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Main forum => GLBasic - en => Topic started by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-02

Title: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-02
Hi,

Is there any chance to support Dingux (Dingoo 320) platforms?
It seems that would not be very difficult with the custom linux kernel.

Due to the lack of GPH SDK, a lot of developers have switch to this cheaper platform (just 60â,¬!).
So, I think it would be a great idea to support it if is not so tricky.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Kitty Hello on 2009-Nov-02
Do they program on the Linux port of that device?
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-02
Yes, absolutly.
Seems that the sdk provided by the manufacturer was not so good and the kernel source was not released (based on µC/OS-II).
Significant development with the manufacturer SDK is difficult without the source code of the Dingoo’s firmware, and other technical information becoming readily available. There are also limits to what can be achieved with the SDK alone.

So, the community started to work on a dual boot installer and a mipsel linux kernel with sdl for easy development. http://code.google.com/p/dingoo-linux/
(http://code.google.com/p/dingoo-linux/)
People are doing a lot of development for Dingux, and some for the native OS. The preference for Linux is bigger due to the poor documentation and harder-to-find development tools for the native platform.

The boom of the Dingoo has surprised everybody. Maybe is caused by the lack of an official Wiz SDK, maybe because is so cheap, but in the end, the community is getting bigger and bigger each day. You only have to check gp32x, nearly all the new software is for this device.

So I believe it must be taken in consideration if supporting Dingux doesn't represent a big task.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Youkaisan on 2009-Nov-03
Hi,

Yep, Dongoo is a lovely little machine with incredible low price... please add the support.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-03
Quote from: Kitty Hello on 2009-Nov-02
Do they program on the Linux port of that device?

As a matter of confirmation, I asked this question on the gp32spain forum (one of the most active for dingoo development) and the answer was very clear.  =D

"Official sdk badly 2 releases each month, Dingux 4-5 each week! No one wants to develop using a non portable sdk..."

So, sounds very interesting.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Sokurah on 2009-Nov-04
I bought a Dingoo a couple of weeks ago.
The idea was to use it for emulation only but I'd love to try and make a game for it too. :)
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: doimus on 2009-Nov-04
I considered Dingoo for emulation but as TV-out feature is essential for my retro needs, and Dingoo has problems with TV-out and Genesis emulation, I have decided not to get it.

But I just HAD to buy myself a retro machine this Christmas season and have stumbled on this BABY:
http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8y-49-en-70-3ijj.html (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-8y-49-en-70-3ijj.html)

Basically, a hanheld SEGA Megadrive with 20 games built-in and support for roms from the SD card. :good:
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Kitty Hello on 2009-Nov-06
There's not even an SDL port for the Dingoo. And the support in English speaking areas is not too big. Hm...
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-07
Sorry, I must disagree.

There´s SDL for the Linux Port! (Dingux).
The libraries are included even on the first release of Dingux.
Everybody is coding over the linux port because has SDL. That´s the main reason of the port.

For example, watch the first tests over sdl (May 2009):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCGW4ZZMNmo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCGW4ZZMNmo)

Here you can download the latest toolchains if you would like to take a look.
http://code.google.com/p/dingoo-linux/downloads/list

As you said, support is not too big, that´s true, but even keeping this in mind is still easier to develop than the wiz. That´s why a lot of coders are swaping.


Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: MrTAToad on 2009-Nov-08
If it supports Ubuntu, then no work will need to be done :)
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: kaotiklabs on 2009-Nov-08
Well, it just need to be compiled for mipsel arch.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Kitty Hello on 2009-Nov-09
OK, that looks pretty complete then. I'll try to get a compiler working then. Should be an easy port if SDL is available.
Title: Re: Dingux (Dingoo A320) platform support
Post by: Sebastian on 2009-Nov-11
I was just about to order a GP2X Wiz when I came across the Dingoo A320. Next step: search for GLBasic support. Amazing that more people are interested in Dingoo support. I hope it will be added, in the maintime I'll save my money and continue programming  :booze: