Unable to power on (system controller firmware vs USB PD?)

MNT Pocket Reform
1

I’m currently in a state where:

  • pocket reform does not power on (neither the system, nor the OLED, even after toggling the internal / side switch)
  • Attaching it to an Anker 25000 mAh / 90w charger causes the charger to show “circuit protection enabled, please unplug/replug device” on its display
  • No red charging LED present to indicate any input when connected to USB-C

I have the RK3588 module, earlier today the machine was usable, although it did not seem to want to charge past ~45%, I powered off (via sudo poweroff when it was showing around 38%, and now I’m unable to start up again.

I’m not sure what current firmware I am on as I cannot get to the OLED display right now, but I’m fairly certain it was one of the first post-release updates, nothing more recent. The last thread on a similar topic mentioned a new firmware for the system controller, but then that was unlinked due to a display issue.

Any clues?
(I’m at FOSDEM this weekend if anyone would like to help me attempt to troubleshoot it further)

2

Could be faulty charging board? Since there is no red led light when connecting to power.

There is an easy way to see whether charging board has problem.

3

Look at U1 on the charging board (in the bottom case near the batteries). If it’s visibly cracked / warped you have the problem in this thread, read more here MNT Pocket Reform doesn't boot - #23 by deianara

1 Like
4

Thank you. I had a look at the charging board and I don’t see anything like that. I’m really baffled so far. I may have to do more disassembly and attempt to reset the system controller or something after FOSDEM.

Again, there’s no life at all including no OLED activity; and one of my Anker batteries is showing this message about circuit protection if it is plugged in.

It was working until mid morning, I shutdown to save the remaining power, and now it just doesn’t respond - seems very weird.