Pretty disappointed in my first stick: The MK908. We're my expectations too high?

scirio · Jun 26, 2013

Always wanted a Android Mini PC to use on my living room TV for quick streaming, browsing and possibly for XBMC. With my interst growing and XBMC getting very stable on Android I went for the Tronsmart MK908. I assumed based solely on the model number that it was a better MK808... still not sure it isn't, but anyway.

First thing I did was instal Finless 1.5. Looks great on my 60" Visio in 1080p. Lodaded a decent build of XBMC but the damn little thing overheats and shuts off. Lasts about 10-15 minutes tops once XBMC is running. I've got it plugged in to the TV's USB port for power.

I con't get a bluetooth keyboard to work with it. It pairs but the keys do nothing. (Kensington Slimblade Bluetooth model)

Running in 720p doesn't help with overheating. This thing gets HOTT. Were my expectations too high for this little device?

It feels like more of a experiment or tinkerers toy. I've seen others gut it and add bulging heatsinks, adding fans, changing the enclosure (liek a cigar box with fans etc) and to me these changes completely defeat the purpose of a small hdmi dongle sized android pc and makes the clunky hard to transport.

Thoughts?

N10AP · Jun 26, 2013

Remember these things are built to a price. But you should still expect a decent level of functionality. I suggest under clocking it and put fans on it in a different case. A case of buyer beware if there are a lot of devices like this. Research and gather others opinions on these devices prior to purchase...

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

ragesoss · Jun 26, 2013

You should try a different power supply. Received wisdom is that cheap ones that come with sticks often cause freeze or shutdown because of the dynamic current load. Use a name-brand one with 1.5 amp capacity or more if you can, but even a 1 amp phone charger will probably be more stable than the included charger.

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neoal · Jun 26, 2013

ragesoss said:
You should try a different power supply. Received wisdom is that cheap ones that come with sticks often cause freeze or shutdown because of the dynamic current load. Use a name-brand one with 1.5 amp capacity or more if you can, but even a 1 amp phone charger will probably be more stable than the included charger.

Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app

You are right man the only problem that i see here too is the power supply, a usb port on the tv usually outputs only 0.5 amp while the minimum for this quad core is 2 amp. It might work with a good 1 amp power supply but only for main tasks but if you want to see movies in full hd or play games you'll need a lot more than that.

scootincivic · Jun 27, 2013

Agreed. Use the included power supply. It's packaged for a reason.

NixZero · Jun 27, 2013

scootincivic said:
Agreed. Use the included power supply. It's packaged for a reason.

actually most chinese minipc sells with extremely underpowered power supplies, they write "2A" or such on them but if you test them they really are just 0.5a or 0.75a
as for tv you shoud check your tv manual, some have low power usb ports that are rated only for usb memory sticks, others have powered usb ports rated for unpowered usb hd.
only the latter kind can juice a minipc - sometimes TV have more than one usb port but only one is hd-rated.

ragesoss · Jun 27, 2013

Yeah, I suggest throwing away the included supply. One thing recommended on Freaktab is to buy a PSVita charger (1.5a, ~$10 on Amazon). You have to cut out a bit of plastic for regular USB cables to fit. I got one recently and have had no freezes or reboots since on my mk808b.

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scootincivic · Jun 27, 2013

NixZero said:
actually most chinese minipc sells with extremely underpowered power supplies, they write "2A" or such on them but if you test them they really are just 0.5a or 0.75a

.
Not starting a war here however that's very true true & customers must be aware of this. However I must of been one of the lucky ones as my adapter is pushing 2Amps at 5.1V +/-.5...

Hell I dished out almost a bill for this device the least we can all receive is hardware that's correct from our supplier..

Agreed towards the powered USB within tvs.. Highest Amp rating I seen was on a Samsung model & that was only pushing 1.34Amps.. Nor was it constant as the Amp readings would fluctuate during input presses via remote or on the telly itself via hard key.

Power blocks are key & this device needs every little bit of at least 1.5Amps & even at times that's not enough..

Neoprimal · Jul 29, 2013

I had a similar issue with my 908. I didn't use the one that came with it because the metal contact on the usb port looked was rusted.
Instead I tried the adapter for my Nexus 4, which is supposed to be a 5v 1a / 2a variable but it froze playing Captain America on Netflix.
I then tried it with my old Nexus 7 [Tegra 3] adapter which is a 5v 2a and it worked perfectly - played the entire movie, no issues (at 1920x1080p @ 60fps). In essence, I do think that whoever buys this stick needs to pick up a 5a 2a solid - no variable chargers. Also, I'd highly recommend not bothering with the wifi on it. Grab a 10/100 or 10/100/1000 ethernet stick and use that.

Good Luck.

solnyshok · Aug 2, 2013

xbmc overheating

I have read that XBMC has no hardware acceleration on those RK... processors. You need to use alternative video player like MX Player or BS Player.

lewy20041 · Aug 6, 2013

latest nightles have libstagefrigt hw accel integrated and its working quite good on rockchip devices.

scirio · Aug 16, 2013

lewy20041 said:
latest nightles have libstagefrigt hw accel integrated and its working quite good on rockchip devices.

Got a link?

lewy20041 · Aug 16, 2013

http://mirrors.xbmc.org/nightlies/android/

butirog · Aug 18, 2013

What were ur initial expectations btw?

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---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:16 PM ----------

butirog said:
What were ur initial expectations btw?

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My bad didnt get the first page. We used to sell something with a unit with the same specs they are right your power source is not providing enough juice. Especially ur using a tv usb that usually have 500mA. Try getting a usb charger thats got at least 2A. And android sticks nirmally runs hot though.

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vlevi · Aug 19, 2013

lewy20041 said:
latest nightles have libstagefrigt hw accel integrated and its working quite good on rockchip devices.

I've tried these nightly xbmc versions months before. It is hw accelerated, because, instead of xbmc' it uses mx player for video playing.
So, it means, you can use mx player directly, you get the same reaults.
But i prefer vondershare player. But it has problems with subtitles.

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drinkypoo · Aug 23, 2013

The nightlies didn't have libsf very many months ago, though libsf alphas were in the nightly directory. Now all nightlies have libsf support.

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Lummix · Aug 27, 2013

Power Supply/Charger

People who posted "Get a better power supply/charger", which 2amp charger would be ideal?

Kameo · Aug 29, 2013

All main issues (reboot and/or shutdown) are related to the power supply, it's a matter of fact the shipped power adapter sucks.
Some people advised to get the Ipad one, any 2/2.4A one will do the job: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-OEM...ader_Chargers_Sync_Cables&hash=item3f264c673d

Pretty disappointed in my first stick: The MK908. We're my expectations too high?

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