Pandora Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:Elpollodiablo

2011-06-21T19:39:27Z

Elpollodiablo:

http://youtu.be/XbBJ-iBkDNc

User:Elpollodiablo

2011-06-21T06:51:00Z

Elpollodiablo: Created page with "http://youtu.be/E28WrhpTzQA"

http://youtu.be/E28WrhpTzQA

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:37:00Z

Elpollodiablo: /* Nub Configuration */ final small addition

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5) 
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in the Xfce 4 menu system and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<pre>
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</pre>

The easiest way to alter a nub's mode in the console is to use the following code-
<source lang=bash>
echo "(mode)" > /proc/pandora/nubx/mode
</source>
Where (mode) is one of the above modes and the x in nubx is 0 or 1.

For example, if we wanted to set the left nub to scroll, we'd use
<source lang=bash>
echo "scroll" > /proc/pandora/nub0/mode
</source>
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:36:13Z

Elpollodiablo: /* Nub Configuration */ minor cosmetic change

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5) 
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in Xfce 4 and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<pre>
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</pre>

The easiest way to alter a nub's mode in the console is to use the following code-
<source lang=bash>
echo "(mode)" > /proc/pandora/nubx/mode
</source>
Where (mode) is one of the above modes and the x in nubx is 0 or 1.

For example, if we wanted to set the left nub to scroll, we'd use
<source lang=bash>
echo "scroll" > /proc/pandora/nub0/mode
</source>
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

PND:FAQ

2011-06-21T06:35:42Z

Elpollodiablo: /* How do I set up a script to run before/after a specific PND runs? */ improving formatting

This is a list of '''frequently asked questions''' about using the Pandora PND package format. For factual and other kinds of questions, use the [[Special:Search|search box]]. If your question is not answered on this page, do some research and include it!
__NOTOC__ __TOC__

==The PND system==

===What is a PND file?===
:A PND file is a compact file that contains one or more runnable applications for the Pandora. The file is basically an archive (like a ZIP, RAR or ISO) that contains all the data that the provided set of applications require, along with some meta data about the applications themselves.

===Why are PNDs useful?===
:Normally, on an ordinary computer, it is necessary to install an application in order to run it. This usually happens in one of many different ways; an installer might be run, or an archive might become extracted, etc.
:PND files are used to allow for applications to be executed ''without'' them being installed first. They are supposed to work in a way similar to game cartridges, in that they contain all of the necessary information in one tight package that can be executed independently.
:This system is inspired by similar systems such as the Apple OS 10 DMG file system, the Puppy Linux package format, or the Haiku Box package management system.

===Can I modify a PND file?===
:You can, but you need easily obtained open source freeware special tools to do so. (These tools are included by most Linux distributions by default, but are downloads for Windows and Mac OSX users.) It is advised that only developers modify or create PND files.

===Can a PND file modify itself?===
:No, not generally. A pnd-file, even after extended use may be copied anywhere and still be in its original state. Any changes the application has made will have been redirected to its appdata directory instead, so you have your self-contained directory of its changes.

===How does a PND store application data?===
:Since the PND cannot modify itself, there has to be a way for it to store runtime data, such as configuration files and user-added level files. This is achieved in the PND system by creating an application data directory for each application that is inside a PND. Since a PND can contain many applications, there can, and will, be multiple application data folders per PND, and each application declares its own application data folder name.
:The application data folders are located in "pandora/appdata/*" on the device that the PND is stored on.

===What desktop environments do pnd files work with?===
:As described below, the pnd-files will cause the system to spit out standard ".desktop" files for each application contained. The Pandora firmware includes several desktop environments (ie: menus) that understand those files (or operate with pnd-files directly.) The ".desktop" files are a standard however, so you are free to install other desktop environments and they should work fine out of the box with pnd-files, without any alteration whatsoever,

===Can a PND-file be unpacked and used?===
:A pnd-file may be unpacked into what is called a "PXML-application directory" if the packager of the pnd-file followed the specification. (ie: the icon and PXML.xml metadata are included in the contained filesystem and not just found at the end of the pnd-file.) An application directory may be auto-discovered and executed just like a pnd-file, but you can muck with the files in-place without a problem. When the application writes back to itself however, the changes will still be directed to the appdata directory as with a regular pnd-file.
:This is an advanced topic, noted here for completeness.

===Can the PND-file system be added to other Linux distributions?===
:It is very easy to add the PND system to other Linux distributions, be they Pandora oriented or not. As of 2010 the Pandora APIs are are a little Pandora-specific, but effort will be made to split off the PND-file support and Pandora-specific support into separate systems, so that non-Pandora Linux distributions can even more easily adopt the PND-file system should they wish to. Certainly however, if you're building a new distribution to run on the Pandora, it is absolutely trivial to include PND-file support (and other Pandora originated technologies), so please do, to help for a consistent user experience.

==Usage==

===How do I use PND files?===
:Using PND files on your Pandora is easy: You simply get hold of a PND file, presumably via a web page of some kind, and store it in a special folder on one of your SD cards. See the folder listing below. By default, both SD slots (and other mountable media) on the Pandora will be monitored for PND-files, though everything is configurable for advanced users.
:Once you've put your PND in a known location, the PND system will pick up the new PND, "activate" it, and create shortcut icons to the applications inside of the PND. You can then use these icons to launch the applications.

===How do I launch a PND application without putting it in a special location?===
:If you open a PND file in your file manager, the first application in the PND will be launched without you having to move the PND file.

===How do I choose where the shortcut icons for a PND appear?===
:With the default configuration, there are four different folders you can put your PND files in to have their applications show up in different locations:
:* "/media/*/pandora/menu" - These PND-files will only generate shortcut icons in the system's application menu. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "/usr/share/applications")
:* "/media/*/pandora/desktop" - These PND files will only generate shortcut icons on the Desktop. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "~/Desktop")
:* "/media/*/pandora/apps" - Deprecated to some extent, this directory is used to be _both_ menu and desktop, without having to copy the pnd-file into /menu and /desktop (avoiding duplication)
:* "/usr/pandora/apps" This also extracts shortcut icons to the desktop. This path should not be touched, and is included to make an easy avenue for the Pandora firmware developers to include essential tools for the user, when bundled as pnd-files. (As of this writing early 2010, such tools are built into the firmware without being pnd-files, but the option exists still.)

==Advanced Information==

===How is a PND file structured?===
:The PND file is simply an archive or file system image (currently, ISO and SquashFS are supported) with a "PXML.xml" appended at the end. There can also be an accompanying icon that is appended as well.

===How does the PND discovery mechanism work?===
:There is an open source API for working with pnd-files and PXML-application directories (among other tasks); this API can be used by developers wishing to take advantage of the pnd auto-discovery system, such as when developing a new menu system say.
:There is a special process called "pndnotifyd" that uses this API to watch the PND search paths for file changes. Once it finds a new PND file, it uses the PXML.xml file to generate one or more "*.desktop" files for the PND. (A .desktop file is a open standard way of describing an application and how to execute it, and is supported across most popular desktop environments.)

===How do I change the search paths for PND files?===
:Simply edit the "/etc/pandora/conf/apps" file, and change the "searchpath" entry to include the paths you want to use. Paths are separated by colons (":") and may include wildcards (in the shape of "*") anywhere in the path.

===How do I configure different locations for my PND shortcuts?===
:Edit the file "/etc/pandora/conf/desktop" (The "desktop" refers to "*.desktop files"). It will look like this:
<pre>
# Open Pandora
# Desktop configuration

[desktop]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/desktop:/media/*/pandora/apps:/usr/pandora/apps
dotdesktoppath ~/Desktop/
iconpath /tmp

[menu]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/menu
dotdesktoppath /usr/share/applications
iconpath /tmp
</pre>
:You should leave the "iconpath" variables be, but you can change which paths are searched through and where "*.desktop" files are extracted with the "searchpath" and "dotdesktoppath" variables, respectively.

===How can I open a PND file to see what's inside?===
The simplest way is probably to use [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3756-pndtools/ PNDTools] or [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3805-pnd-manager/ PNDManager], which currently only work in Windows. You can also use them to edit PNDs and create them.

===How do I set up a script to run before/after a specific PND runs?===
(Using [http://sebt3.openpandora.org/pnd/pnd_run_installer.pnd pnd_run.sh] or as of Zaxxon HF6 Alpha 1) 
The pandora will look in the program's appdata folder for a bash script named PND_pre_script.sh to run before the PND is run, and PND_post_script.sh to run on the PND's closing. 
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

[[Category:FAQ]] [[Category:PND]]

PND:FAQ

2011-06-21T06:30:43Z

Elpollodiablo: /* How do I set up a script to run before/after a specific PND runs? */

This is a list of '''frequently asked questions''' about using the Pandora PND package format. For factual and other kinds of questions, use the [[Special:Search|search box]]. If your question is not answered on this page, do some research and include it!
__NOTOC__ __TOC__

==The PND system==

===What is a PND file?===
:A PND file is a compact file that contains one or more runnable applications for the Pandora. The file is basically an archive (like a ZIP, RAR or ISO) that contains all the data that the provided set of applications require, along with some meta data about the applications themselves.

===Why are PNDs useful?===
:Normally, on an ordinary computer, it is necessary to install an application in order to run it. This usually happens in one of many different ways; an installer might be run, or an archive might become extracted, etc.
:PND files are used to allow for applications to be executed ''without'' them being installed first. They are supposed to work in a way similar to game cartridges, in that they contain all of the necessary information in one tight package that can be executed independently.
:This system is inspired by similar systems such as the Apple OS 10 DMG file system, the Puppy Linux package format, or the Haiku Box package management system.

===Can I modify a PND file?===
:You can, but you need easily obtained open source freeware special tools to do so. (These tools are included by most Linux distributions by default, but are downloads for Windows and Mac OSX users.) It is advised that only developers modify or create PND files.

===Can a PND file modify itself?===
:No, not generally. A pnd-file, even after extended use may be copied anywhere and still be in its original state. Any changes the application has made will have been redirected to its appdata directory instead, so you have your self-contained directory of its changes.

===How does a PND store application data?===
:Since the PND cannot modify itself, there has to be a way for it to store runtime data, such as configuration files and user-added level files. This is achieved in the PND system by creating an application data directory for each application that is inside a PND. Since a PND can contain many applications, there can, and will, be multiple application data folders per PND, and each application declares its own application data folder name.
:The application data folders are located in "pandora/appdata/*" on the device that the PND is stored on.

===What desktop environments do pnd files work with?===
:As described below, the pnd-files will cause the system to spit out standard ".desktop" files for each application contained. The Pandora firmware includes several desktop environments (ie: menus) that understand those files (or operate with pnd-files directly.) The ".desktop" files are a standard however, so you are free to install other desktop environments and they should work fine out of the box with pnd-files, without any alteration whatsoever,

===Can a PND-file be unpacked and used?===
:A pnd-file may be unpacked into what is called a "PXML-application directory" if the packager of the pnd-file followed the specification. (ie: the icon and PXML.xml metadata are included in the contained filesystem and not just found at the end of the pnd-file.) An application directory may be auto-discovered and executed just like a pnd-file, but you can muck with the files in-place without a problem. When the application writes back to itself however, the changes will still be directed to the appdata directory as with a regular pnd-file.
:This is an advanced topic, noted here for completeness.

===Can the PND-file system be added to other Linux distributions?===
:It is very easy to add the PND system to other Linux distributions, be they Pandora oriented or not. As of 2010 the Pandora APIs are are a little Pandora-specific, but effort will be made to split off the PND-file support and Pandora-specific support into separate systems, so that non-Pandora Linux distributions can even more easily adopt the PND-file system should they wish to. Certainly however, if you're building a new distribution to run on the Pandora, it is absolutely trivial to include PND-file support (and other Pandora originated technologies), so please do, to help for a consistent user experience.

==Usage==

===How do I use PND files?===
:Using PND files on your Pandora is easy: You simply get hold of a PND file, presumably via a web page of some kind, and store it in a special folder on one of your SD cards. See the folder listing below. By default, both SD slots (and other mountable media) on the Pandora will be monitored for PND-files, though everything is configurable for advanced users.
:Once you've put your PND in a known location, the PND system will pick up the new PND, "activate" it, and create shortcut icons to the applications inside of the PND. You can then use these icons to launch the applications.

===How do I launch a PND application without putting it in a special location?===
:If you open a PND file in your file manager, the first application in the PND will be launched without you having to move the PND file.

===How do I choose where the shortcut icons for a PND appear?===
:With the default configuration, there are four different folders you can put your PND files in to have their applications show up in different locations:
:* "/media/*/pandora/menu" - These PND-files will only generate shortcut icons in the system's application menu. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "/usr/share/applications")
:* "/media/*/pandora/desktop" - These PND files will only generate shortcut icons on the Desktop. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "~/Desktop")
:* "/media/*/pandora/apps" - Deprecated to some extent, this directory is used to be _both_ menu and desktop, without having to copy the pnd-file into /menu and /desktop (avoiding duplication)
:* "/usr/pandora/apps" This also extracts shortcut icons to the desktop. This path should not be touched, and is included to make an easy avenue for the Pandora firmware developers to include essential tools for the user, when bundled as pnd-files. (As of this writing early 2010, such tools are built into the firmware without being pnd-files, but the option exists still.)

==Advanced Information==

===How is a PND file structured?===
:The PND file is simply an archive or file system image (currently, ISO and SquashFS are supported) with a "PXML.xml" appended at the end. There can also be an accompanying icon that is appended as well.

===How does the PND discovery mechanism work?===
:There is an open source API for working with pnd-files and PXML-application directories (among other tasks); this API can be used by developers wishing to take advantage of the pnd auto-discovery system, such as when developing a new menu system say.
:There is a special process called "pndnotifyd" that uses this API to watch the PND search paths for file changes. Once it finds a new PND file, it uses the PXML.xml file to generate one or more "*.desktop" files for the PND. (A .desktop file is a open standard way of describing an application and how to execute it, and is supported across most popular desktop environments.)

===How do I change the search paths for PND files?===
:Simply edit the "/etc/pandora/conf/apps" file, and change the "searchpath" entry to include the paths you want to use. Paths are separated by colons (":") and may include wildcards (in the shape of "*") anywhere in the path.

===How do I configure different locations for my PND shortcuts?===
:Edit the file "/etc/pandora/conf/desktop" (The "desktop" refers to "*.desktop files"). It will look like this:
<pre>
# Open Pandora
# Desktop configuration

[desktop]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/desktop:/media/*/pandora/apps:/usr/pandora/apps
dotdesktoppath ~/Desktop/
iconpath /tmp

[menu]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/menu
dotdesktoppath /usr/share/applications
iconpath /tmp
</pre>
:You should leave the "iconpath" variables be, but you can change which paths are searched through and where "*.desktop" files are extracted with the "searchpath" and "dotdesktoppath" variables, respectively.

===How can I open a PND file to see what's inside?===
The simplest way is probably to use [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3756-pndtools/ PNDTools] or [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3805-pnd-manager/ PNDManager], which currently only work in Windows. You can also use them to edit PNDs and create them.

===How do I set up a script to run before/after a specific PND runs?===
Using [http://sebt3.openpandora.org/pnd/pnd_run_installer.pnd pnd_run.sh] or as of Zaxxon HF6 Alpha 1

The pandora will look in the program's appdata folder for a bash script named PND_pre_script.sh to run before the PND is run, and PND_post_script.sh to run on the PND's closing.
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

[[Category:FAQ]] [[Category:PND]]

PND:FAQ

2011-06-21T06:30:06Z

Elpollodiablo: Adding run script before/after PND q/a

This is a list of '''frequently asked questions''' about using the Pandora PND package format. For factual and other kinds of questions, use the [[Special:Search|search box]]. If your question is not answered on this page, do some research and include it!
__NOTOC__ __TOC__

==The PND system==

===What is a PND file?===
:A PND file is a compact file that contains one or more runnable applications for the Pandora. The file is basically an archive (like a ZIP, RAR or ISO) that contains all the data that the provided set of applications require, along with some meta data about the applications themselves.

===Why are PNDs useful?===
:Normally, on an ordinary computer, it is necessary to install an application in order to run it. This usually happens in one of many different ways; an installer might be run, or an archive might become extracted, etc.
:PND files are used to allow for applications to be executed ''without'' them being installed first. They are supposed to work in a way similar to game cartridges, in that they contain all of the necessary information in one tight package that can be executed independently.
:This system is inspired by similar systems such as the Apple OS 10 DMG file system, the Puppy Linux package format, or the Haiku Box package management system.

===Can I modify a PND file?===
:You can, but you need easily obtained open source freeware special tools to do so. (These tools are included by most Linux distributions by default, but are downloads for Windows and Mac OSX users.) It is advised that only developers modify or create PND files.

===Can a PND file modify itself?===
:No, not generally. A pnd-file, even after extended use may be copied anywhere and still be in its original state. Any changes the application has made will have been redirected to its appdata directory instead, so you have your self-contained directory of its changes.

===How does a PND store application data?===
:Since the PND cannot modify itself, there has to be a way for it to store runtime data, such as configuration files and user-added level files. This is achieved in the PND system by creating an application data directory for each application that is inside a PND. Since a PND can contain many applications, there can, and will, be multiple application data folders per PND, and each application declares its own application data folder name.
:The application data folders are located in "pandora/appdata/*" on the device that the PND is stored on.

===What desktop environments do pnd files work with?===
:As described below, the pnd-files will cause the system to spit out standard ".desktop" files for each application contained. The Pandora firmware includes several desktop environments (ie: menus) that understand those files (or operate with pnd-files directly.) The ".desktop" files are a standard however, so you are free to install other desktop environments and they should work fine out of the box with pnd-files, without any alteration whatsoever,

===Can a PND-file be unpacked and used?===
:A pnd-file may be unpacked into what is called a "PXML-application directory" if the packager of the pnd-file followed the specification. (ie: the icon and PXML.xml metadata are included in the contained filesystem and not just found at the end of the pnd-file.) An application directory may be auto-discovered and executed just like a pnd-file, but you can muck with the files in-place without a problem. When the application writes back to itself however, the changes will still be directed to the appdata directory as with a regular pnd-file.
:This is an advanced topic, noted here for completeness.

===Can the PND-file system be added to other Linux distributions?===
:It is very easy to add the PND system to other Linux distributions, be they Pandora oriented or not. As of 2010 the Pandora APIs are are a little Pandora-specific, but effort will be made to split off the PND-file support and Pandora-specific support into separate systems, so that non-Pandora Linux distributions can even more easily adopt the PND-file system should they wish to. Certainly however, if you're building a new distribution to run on the Pandora, it is absolutely trivial to include PND-file support (and other Pandora originated technologies), so please do, to help for a consistent user experience.

==Usage==

===How do I use PND files?===
:Using PND files on your Pandora is easy: You simply get hold of a PND file, presumably via a web page of some kind, and store it in a special folder on one of your SD cards. See the folder listing below. By default, both SD slots (and other mountable media) on the Pandora will be monitored for PND-files, though everything is configurable for advanced users.
:Once you've put your PND in a known location, the PND system will pick up the new PND, "activate" it, and create shortcut icons to the applications inside of the PND. You can then use these icons to launch the applications.

===How do I launch a PND application without putting it in a special location?===
:If you open a PND file in your file manager, the first application in the PND will be launched without you having to move the PND file.

===How do I choose where the shortcut icons for a PND appear?===
:With the default configuration, there are four different folders you can put your PND files in to have their applications show up in different locations:
:* "/media/*/pandora/menu" - These PND-files will only generate shortcut icons in the system's application menu. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "/usr/share/applications")
:* "/media/*/pandora/desktop" - These PND files will only generate shortcut icons on the Desktop. ("*.desktop" files will be written to "~/Desktop")
:* "/media/*/pandora/apps" - Deprecated to some extent, this directory is used to be _both_ menu and desktop, without having to copy the pnd-file into /menu and /desktop (avoiding duplication)
:* "/usr/pandora/apps" This also extracts shortcut icons to the desktop. This path should not be touched, and is included to make an easy avenue for the Pandora firmware developers to include essential tools for the user, when bundled as pnd-files. (As of this writing early 2010, such tools are built into the firmware without being pnd-files, but the option exists still.)

==Advanced Information==

===How is a PND file structured?===
:The PND file is simply an archive or file system image (currently, ISO and SquashFS are supported) with a "PXML.xml" appended at the end. There can also be an accompanying icon that is appended as well.

===How does the PND discovery mechanism work?===
:There is an open source API for working with pnd-files and PXML-application directories (among other tasks); this API can be used by developers wishing to take advantage of the pnd auto-discovery system, such as when developing a new menu system say.
:There is a special process called "pndnotifyd" that uses this API to watch the PND search paths for file changes. Once it finds a new PND file, it uses the PXML.xml file to generate one or more "*.desktop" files for the PND. (A .desktop file is a open standard way of describing an application and how to execute it, and is supported across most popular desktop environments.)

===How do I change the search paths for PND files?===
:Simply edit the "/etc/pandora/conf/apps" file, and change the "searchpath" entry to include the paths you want to use. Paths are separated by colons (":") and may include wildcards (in the shape of "*") anywhere in the path.

===How do I configure different locations for my PND shortcuts?===
:Edit the file "/etc/pandora/conf/desktop" (The "desktop" refers to "*.desktop files"). It will look like this:
<pre>
# Open Pandora
# Desktop configuration

[desktop]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/desktop:/media/*/pandora/apps:/usr/pandora/apps
dotdesktoppath ~/Desktop/
iconpath /tmp

[menu]
searchpath /media/*/pandora/menu
dotdesktoppath /usr/share/applications
iconpath /tmp
</pre>
:You should leave the "iconpath" variables be, but you can change which paths are searched through and where "*.desktop" files are extracted with the "searchpath" and "dotdesktoppath" variables, respectively.

===How can I open a PND file to see what's inside?===
The simplest way is probably to use [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3756-pndtools/ PNDTools] or [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/3805-pnd-manager/ PNDManager], which currently only work in Windows. You can also use them to edit PNDs and create them.

===How do I set up a script to run before/after a specific PND runs?===
Using [http://sebt3.openpandora.org/pnd/pnd_run_installer.pnd pnd_run.sh] or as of Zaxxon HF6 Alpha 1
The pandora will look in the program's appdata folder for a bash script named PND_pre_script.sh to run before the PND is run, and PND_post_script.sh to run on the PND's closing.
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

[[Category:FAQ]] [[Category:PND]]

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:29:01Z

Elpollodiablo: /* Nub Configuration */ minor formatting change

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5)
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in Xfce 4 and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<pre>
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</pre>

The easiest way to alter a nub's mode in the console is to use the following code-
<source lang=bash>
echo "(mode)" > /proc/pandora/nubx/mode
</source>
Where (mode) is one of the above modes and the x in nubx is 0 or 1.

For example, if we wanted to set the left nub to scroll, we'd use
<source lang=bash>
echo "scroll" > /proc/pandora/nub0/mode
</source>
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:15:44Z

Elpollodiablo: /* Nub Configuration */ clarifying

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5)
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in Xfce 4 and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<source lang="lisp">
modes-
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</source>

The easiest way to alter a nub's mode in the console is to use the following code-
<source lang=bash>
echo "(mode)" > /proc/pandora/nubx/mode
</source>
Where (mode) is one of the above modes and the x in nubx is 0 or 1.

For example, if we wanted to set the left nub to scroll, we'd use
<source lang=bash>
echo "scroll" > /proc/pandora/nub0/mode
</source>
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:13:31Z

Elpollodiablo: touching up configuration

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5)
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in Xfce 4 and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<source lang="lisp">
modes-
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</source>

The easiest way to alter a nub's mode in the console is to use the following code-
<source lang=bash>
echo "(mode)" > /proc/pandora/nubx/mode
</source>
All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]

Nubs

2011-06-21T06:08:17Z

Elpollodiablo: Configuration section added.

The Pandora has 2 analogue controllers 'nubs', which were custom designed.

== Nub Calibration ==
[[Image:Nub_back.jpg|thumb|Backside]]
The nubs need time to calibrate at startup. Often this can be achieved my moving the nubs around once the Pandora has fully loaded (moving them while the OS is till loading may cause a calibration error). Re-calibration of the nubs can be achievecd via 'Pandora Menu -> Setttings -> Nubs', and selecting either configure <nub> or 'Restore default settings for both nubs'

===Nub Dance===
The 'Nub Dance' or 'Magic Nub Dance' is a technique used to calibrate the Pandora's nubs by excersising the nubs to their hardware limits.

Some of the older nubs required this calibration technique periodically, howver newer nubs (since 2011) do not need as much calibration as the older ones.
Push them up, down, left, right to the edge, then let go of them so they spring back by themselves.
i.e. push up, as far as it will go, then let go (it must spring back). Do that for each direction. Then do some circles.
That should set them up. If you don't do this they can go wrong during that session until reset.[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54445-please-fix-the-right-anolog-nub-functions/page__view__findpost__p__876651]

==Nub Configuration==
(As of Zaxxon HF5)
Nubs can be configured in software under Settings -> Nubs in Xfce 4 and can also be managed through the filesystem in the /proc/pandora/(nub0/nub1 for left and right nubs respectively).
Most files in that folder (mbutton_threshold, mouse_sensitivity, scroll_rate, scrollx_sensitivity, and scrolly_sensitivity) are fairly straightforward, containing a number determining the value of the attribute.

The only different field is in mode, which contains a string to determine how each nub behaves-

<source lang="lisp">
mouse - The nub is treated as a mouse, the default configuration of the left nub.
mbuttons - The nub is used as the buttons of the mouse, the default configuration of the right nub.
scroll - The nub scrolls the screen vertically/horizontally as a pair of scroll wheels would.
absolute - The nub is treated as a joystick for the purposes of gaming.
</source>

All information pulled from [http://www.pandorawiki.org/PND_nub_modes] and may be subject to change due to updates.

== Nub Disassembly ==
{{warning|This is a fairly tricky process, and will almost certainly '''void your warranty.'''}}

You need[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/page__view__findpost__p__874378]:
* High quality soldering iron
* Solder Wick
* Shim Blade (Edsyn RB641)
* Isopropyl Alcohol cleaner
* Size 0.00 cross-head screwdriver

Removing the nubs from the PCB is difficult. They are mounted using cut-off plated through holes butted onto pads (fairly standard SMT technology). Just using solder wick will not be sufficient, and if you are not extremely careful, you will rip the pads off the nub or the board.

[[Image:Nub_inside.jpg|thumb|shows the under side of the nub, which has a small PCB screwed on, and 2 locating pins]]

Full sized versions of these photos can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsh2/4707661640/ here]. Original pics from [http://picasaweb.google.com/claude.schwarz/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7KsICXu-KTzwE&feat=directlink Claude]

Top left is the micro-joystick which serves as both a spring and the sensing element. when re-assembling this must fit perfectly into the plastic, and be perfectly clean.

==More info on how the nubs work==
Some words from MWeston [http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2270-nubs-feel-weird/page__view__findpost__p__40328 here]: "The nubs were designed to work when thumb pressure is applied. They will not work right if you try to slide them with your finger tip or finger nail or anything like that."

== Early Nub Problems ==
[[Image:Faultynub.jpg | thumb | One example of a faulty nub.]]
The nubs on some of the first units suffered from a myriad of issues. The issues include bad traces, bad resistance in the joystick, looseness, grittiness, nubs not centering, and nubs sticking in one direction.[http://www.openpandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=2&lang=en] Much of this was caused by the nub manufacturer not having strict enough tolerances[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54824-production-status/page__p__883494&#entry883494] and not 'bare board' testing the PCBs used in the manufacture. Probably the most serious problem is that the nubs can break mechanically, resulting in a nub which cannot centre itself. This causes drifting while in-game, rendering the nub completely unusable.

Because of these problems, a few "one nub" units were made available to people who wished to accept one and skip the queue. The faulty nub is not covered under warranty for these units. Reports[http://www.gp32x.com/board/index.php?/topic/54073-the-one-nub-club/] suggest that many of these were reasonably functional, and problems relate to either the calibration process or dirt inside the nub. There is a risk that these nubs might fail with extended use. Soon after the first units were shipped, 100% testing was arranged for the nubs by the supplier and OpenPandora Ltd. (This applies to units shipped after July 27,2010 which are expected to all start with known good nubs)

[[Category:Hardware defects]]
[[Category:Keyboard]]
[[Category:Tutorials]]