Building a Custom Kernel for Your Device

[felix]

Building a Custom Kernel for Your Device

For advanced users who want to customize their kernel or add hardware support.

Prerequisites
You need a Linux PC (x86_64) for cross-compilation:

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sudo apt install build-essential gcc-aarch64-linux-gnu bc bison flex libssl-dev
sudo apt install device-tree-compiler

Get the Kernel Source
You can use the mainline Linux kernel or the OpenStick fork:

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git clone https://github.com/OpenStick/linux.git
cd linux

Device Tree Files
The device tree describes the hardware layout of your specific board. DTS files for MSM8916 devices are in:

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arch/arm64/boot/dts/qcom/

Each device has its own DTS file. Make sure you select or modify the correct one for your board.

Cross-Compile the Kernel

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export ARCH=arm64
export CROSS_COMPILE=aarch64-linux-gnu-

# Use the OpenStick defconfig
make msm8916_defconfig

# Optional: customize config
make menuconfig

# Build
make -j$(nproc) Image.gz dtbs modules

Key Kernel Configs
Make sure these are enabled:

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  CONFIG_ARCH_QCOM=y

  — Qualcomm platform support

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  CONFIG_ATH10K=m

  or

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  CONFIG_WCN36XX=m

  — WiFi driver

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  CONFIG_USB_CONFIGFS=y

  — USB gadget support

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  CONFIG_FB=y

  — Framebuffer for display support

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  CONFIG_QCOM_BAM_DMUX=y

  — Modem data path

Build the Boot Image
The boot image combines the kernel, DTB, and initramfs. Use mkbootimg:

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mkbootimg --kernel arch/arm64/boot/Image.gz \
  --dtb arch/arm64/boot/dts/qcom/msm8916-your-device.dtb \
  --ramdisk initramfs.cpio.gz \
  --base 0x80000000 \
  --pagesize 2048 \
  -o boot.img

Flash and Test

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edl w boot boot.img --memory=emmc

Armbian Alternative
If building your own kernel is too complex, consider Armbian images from the travis90x Armbian guide. These provide pre-built images with good hardware support.