unreliable serial console output?!

[MarkHaysHarris777]

hi, 
Please describe your topology;  also, which usb to serial TTL bridge adapter are you using ( which model, chipset ) ?

Hi, 
As stated, the usb to serial TTL bridge adapter is the one listed on Pine64 site: 
https://www.pine64.org/?product=padi-serial-console

hi ,  when I asked for your topology I meant that I want to know how 'specifically' you have it wired.  

The chipset I believe you are using is the CH340g;  this is the best adapter we can recommend and it is reliable, but because of the higher frequencies (1.5M baud rate) the topology is more critical; hap-hazzard wiring will not work well.  Here are some tips:

1) DO NOT connect the voltage lead of the CH340g adapter ANYWHERE...  ( words to the wise )
2) make sure you have a good ground connection 
3) place the adapter CH340g as close to the Rock64 as possible ( no more than 6" leads, but the shorter the better )
4) use three wires:  Tx,  Rx,  Ground
5) use a 'short' usb extension cable from the adapter to the monitor computer.
6) use minicom with gnu+linux   ( any distro )
7) use the settings and disable both flow controls ( hardware and software )


If still unstable or unreliable, try plugging the CH340g into a powered hub.  Plug the powered usb hub into the monitor computer, then plug the CH340g into the powered hub.  Often the CH340g will not work well at higher baud rates on all ports unless it gets better power feed;  this is particularly true if you're trying to use the Pinebook left hand usb port !  Any powered usb hub ( Belkin's is nice ) will work;  however, make sure that your powered hub does not provide back-feed -- do your research.

Also not all usb ports are identical;  some have internal hubs ( which work better for terminals ).  For instance the Pinebook's right hand usb port is a hub, and it works brilliantly with the CH340g no worries.




PS,  if you have another SBC ( Rapsberry PI, PineA64+, etc ) you can use that SBC uart directly ( no adapter ) to monitor the Rock64 serial console output !

.