🧵1/X Unboxing the #MSM8916 based M9S-E LCD Modem WiFi ("5G", but not really)

After the huge success of Debian on the #OpenStick LTE USB dongle three years ago, I wondered if you can still get MSM8916-based LTE routers to run Debian on. The search results on AliExpress piqued me: there is a new 17€ device with a color LCD screen!

Fast forward two weeks, it's here. Fasten your seatbelts to see how it works (and how it doesn't).

#ReverseEngineering #Qualcomm #Android

Are there still OpenStick compatible / rootable MSM8916 LTE modems out there? I've heard multiple reports of people bricking theirs, and it seems like you need to watch out for the right PCB version: https://wvthoog.nl/openstick/

Also did anybody look at the fancier ones with OLED, like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009218212541.html

#FediHelp #AskFedi #MSM8916 #qualcomm #OpenStick