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**Stzo** · 19 April 2016, 22:37

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

I was „lucky enough” to buy this box, and my first impression was very disappointing…
But after a few days of trying different firmwares and reading I have found an almost perfect solution for my needs, and it’s based on UGOOS UT4 original firmware.
Theres no bloatwere inside the original firmware, so almost untouched, but you must have basic firmware update skills to use it.
One more thing: our Z68 is overheating like hell due to the lack of heat sink! Thanks STZO to drew my attention, so first step is to buy a heat sink and put it into the box! Without heat sink our Z68 regularly overheating and freezing, and it's not a software bug (primarily)... For example this is a suitable solution: http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/c...ing-51x19x48mm
And I must say that this is not my firmware, I have no Android programing skills, I’ve only put informations together and let my grey matter to work a little… So my credit goes to Ugoos and everyone who has helped me…

Working:

almost everything including original remote controller (the MUTE button acting as MENU button), WiFi (2,4 and 5GHz also), BlueTooth, HDMI Bitstreem, KODI audio Pass-through (tested with my Pioneer VSX-930 receiver), including DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD

Not working:

Automatic framerate switching in KODI (you must manually switch to desired framerate in settings, or leave it in auto, when I'll find a solution, I will update the thread)
There is no full power off implemented, this box only sleeps when power button pressed, it’s normal
The originally blue led now red…
You name it!

How to install:

All files can be found here in one rar archive:

https://mega.nz/#!oUpzSaZa!7jMTIlZc3...bNKVHHChY95YFU

Connect the Z68 to Windows PC (after installing drivers) in Flash mode. Unrar my files into a directory. In „Ugoos UT4_1.0.1 for Z68” folder you can find AndroidTool.exe, first choose „Firmware Upgrade”, push „Firmware” button and choose ut4_1.0.1.img file. Press „Upgrade” button. After you have finished the installation, reconnect the box in Flash mode, and in AndroidTool select „Download Image”, and unthick everything EXCEPT kernel.img! (If you need TWRP, thick the recovery.img also, it’s optional).
Now connect your box to your TV, and power it on. After first boot you must achive ROOT (can be done in Settings-Ugoos Settings-Install Root) and install root explorer (and you must have a wireless keyboard and mouse to make modifications below).

WiFi fix (2,4GHz and 5GHz works):
1. Enable ROOT on the box if not enabled before (Settings-Ugoos Settings-Install Root)
2. Using xplorer (Root explorer) open root on your box
3. Go to folder /etc/firmware and find nvram_AP6335.txt
4. Rename original nvram_AP6335.txt to nvram_AP6335.txt.orig, or simple delete it
5. Find nvram_AP6330.txt and rename it to nvram_AP6335.txt
6. Reboot your box, and enjoy your fully functional WiFi!

In Android Settings/ Sound Device Manager set output to HDMI Bitstream or SPDIF depending on your sound input.
Kodi Audio Pass-through settings (switch Kodi to Expert Mode):
-Acceleration - Allow hardware acceleration MediaCodec - On
- Allow hardware acceleration RockchipCodec - On
-System - Audio output - Play GUI sounds - Never
-Enable pass-through - On
-Keep audio alive - Of
-DD/DD+/DTS/TrueHD/DTS-HD - On (depending on your receiver's capabilities)

Thats it! I can say that this is the most siutable solution if you want to use this box to play movies. And I don’t care synthetic Antutu and other benchmarks, never measured it.

Hi Pisti7204,

I'm happy that you have successfully installed the heat sink, I did the same with full success. See a photo attached. Otherwise, except the infra remote, blue LED and power off, all functions - including framerate changing in Kodi ! - work with Nagrace firmware too, with the original Z68 kernel. (HD audio I cannot test, unfortunately.) Only the Bluetooth hack by Tsukaza should have executed after the insallation. Bluetooth device can wake it up from sleeping! Sleep power consumption is 0,5W with the factory power supply.
Must say, Nagrace KODI is very well done. Please try it with Ugoos firmware! Do not forget to check librkffplayer.so in the system/lib directory, it must be the same as in the Nagrace (or Zidoo, which is the same) firmware.
I installed Kernel auditor, and set max. clock frequenvcy to 1500MHz (default is 1200 with Z68 kernel.). Antutu score with these combinations is 32000. Average power consumption of the device is 2,5-3W now. Peak value is approx. 6W, but only for short time, during some loading procedures e.g. during boot. I cannot yet figure out how to get back the IR remote function, lack of it is not due to the kernel, for sure.
Regards, STZO

**pisti7204** · 19 April 2016, 23:04

Originally posted by Stzo View Post

Hi Pisti7204,

I'm happy that you have successfully installed the heat sink, I did the same with full success. See a photo attached. Otherwise, except the infra remote, blue LED and power off, all functions - including framerate changing in Kodi ! - work with Nagrace firmware too, with the original Z68 kernel. (HD audio I cannot test, unfortunately.) Only the Bluetooth hack by Tsukaza should have executed after the insallation. Bluetooth device can wake it up from sleeping! Sleep power consumption is 0,5W with the factory power supply.
Must say, Nagrace KODI is very well done. Please try it with Ugoos firmware! Do not forget to check librkffplayer.so in the system/lib directory, it must be the same as in the Nagrace (or Zidoo, which is the same) firmware.
I installed Kernel auditor, and set max. clock frequenvcy to 1500MHz (default is 1200 with Z68 kernel.). Antutu score with these combinations is 32000. Average power consumption of the device is 2,5-3W now. Peak value is approx. 6W, but only for short time, during some loading procedures e.g. during boot. I cannot yet figure out how to get back the IR remote function, lack of it is not due to the kernel, for sure.
Regards, STZO

Hi STZO,

Thanks for sharing your picture, and your solution, I can share the same picture about mine!

I have tried the Nagrace firmware to, but HD audio passthrough was the bottleneck for me...the sound was broken with Z68 kernel. Tried with kernel only and kernel+resurce combo, but no go...
And no one other KODI version work in my hybrid firmware (changed the librkffplayer.so with right permissions every time, tested the Nagrace, SPMC, Zidoo from latest 1.0.36 and 1.0.33 firmware), so it's something Ugoos related, but I have only limited free time for further investigation.
BTW auto framrate changing missing in original UT4 box to, so I have asked them to fix it in next release....

I'm watching only 24p movies with high bitrates and surround sound, so manually set this refresh rate, and I'm happy now!
But on next weekend the show must go on, and I will try other combos I think.

**ontherocks** · 20 April 2016, 09:30

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

HDMI Bitstreem, KODI audio Pass-through (tested with my Pioneer VSX-930 receiver), including DTS-HD Master and Dolby TrueHD, AirPlay in KODI from iTunes (Tested on 2014 MacBook Pro, you must enable it in KODI Settings)

HD audio passthrough finally!! Yay

Thanks for posting this.

**pisti7204** · 20 April 2016, 10:49

Originally posted by ontherocks View Post

HD audio passthrough finally!! Yay

Thanks for posting this.

I'm happy if I helped you!

**trebor** · 20 April 2016, 12:16

Well Done
Yet to put it in, will next day or say
Cheers

**ontherocks** · 20 April 2016, 17:28

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

Connect the Z68 to Windows PC (after installing drivers) in Flash mode.

Do I need any special cable to connect the Z68 to PC (e.g. male to male USB cable)?

**Stzo** · 20 April 2016, 17:31

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

Hi STZO,

Thanks for sharing your picture, and your solution, I can share the same picture about mine!

I have tried the Nagrace firmware to, but HD audio passthrough was the bottleneck for me...the sound was broken with Z68 kernel. Tried with kernel only and kernel+resurce combo, but no go...
And no one other KODI version work in my hybrid firmware (changed the librkffplayer.so with right permissions every time, tested the Nagrace, SPMC, Zidoo from latest 1.0.36 and 1.0.33 firmware), so it's something Ugoos related, but I have only limited free time for further investigation.
BTW auto framrate changing missing in original UT4 box to, so I have asked them to fix it in next release....

I'm watching only 24p movies with high bitrates and surround sound, so manually set this refresh rate, and I'm happy now!
But on next weekend the show must go on, and I will try other combos I think.

Hi Pisti7204,

If no auto-framerate either in the original Ugoos fw, then should be worth waiting for the next upgrade, you're right. However, together with the kernel, I flashed the boot back as well, I forgot to tell it before. But as I remember, changing the boot made no any enhancement. Resource practically contains the boot logo only, I use my own one, so don't change it any time.
Btw.: did you test the LAN and Wifi speeds? I have no more than 20Mbits via LAN, and 5-6 Mbits via Wifi. (The later has 65Mbit nominal connection value.) Do you play the movies from a local HDD on the USB, or from a LAN NAS? I store everything on a network storage, so LAN speed is an important parameter for me.
Another question: can you get multichannel audio from the online sources too? Online movies produce only stereo sound for me, not only with Z68, but with my Tronsmart R68 as well.
Thanks again, STZO

**Stzo** · 20 April 2016, 17:37

Originally posted by ontherocks View Post

Do I need any special cable to connect the Z68 to PC (e.g. male to male USB cable)?

Yes, you need a USB male-to-male cable, and press and hold reset button before you connect the cable. You have to use USB/OTG port. Do not connect the power supply, the PC will power Z68. This cable is not standard, the internal connection is uncertain, so you may get one which will not connect them together. If so, probably you need to cross-change the two data wires inside the cable (pin 2-3).
STZO

**pisti7204** · 20 April 2016, 20:40

Originally posted by Stzo View Post

Hi Pisti7204,

If no auto-framerate either in the original Ugoos fw, then should be worth waiting for the next upgrade, you're right. However, together with the kernel, I flashed the boot back as well, I forgot to tell it before. But as I remember, changing the boot made no any enhancement. Resource practically contains the boot logo only, I use my own one, so don't change it any time.
Btw.: did you test the LAN and Wifi speeds? I have no more than 20Mbits via LAN, and 5-6 Mbits via Wifi. (The later has 65Mbit nominal connection value.) Do you play the movies from a local HDD on the USB, or from a LAN NAS? I store everything on a network storage, so LAN speed is an important parameter for me.
Another question: can you get multichannel audio from the online sources too? Online movies produce only stereo sound for me, not only with Z68, but with my Tronsmart R68 as well.
Thanks again, STZO

Hi STZO,

I hope Ugoos will release an update soon, I must wait and hope that they can solve this problem (like other manufacturers did)...In the maintime i can use my player in current state.

Yes, I did a LAN and WiFi SMB speedtest, and the results: LAN upload: 35.96 Mbit/s, LAN download: 33.44 Mbit/s, WiFi (5GHz) upload: 7,8 Mbit/s, WiFi download only 5.6 Mbit/s
My test program was: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...edtester&hl=en
I play movies from my HP Microserver Gen8, connected to a TP-Link Archer C7 router (Gigabit LAN connection).
Despite the poor speedtest results I can play >25 GB MKV files without any problem,
I will test online videos later for you, i.e. Netflix, OK? But I think I will end in stereo, I dont think so that Netflix implemented Rockchip support in his player...

**ontherocks** · 21 April 2016, 02:09

Originally posted by Stzo View Post

Yes, you need a USB male-to-male cable, and press and hold reset button before you connect the cable. You have to use USB/OTG port. Do not connect the power supply, the PC will power Z68. This cable is not standard, the internal connection is uncertain, so you may get one which will not connect them together. If so, probably you need to cross-change the two data wires inside the cable (pin 2-3).
STZO

Thanks. That was clear and precise.

BTW, how do you open the cover, I mean where are are screws or clips located? A picture will be great.

**pisti7204** · 21 April 2016, 11:34

You can open the box with a screwdriver, there is 4 screws on the bottom below the self-adhesive rubber circles. I'm working now so I can't attach picture, sorry

**Stzo** · 21 April 2016, 16:17

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

Hi STZO,

I hope Ugoos will release an update soon, I must wait and hope that they can solve this problem (like other manufacturers did)...In the maintime i can use my player in current state.

Yes, I did a LAN and WiFi SMB speedtest, and the results: LAN upload: 35.96 Mbit/s, LAN download: 33.44 Mbit/s, WiFi (5GHz) upload: 7,8 Mbit/s, WiFi download only 5.6 Mbit/s
My test program was: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...edtester&hl=en
I play movies from my HP Microserver Gen8, connected to a TP-Link Archer C7 router (Gigabit LAN connection).
Despite the poor speedtest results I can play >25 GB MKV files without any problem,
I will test online videos later for you, i.e. Netflix, OK? But I think I will end in stereo, I dont think so that Netflix implemented Rockchip support in his player...

Hi Again,

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your system! I also use gigabit NAS (Zyxel) router (Fritzbox) and switch, and tested the system with the same software. Since this software does not recognize the gigabit lan connection (shows 100Mbit only), I'm not sure the lan speed results are perfectly correct. Anyway, your results are better than of my system, so I'll try to check the cable. (My other directions in the path are 10-20 times faster.) Wifi is O.K., real speed highly depends on the distance and the field strength. (Just for the fun: I tested Tronsmart AP6335 module with an AC wifi router, and could have 488Mbit indicated connection speed at 5 GHz. Must say, distance was 1-2m only between the router and the box.)

I checked some online movies that are stated having 5.1 sound, but came out only stereo from the boxes. I'm not sure, however, that these movies really included the multichannel audio.
Best regards, STZO

**pisti7204** · 21 April 2016, 17:02

Originally posted by Stzo View Post

Hi Again,

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your system! I also use gigabit NAS (Zyxel) router (Fritzbox) and switch, and tested the system with the same software. Since this software does not recognize the gigabit lan connection (shows 100Mbit only), I'm not sure the lan speed results are perfectly correct. Anyway, your results are better than of my system, so I'll try to check the cable. (My other directions in the path are 10-20 times faster.) Wifi is O.K., real speed highly depends on the distance and the field strength. (Just for the fun: I tested Tronsmart AP6335 module with an AC wifi router, and could have 488Mbit indicated connection speed at 5 GHz. Must say, distance was 1-2m only between the router and the box.)

I checked some online movies that are stated having 5.1 sound, but came out only stereo from the boxes. I'm not sure, however, that these movies really included the multichannel audio.
Best regards, STZO

I have the same result: Netflix native Android app only stereo... And I have tested Plex to, but with base configuration no sound at all... I had to select native Android video player in settings, and with that i have surround sound in Plex to.

Bad news: with only stereo avi sources the sound is crackling sometimes in Kodi with this setup. So if anybody want to use this box to play low bitrate movies with stereo sound, must try other setup. But it's no problem for me, the HD audio in MKV's are perfect. I added this bug to my first post also....

**ontherocks** · 25 April 2016, 06:25

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

After you have finished the installation, reconnect the box in Flash mode, and in AndroidTool select „Download Image”, and unthick everything EXCEPT kernel.img!

Got stuck at this step. Wasn't sure which button to click in "Download Image" tab. Then took the plunge and clicked "Run".
Was able to boot to Ugoos

.
Now remains the Wifi part

Originally posted by pisti7204 View Post

WiFi fix (2,4GHz and 5GHz works):
1. Enable ROOT on the box if not enabled before (Settings-Ugoos Settings-Install Root)
2. Using xplorer (Root explorer) open root on your box

Root explorer isn't pre installed....is it?

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