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=Linux flash tool guide=Introduction== This This document will guide you through the necessary steps needed to flash your Gemini with Linux or Android OS.
'''Please note: <span style="color: #ff0000;">Flashing Android or Linux will delete any user data on the device. Please make sure you have a backup of any important data before starting!</span>'''
<div style="text-align: justify;"> Note'''Important Note: <span style="color: #ff0000;">please don’t use other tools to install Linux on a Gemini as it’s easy to loose key information such as IMEI. In particular, never use the “Format all + download“ option in the SP Flash Tool as this erases key information stored in the NVRAM partition and can lead to a non-functional device.</span>'''</div>
Once downloaded, unzip the archive. You will find a folder called '''Driver_Auto_Installer_v1.1236.00FlashToolDrivers''', open the folder and double click on the '''Install''' file. Allow the installation to complete by clicking Yes when asked to make changes.
==Download and install flash tool==
Now that the drivers have been installed, we can download the flash tool. You will also need a firmware to flash, either Linux or Android. You can find the flash tool, alongside with the current available Linux versions here: [http://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Linux_Support http://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Linux_Support]
Once downloaded please unzip both the flash tool and the firmware. Next, run the flash tool by double clicking on '''flash_tool''' in the '''FlashTool''' folder. The software will initially complain that he cannot find the scatter file. Use the choose button as in the following screenshot to load the scatter file that you will find inside the downloaded firmware.
[[File:flash1.png]]
==Backup the NVRAM partition==
Before flashing the device with a different firmware it is a good idea to backup the current NVRAM partition. This partition stores key information for your Gemini, including the IMEI number. If it gets lost or damaged, your Gemini will not be able to take or receive calls.
==Flashing the Gemini with an alternative firmware==
Be sure to follow the previous step to store a copy of the NVRAM partition as backup. Now, run the Flash tool software and click on the '''Download''' tab. Next, locate the '''Scatter-loading File''' option and click on the associated '''choose''' '''button''', as highlighted in the picture below:
Now, open the firmware folder from the firmware zip file you downloaded and select the scatter file. The table should be populated as below:
[[File:flash2.png]]
==Linux dual boot notes==
The dual boot mechanism works as follow:
* If you restart the machine your Gemini normally (i.e. no special key is pressed), then Android will bootstart.* If you To start in recovery mode, keep press pressed the Esc (On) button for a long time when restarting key until the machine, then the Gemini will start in Recovery modescreen turns ON.* To boot Linux, restart the machine while keeping keep pressed the side button. You can release the side button when key until the screen turns ON.
