[ROM] Mecool M8S Pro L TVStock Nexus ROM (Android TV 7.1)

[Guest]

• On option Powerkey Definition change "Sleep Now" to "Shutdown". This will force you to get accustomed to "new function" of the power key. This way you will only use the key to turn the unit off.

Yeah, I should probably set the Power button to shut down by default until VideoStrong fixes that bug.

[sweetnonso]

Changelog (20171202):

• Updated to latest M8S Pro L OEM firmware (20171127.165619.V0928)
• Added local update and backup option from Settings->About->System update based on Amlogic stock OTAUpgrade app.
• Latest build from Open GApps (20171202)

Known Bugs:

• Wake from sleep will usually result in a restart. This seems to be a bug in the underlying OEM firmware.
• Google Cast service broadcasts and is discoverable from mobile devices, but usually quits unexpectedly when connected.

Download:

• TVStock Variant: BURN PACKAGE (997MB IMG file), OTA UPDATE (528MB ZIP file)

I have rooted this rom with magisk, will this update work, or am i at risk of a soft brick?

[Yugo79]

How can I connect the pro L to the Burning tool if it does not have the reset button? The tool does not detect it despite the drivers installed manually.

Hit Start when you have the image loaded in USB Burning Tool, boot the device normally, connect the USB cable to the USB OTG port, and then type "reboot update" from a terminal window. The WorldCup driver should then detect the box and the flash will automatically commence.

Yeah, I know it's a PITA, but it shouldn't be necessary after VideoStrong updates the bootloader to support automatic detection without the reset switch, just like it works on most other Amlogic firmware.

[Yugo79]

I have rooted this rom with magisk, will this update work, or am i at risk of a soft brick?

My beelink is bricked with the zip ote, having Magisk installed. I would advise you to remove Magisk first

[Guest]

So, has anyone had any more system hangs or reboots with this new 20171127.165619.V0928 firmware?

[Yugo79]

So, has anyone had any more system hangs or reboots with this new 20171127.165619.V0928 firmware?

Thank you so much for your reply in the previous message. I am still at that of 20171109. I must first put your advice into practice and see if the tool detects it.

[sweetnonso]

After this latest update, my box isn't seeing my usb when go to the local OTA, any thing i can do to make it work please?

I just tested it and it seems to be working fine for me. Have you formatted the USB flash drive as FAT or FAT32?

And remember to NOT unpack the .ZIP file. The system update app is looking for the archive itself, not its contents.

[Jancales]

I read lots of reports that M8S Pro L has overheating issues on stock ROM.

Does this firmware solves those issues?

This custom ROM is basically just another set of apps running on the same OEM firmware, so I wouldn't expect any difference in thermals.

[Jancales]

Thanks for your honest response, what is your own experience with the temperature handling on this device, without extreme modifications like drilling holes and attaching fans?

I would really like to purchase this box for it's spec and price, but I worry about the heat issue reports.

Though I learned already that sometimes those reports are bit overdone.

Well, I haven't had any problems, but it's the winter here in Seattle and I use it for pretty basic tasks. It does run at least 60°C for me, though, even when idle.

[Jancales]

Would the M8S Pro S912 be a better choice, as I notice you have a similar rom for that one?

That said, in the past few months I have played with Z69 and M96X Max and Iron S905x as well as the Vorke Z6 S912, and all of them ran 80°C after watching a 90 minute movie in Kodi, but with the right ROM there is no buffering or visible issues, and the temperature was maintained at that level.

Some of the devices fluctuate the frame rate up and down between 60 and 40 - 50 to maintain that temperature, but I don't think that is a problem as it doesn't affect the viewing of the movie or stream as far as I'm aware.

I have seen this question asked many time already, but never seen answered, but could we assume that these chips can actually handle that temperature without extreme consequences?

I understand that high temperature will always decrease the life expectancy of the processor, but at the end of the day, after maximum 2 years those boxes are so outdated that they need replacing anyway.

You can actually install my latest Nexus GT1 custom ROMs on this box to try it out, but you'll need a tweak to the device tree for Ethernet to work. I'd be interested to hear your results.

UPDATE: Okay, I take that back. The GT1 ROM won't install on the M8S Pro L, but it will on the M8S Pro. However, I imagine the thermal analysis will apply for both, since they're so similar.

[Jancales]

What's the main difference between this rom and the Nexus GT1 ? With this box, do you mean the Pro L or the Pro?

But as a knowledgeable and and experienced ROM developer I would appreciate your opinion if these chips actually can handle 80°C

All three are based on the same Amlogic q201 reference board, so they're practically identical. The OEM configuration options include only DRAM/eMMC config, wireless chipset, IR remote controller, and an optional LED status display.

I'm not a hardware guy, though, so I don't know the S912 SoC thermal limits or tolerances.

[psppsp]

Thanks for your great work Magendanz!

I was hoping for some advice on how to update.
I am running the old version changelog (20171115) which was updated via update local OTA update from USB drive.
I want to update to the new version Changelog (20171202), but when I go to update it just says system up to date, no option for local update or OTA update.
The file is a zip file and on a FAT32 USB which worked last time - but there is no option to select this.
How should I update?

[gianni281]

Hi All.
I've gone through the forum and seen quite a few Youtube videos regarding this great ROM Guest has created.
I've received my box today and looking to install this ROM as the stock firmware that came with the device is not all that good.
All the guides I've seen require the use of the Burn Package and the USB Burning tool. Is this the best way to switch over to this ROM from stock?

I'm I able to apply the ROM using the latest OTA.zip file and doing a local update? I see on the changelog for 20171127.165619.V0928 that Guest added local update and backup option from Settings->About->System update.

I don't really want to risk damaging/bricking my new device and I'm looking for some advice.
The other option is using the BootcardMaker v2.0.0.2 to place the update on an SD Card but I haven't seen any instructions on flashing the update from the SD Card.
I don't have a Male-Male USB cable available to use the USB Burning tool which is why I'm looking at alternative methods.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks guys.

[tombraga]

Hi All.
I've gone through the forum and seen quite a few Youtube videos regarding this great ROM Guest has created.
I've received my box today and looking to install this ROM as the stock firmware that came with the device is not all that good.
All the guides I've seen require the use of the Burn Package and the USB Burning tool. Is this the best way to switch over to this ROM from stock?

I'm I able to apply the ROM using the latest OTA.zip file and doing a local update? I see on the changelog for 20171127.165619.V0928 that Guest added local update and backup option from Settings->About->System update.

I don't really want to risk damaging/bricking my new device and I'm looking for some advice.
The other option is using the BootcardMaker v2.0.0.2 to place the update on an SD Card but I haven't seen any instructions on flashing the update from the SD Card.
I don't have a Male-Male USB cable available to use the USB Burning tool which is why I'm looking at alternative methods.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks guys.

I made similar questions to Guest for the same box but non-TV version, the simple Android-Version. But the processes are the same, i also asked about the 2 kinds of installations and perhaps it helps you also:

http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/amlogic-based-tv-players/s912/mecool/firmware-roms/686034-rom-mecool-m8s-pro-l-stock-nano-nexus-rom-android-7-1?p=690884#post690884

normally i should get my box this week also, so i want to be prepaired for it, good luck!

[gianni281]

I made similar questions to Guest for the same box but non-TV version, the simple Android-Version. But the processes are the same, i also asked about the 2 kinds of installations and perhaps it helps you also:

http://freaktab.com/forum/tv-player-support/amlogic-based-tv-players/s912/mecool/firmware-roms/686034-rom-mecool-m8s-pro-l-stock-nano-nexus-rom-android-7-1?p=690884#post690884

normally i should get my box this week also, so i want to be prepaired for it, good luck!

tombraga

Thanks for your reply. Not sure how I missed that post. Looks like Guest confirmed using the OTA update zip to move onto this ROM will work so I think I'll go down that route. Hopefully no issues.
Good luck with your new box.