under many guises. If it is claimed to be an A13 tablet but with a 4.2.2 android, then chances are that it is an A23 one instead.


 * Q88Pro is a Q8H-V1.0 2014 03 15. It is very poor quality even for Chinese tablet.

= See also =
 * Ippo Q88
 * Eken A70h
 * Inet 86dz d701c, another cheap A23 tablet.