Quickstart

This Wiki is an unofficial community project, and Open Pandora Ltd. is not responsible for its content. Neither is the Wiki an official source of information about your device.

Introduction

This page provides a very simple walk-through to get you up and running.

If there is only one document you will take the time to read, it is this one.

For additional help, see the user manual, or search this wiki.

Powering up

Removing the battery from its case

If your battery is in its case, and you find it difficult to open the battery case, try one of these methods.[1]

1. Stick a fingernail into each corner of one end and then run it around one side to past the 3/4 mark.
2. Squeeze the bottom half just a smidge where the semi-circular markings are on the sides and the top pops off fairly easily.
3. Hold the case vertically, get a fingernail between the gaps and slowly separate the two sides.

Inserting the battery into the Pandora

The battery cover is on the bottom of the Pandora, held on by two tabs. Remove the battery cover by pulling on those two tabs.

One side of the battery has three copper contacts. Line up the three contacts up with three copper contacts on the Pandora and insert the battery. Add the battery cover and make sure it's closed completely.

If your Pandora has issues staying powered on, and you're sure it's charged properly, then perhaps the battery is not seated correctly. Ensure the cover is on tightly. If the battery is still loose, try inserting a folded piece of paper in top of the battery before closing the battery cover.

When inserting the battery, the Pandora will begin booting up automatically.

Using the mains adapter

1. Plug the charger into the mains.
   • Depending on your region, you may need to use the provided mains adapter.
2. Plug the charger into the Pandora.
   • A green light at the right hand side should come on as the Pandora wakes up. Soon after, a red light will appear next to this.

     If your battery is completely drained, you may need to wait between 10 and 30 minutes for it to trickle-charge enough to wake up.

Battery and charging notes

• It's ok to keep your Pandora plugged in overnight to charge.
• It's ok to charge your Pandora at any time. You do not need to worry about "over charging" it.
• It's ok to use your Pandora until it runs out of power and shuts down.
• It's ok to leave your Pandora laying around not plugged in. All batteries will diminish in strength over time, and the Pandora's battery is no different. It will discharge about 5% each week. This does not damage it.

The stylus

The stylus fits in a slot in the bottom, near the front and on the right hand side. It slides in parallel to the battery. Pull on it to slide it out.

A new Pandora's stylus may be a little bit "firm". Over time it will become easier to pull out and push back in.

For a brand new stylus, 'write' on some regular paper. This will polish the tip and help prevent scratches on your screen when using it. Writing on paper may leave black streaks, as you rub some plastic onto the paper.

Get used to putting your stylus away inside the Pandora. Don't leave it elsewhere. Don't lose it!

First Run Wizard

Some information is needed at this stage in order to set up important stuff. Make sure you keep the charger plugged in.

All of these settings can be updated later.

After booting, a dialogue will offer to shutdown, or start the configuration. Press 'Start Now' with the stylus.

The first run dialogue will appear and ask you to enter some information. Use the pointer and touchscreen or left nub to move the pointer, move the right nub to the left to click

Name

Conventionally your full name

Login

This is your username. It must not contain spaces.

Password

(and confirmation). Do not forget your password!

Machine Name

Again no spaces. Short is good. How your machine appears on a network.

Auto Login

Select if you want to login automatically with no password prompt.

Preferred GUI

This tutorial uses XFCE, a complete Linux desktop environment.

Time Zone

Your Pandora will reboot once this step is complete. From this point it is safe to unplug from the mains.

Around the XFCE screen

Wi-Fi (Wireless)

This step is optional, you can use another PC to download apps to an SD card or USB stick.

Note: You must already have actual wireless networking set up and working in your household. Pandora Wi-Fi is not magic. You may be able to find a free wireless internet connection in your region. Some libraries and coffee shops provide one.

1. Click the menu button, click System, click Toggle Wi-Fi
2. The 3rd light on the left is red, and should come ON (Wi-Fi)
3. A popup might say networks are available.
4. To the left of the battery indicator (a %charge and small run-time) is the network manager icon - A black square.
5. Move the mouse with the left nub, and left click by moving the right nub to the left.
6. Select your wireless connection. If you have security enabled, you will be prompted for details. You can also right click (nub to the right) to turn networking on and off. Wi-Fi may sometimes be difficult to connect reliably.
7. A spinning circle indicates the connection is in progress.
8. A beacon icon shows the signal strength when connected

Slow Connection?

If your connection is slow, try changing the channel of your WLAN to a higher value. Visit your router's control panel and change the settings for your wireless network.

Poor Connection?

The Pandora's internal Wi-Fi is limited, and has poor range/strength/speed.

USB Wi-Fi adapters

There has been good success using USB wireless adapters.

If you intend to purchase one, check with the USB compatibility list beforehand. If your device is not listed, please help others by sharing your experiences.

Playing Music

Put your music in a folder somewhere on your SD card, then open GNOME Mplayer and navigate to that folder.

To learn about the directory structure on the Pandora, read Basic Linux Guide.

Applications

See Category:Software.

• Emulators
• Games
  • PandaPacks can be downloaded, copied to an SD card or USB stick and just run.
• Software projects

Switch to MiniMenu

Assuming you are in XFCE and using Hotfix 6:

1. Open up the XFCE menu (on the bottom-left of your screen)
2. Go to Switch GUI
3. Highlight MiniMenu and press OK

Switch to XFCE

Assuming you are in MiniMenu:

1. Go to System, then Switch GUI
2. Highlight XFCE4 and press OK

Change the default GUI

1. If in XFCE, open up the menu by pressing the Pandora button
2. Go to Settings, then Startup
3. Highlight Change Default GUI for current user and press OK
4. Highlight the GUI you want and press OK

The next time you log in, the chosen GUI should load.

Shutdown

To really shutdown, the charger must not be plugged in. The Pandora will power up when the charger is plugged in.

From XFCE:

1. Press the [Pandora] button for the menu.
2. Select LogOut
3. Select Shutdown

From MiniMenu:

1. Press the [Select] button
2. Select Shutdown Pandora

If you're unable to shut down for whatever reason, try doing a hard shut-down.