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Unveiling the Powkiddy X28 Analog Stick Fix: A Deep Dive into Reverse Engineering
🕑 Added 2024-08-11 22:34:34 +0000 UTC
EDIT: BE CAREFUL WHEN FLASHING THIS FIX. At the moment, some units fail to boot with this fix and even with unbricking tools. I am trying to find out if there has been a silent revision of the x28.
Hey everyone,
After countless hours of development and honing my skills, I'm excited to share with you a fix I've been working on for the Powkiddy X28's analog stick issue, particularly the cardinal snapping problem. This journey was far from easy—it involved the incredibly complex task of reverse engineering a Linux Android kernel to address a driver-level problem.
The Challenge and the Fix
The process was insanely complex, requiring me to dig deep into the underlying kernel code and understand the intricacies of the hardware and software interaction. 
While I've managed to develop a fix for the snapping issue, this has uncovered another underlying problem—calibration. It turns out that due to quality control issues, some analog sticks may not be perfectly centered, which could still cause problems even after applying this fix. (Pictured below after swapping the sticks between hall sensor and stock)
It seems that Powkiddy was masking this problem with their bad driver code.
What You Need to Know
This fix is specifically designed for the stock firmware on the Powkiddy X28. Given its current limitations, I'm happy to share it with everyone for free. It's a step in the right direction, but it's important to note that this is not a complete solution. The fix addresses the snapping issue but does not correct any potential calibration problems with the sticks themselves.
Looking Forward: GammaOS on the Horizon
Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to announce that I plan to bring my custom GammaOS firmware to the Powkiddy X28. GammaOS will not only include this fix but also offer proper calibration for analog sticks, improved performance, and better battery life. This will be a more comprehensive solution that addresses both software and hardware issues, giving you the gaming experience you deserve on this device.
Thank you all for your support throughout this process. Your encouragement keeps me pushing the boundaries of what's possible, and I can't wait to share more updates with you soon!
Stay tuned!
Sources (reversed engineered kernel) and instructions: https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/x28-kernel-decomp/releases/tag/fix_v1
Twitter thread: https://x.com/TheGammaSqueeze/status/1821964926690234426
Comments
Ismael Panduro
Instale el fix y ahora prende pero no da imagen solo parpadea la pantalla ayuda!!!
Mishaal Saleh
It’s been a year, is there still no gammaOS?? Also is there any improved roms for the x28 after this
TechWizTime
In regards to perhaps a silent update for the Powkiddy x28, here's the details from my working device. The second device is bricked/softbrick currently so looking to root the working device (Bootloader unlocked already) to dump the firmware. Any advice would be great on that point :) Working Device info Android security update: December 5, 2023 Google Play system update: November 1, 2024 Kernel version: 4.14.193-ab12168 #1 Tue Jun 25 19:17:18 CST 2024 Build number: RP1A.201005.001 release-keys
Wolfin Core
Looking forward to being able to run GammaOS on my X28!
Chris Kirkpatrick
I don't think fastboot is recognizing the device anymore
Chris Kirkpatrick
I followed the instructions and unfortunately I may have bricked my device. I got every step completed, unlocked the bootloader, and then flashed the image. Now it wont turn on at all... any recommendations?
Matthieu Forciniti
Can't wait to get gamma os on my X28. Thanks for the hard works !
Roberto
Can't wait for RG556, meanwhile decided to support your work!
Gamma
Happy to hear it worked! At the moment, those specific controller issues are due to the stock firmware itself not handling the inputs in a way those apps expect. That will be fixed on GammaOS.
Jma
I tried it on my X28 and it worked. There were some steps that were missing additional details but all in all good! Do you know if there is a fix for the triggers not being recognized when using XBOX style controller and the directional pad not working when in PS3.
DudeWheresMyCar
Great work and creativity on the cardinal snapping fix! Can’t wait for GammaOS on the T820 and RG556
S1eepy
Wow!! 👍
