Troubleshooting & Known Bugs: Difference between revisions

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'''How To Re-flash your Retroid OS.'''
Troubleshooting methods, FAQs, knowledge, and known bugs.


Notes before we get started: Here is the link source folder for the files you need to re-flash your Retroid OS should you mess up the Retroarch configs or for whatever reason (https://mega.nz/folder/FQsRGbYD#rMLsoUxaZEIFnt0l6EseJA).
__TOC__


The edit: If for whatever reason you switch default usb drivers on your PC. You will reach a point in this process where you hit download and connect your device but nothing happens. the reason for this is because of your USB Drivers. My fix is to download this https://developer.android.com/studio then install it and run it once, as soon as you see a pop up close it and try the re-flash process once more. it should work this time. I recommend this option because it is less complex than installing drivers and running the risk of not having the correct drivers for the device. this method is tried and true although the download will take a while, you'll be download all available drivers for android usb debugging which are essential. Once you flash you can feel free to delete android studio as you will no longer need for this. for a link to the drivers visit the discord page ( https://discord.gg/abHg8uZ )
== Hardware Issues ==


Begin Tutorial:
=== D-Pad ===
Guide to Re-Flashing a Retroid Pocket 2


==== My D-pad rattles in its socket ====


If your initial emulators were somehow corrupted, you made changes that you can’t revert or deleted software you can’t get back, re-flashing may be necessary. Before anything else you’ll want to backup all saves and save states from emulators you have used. I won’t be going over how to do that in this write-up but another sure! Or just ask people in our amazing Discord chat. Also, I want to Let’s get started!
Your dpad issue may be due to the motherboard screw next to the dpad being slightly too loose. Tighten one quarter turn.


Go to the https://mega.nz/folder/FQsRGbYD#rMLsoUxaZEIFnt0l6EseJA to download the zip file containing everything you will need. When you first come to this page you should see a button on the top right that says “Download as Zip”.
==== My D-pad is too stiff ====


2. After the download completes, extract the zip.
Your dpad issue may be due to the motherboard screw next to the dpad being slightly too tight. Loosen one quarter turn.


3. Open the newly extracted folder and navigate to the SP_Flash_Tool_exe_Windows_v5.1832.00.000 directory and open flash_tool.exe.
=== Thumbsticks ===


Note: If you have any anti-virus software, now would be a good time to disable it for a bit, how to do that depends on what you’re using, but most have a “disable for – minutes” option.
==== Why does my right thumbstick feel sticky? ====
If you own a Blue, Pink, or Orange from the beta batch, most likely your right stick is a little close to the shell, the fix is luckily pretty simple: Pop the cap off and add 2 tiny pieces of paper under joystick for smoother movement.


4. When the flash tool first opens, it looks pretty daunting but don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to setup. At this point it’s important to make sure that your Retroid Pocket 2 is OFF and NOT CONNECTED to your computer.
==== Why does my left thumbstick make a clicking sound? ====
If you own a beta batch unit, your left stick most likely has a notable clicking sound as you move it around, this fix means rolling up your sleeves, opening the shell, and [https://www.reddit.com/r/retroid/comments/iibfud/left_stick_fixteardown_walkthrough/ making a modification].


5. You should see “Download Agent” as the top editable box with the word “choose on the right side. Click “choose” and navigate to the MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin file located in the SP_Flash_Tool_exe_Windows_v5.1832.00.000 directory.
=== Battery ===


6. Below that you’ll see an editable field called “Scatter-loading File”, once again, click “Choose” to the right of this. For this file, navigate back to the root of the folder you extracted, go to the Images directory and select MT6580_Format_All_scatter.txt.
==== Why does my RP2 shut down when the battery still has plenty of power? Why does my RP2 take forever to recharge? ====


7. At this point, a bunch of green and white rows should have appeared with their boxes checked on the left side. Uncheck every box EXCEPT FOR userdata and system. (ignore the directory paths in the photo for the checked rows).
Currently (September 2020), software installed on the RP2 at the factory is working with an incorrect battery capacity value. As a result, the power usage estimation algorithms (and therefore the battery meter) are not working properly. They should be taken as a rough estimate at best. Also, the RP2 is currently set to automatically shut down when remaining power capacity reaches 15%. This is fixed to a lower value (7%) in the new firmware.


8. If everything looks right, click download on the top left. This will put your computer in stand-by mode, waiting for a device to be connected. Once again, make sure your Retroid Pocket 2 is off and your saves are backed up!
=== Screen ===


Now plug it into your computer and you should see a progress bar at the bottom start moving. If you don't see this bar happen don't panic. You're RPV2 will show a battery drained symbol then the amount of battery you actually have, you'll hear an audible click then wait a few seconds (5 max) unplug and power on the device.
==== Why does my RP2 have lightbleed? ====


You can choose to find and download Android USB Drivers either individually by OEM or if you can find a pack. or the safest bet is to download Android Studio from https://developer.android.com/studio.
Some people will notice a little bit of light bleed in the lower left or lower right of their screen. The amount of left side bleed can be influenced by the different RP2 plastic colors.


This is a big download so be patient. once it's downloaded install it, run it once and as soon as something pops up you can go ahead and close it, the drivers will already be installed (it will prompt you to install more things after you finish the first install wizard, no need to do that just close the program).
Lightbleed may also be fixed by pushing down lightly on the screen in all 4 corners, to confirm its seated firmly. To further fix this, open your RP2 and look for the lower left motherboard screw when open from the rear of the unit, this screw is most likely a bit too tight from the factory. Loosening this screw one half turn will relieve pressure and reduce light-bleed issues.


Once you're done flashing you can delete Android studio from your computer as it takes quite a lot of space.
== Software Issues ==


9. Once this is finished the screen will display this image.
=== Micro SD Card Errors ===
==== Why does my computer tell me that my micro SD card needs to be repaired very time I connect it? Why can't any Android emulators find my games after I switch to RetroidOS and then back? ====
It seems that due to the way that RetroidOS works on the RP2, you should format your micro SD card as "exFAT" format. The 32GB micro SD card which comes with the RP2 is already formatted this way, but many new micro SD cards come out of the package formatted as "FAT32". Using a FAT32-formatted micro SD card doesn't seem to cause any problems for RetroidOS, but any non-RetroidOS files stored on the same card may become damaged or inaccessible after using RetroidOS. Using a micro SD card formatted as "exFAT" appears to avoid these issues.


10. At this point, it’s safe to unplug your Retroid Pocket 2 and power it on. The first boot will take a while and when it boots into the OS, you’ll have to wait for it to install all of the emulator APKs. Also, the main screens resolution may be distorted, wait a minute and it will auto correct. Once everything has finished installing, restart the system once and you’ll be good to go. Enjoy!
=== Emulation (RetroidOS) ===
Remember to uninstall Android studio at this point if you no longer have any other needs for it.


----------------------------------------------
==== How do I add my own games to RetroidOS? ====
Re-written by @KaoShade92, with thanks to the original author @Jecklen, assistance from @Dsachs420, and file hosting by @TotallyTerry.
See the guide here: [[Getting_Started#Adding_your_own_ROMs_to_RetroidOS|Adding your own ROMs to RetroidOS]].
Or a video version from here: https://youtu.be/mKiNBiiaH4g
 
=== Emulation (Retroarch) ===
==== How do I delete a core from Retroarch? ====
You can find a guide to deleting a core from Reroarch [[A_Brief_Guide_to_Retroarch#Deleting_a_Core_From_Retroarch|here]].
Or a video version from here: https://youtu.be/mKiNBiiaH4g
==== In the PCSX Rearmed core, controls don't seem to work for some or all games. ====
Manually install the PCSX ReArmed core from [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UW0Hc-sktO8Cv7nL7Y_6p13zJu3cbHU6/view?usp=sharing/ this link] by placing it on your device and navigating to it with Load Core > Install or Restore a Core.
 
==== My right stick isn't working/acts strangely/is set to -3. ====
On your RP2, navigate to SDCard > Android > data > com.retroarch > files and open retroarch.cfg. Change the line input_player_1_r_y_plus_axis from -3 to +3.
==== How do I know which cores need which bios? ====
In Retroarch, navigate to Options > User Interface > Views and set Show information to on. Now, load the core in question and navigate to the newly added Information > Core Information and look under firmwares. Do note that these BIOS files must be named as indicated here.
==== How do I pull up the Quick Menu? ====
Before loading a game, navigate to Options > Input > Hotkey Binds > Menu Toggle Gamepad Combo
==== How do I remove/edit the FPS Counter? ====
Before loading a game, navigate to Options > Onscreen Display > Onscreen Notifications > Display Framerate/Frame Count. You can also change the size, location, and color here.
==== A is cancel and B is confirm in Retroarch's menu. Can I switch that? ====
Navigate to Options > Input > Menu Controls > Menu Swap OK & Cancel Buttons
==== I can't find my roms! ====
Navigate to Options > Directory and change File Browser to your ROMs folder. Now if you use Load Content, it will automatically jump to this location.
 
=== Emulation (Stand-alone) ===
 
==== Why doesn't my d-pad work in some emulators? ====
If you can't map the RP2's d-pad to the controller d-pad in Mupen64Plus FZ, make sure that in the Toolbox app the '[[Getting_Started#Joystick_Mode_Toggle|Joystick mode toggle]]' setting is NOT on 'Retroarch' mode. This should fix that issue. See here for more details: [[Getting_Started#Joystick_Mode_Toggle]]. Also, be sure to turn tv mode navigation on in Mupen64Plus FZ under Settings->Input->Accessibility->Menu Navigation Mode->Big Screen Mode.

Latest revision as of 18:07, 12 May 2021

Troubleshooting methods, FAQs, knowledge, and known bugs.

Hardware Issues[edit]

D-Pad[edit]

My D-pad rattles in its socket[edit]

Your dpad issue may be due to the motherboard screw next to the dpad being slightly too loose. Tighten one quarter turn.

My D-pad is too stiff[edit]

Your dpad issue may be due to the motherboard screw next to the dpad being slightly too tight. Loosen one quarter turn.

Thumbsticks[edit]

Why does my right thumbstick feel sticky?[edit]

If you own a Blue, Pink, or Orange from the beta batch, most likely your right stick is a little close to the shell, the fix is luckily pretty simple: Pop the cap off and add 2 tiny pieces of paper under joystick for smoother movement.

Why does my left thumbstick make a clicking sound?[edit]

If you own a beta batch unit, your left stick most likely has a notable clicking sound as you move it around, this fix means rolling up your sleeves, opening the shell, and making a modification.

Battery[edit]

Why does my RP2 shut down when the battery still has plenty of power? Why does my RP2 take forever to recharge?[edit]

Currently (September 2020), software installed on the RP2 at the factory is working with an incorrect battery capacity value. As a result, the power usage estimation algorithms (and therefore the battery meter) are not working properly. They should be taken as a rough estimate at best. Also, the RP2 is currently set to automatically shut down when remaining power capacity reaches 15%. This is fixed to a lower value (7%) in the new firmware.

Screen[edit]

Why does my RP2 have lightbleed?[edit]

Some people will notice a little bit of light bleed in the lower left or lower right of their screen. The amount of left side bleed can be influenced by the different RP2 plastic colors.

Lightbleed may also be fixed by pushing down lightly on the screen in all 4 corners, to confirm its seated firmly. To further fix this, open your RP2 and look for the lower left motherboard screw when open from the rear of the unit, this screw is most likely a bit too tight from the factory. Loosening this screw one half turn will relieve pressure and reduce light-bleed issues.

Software Issues[edit]

Micro SD Card Errors[edit]

Why does my computer tell me that my micro SD card needs to be repaired very time I connect it? Why can't any Android emulators find my games after I switch to RetroidOS and then back?[edit]

It seems that due to the way that RetroidOS works on the RP2, you should format your micro SD card as "exFAT" format. The 32GB micro SD card which comes with the RP2 is already formatted this way, but many new micro SD cards come out of the package formatted as "FAT32". Using a FAT32-formatted micro SD card doesn't seem to cause any problems for RetroidOS, but any non-RetroidOS files stored on the same card may become damaged or inaccessible after using RetroidOS. Using a micro SD card formatted as "exFAT" appears to avoid these issues.

Emulation (RetroidOS)[edit]

How do I add my own games to RetroidOS?[edit]

See the guide here: Adding your own ROMs to RetroidOS. Or a video version from here: https://youtu.be/mKiNBiiaH4g

Emulation (Retroarch)[edit]

How do I delete a core from Retroarch?[edit]

You can find a guide to deleting a core from Reroarch here. Or a video version from here: https://youtu.be/mKiNBiiaH4g

In the PCSX Rearmed core, controls don't seem to work for some or all games.[edit]

Manually install the PCSX ReArmed core from this link by placing it on your device and navigating to it with Load Core > Install or Restore a Core.

My right stick isn't working/acts strangely/is set to -3.[edit]

On your RP2, navigate to SDCard > Android > data > com.retroarch > files and open retroarch.cfg. Change the line input_player_1_r_y_plus_axis from -3 to +3.

How do I know which cores need which bios?[edit]

In Retroarch, navigate to Options > User Interface > Views and set Show information to on. Now, load the core in question and navigate to the newly added Information > Core Information and look under firmwares. Do note that these BIOS files must be named as indicated here.

How do I pull up the Quick Menu?[edit]

Before loading a game, navigate to Options > Input > Hotkey Binds > Menu Toggle Gamepad Combo

How do I remove/edit the FPS Counter?[edit]

Before loading a game, navigate to Options > Onscreen Display > Onscreen Notifications > Display Framerate/Frame Count. You can also change the size, location, and color here.

A is cancel and B is confirm in Retroarch's menu. Can I switch that?[edit]

Navigate to Options > Input > Menu Controls > Menu Swap OK & Cancel Buttons

I can't find my roms![edit]

Navigate to Options > Directory and change File Browser to your ROMs folder. Now if you use Load Content, it will automatically jump to this location.

Emulation (Stand-alone)[edit]

Why doesn't my d-pad work in some emulators?[edit]

If you can't map the RP2's d-pad to the controller d-pad in Mupen64Plus FZ, make sure that in the Toolbox app the 'Joystick mode toggle' setting is NOT on 'Retroarch' mode. This should fix that issue. See here for more details: Getting_Started#Joystick_Mode_Toggle. Also, be sure to turn tv mode navigation on in Mupen64Plus FZ under Settings->Input->Accessibility->Menu Navigation Mode->Big Screen Mode.