Enabling HDMI Output with a Mainline Kernel

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 1 views

Introduction

The Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit is a popular and affordable network-attached storage solution that has garnered significant attention from enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its compact design and impressive storage capabilities, it's no wonder why many users are eager to explore its full potential. In this article, we'll delve into the possibilities of running NixOS on the Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit, specifically focusing on enabling HDMI output and ZFS support.

Current Progress

As you may know, I'm currently working on getting NixOS running on the Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit. The good news is that it's already working without HDMI support using the Mainline Kernel. The setup runs smoothly with ZFS, which is a significant achievement. However, the lack of HDMI output is a limitation that I'd like to overcome.

Uncertainty

One of the main concerns I have is whether it's better to switch to the older, Rockchip-supported kernel (e.g., version 5.1) instead of sticking with the Mainline Kernel. The older kernel seems to have better hardware support (like HDMI) based on my experience with the official Friendlyelec Ubuntu image. This raises an important question: is it possible to switch to the Rockchip-supported kernel under NixOS?

Details

For those interested in the full setup, goals, and specific questions, I've outlined them in this NixOS Discourse post: Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit - NixOS, HDMI, UART, and ZFS Encryption Questions. I'd appreciate any insights, experiences, or guidance on the following topics:

Enabling HDMI Output with a Mainline Kernel

Can I enable HDMI output with a Mainline Kernel (e.g., 6.13) and ZFS on NixOS?
What are the necessary steps to achieve this?
Are there any known issues or limitations that I should be aware of?

Switching to the Rockchip-Supported Kernel

Is it possible to switch to the Rockchip-supported kernel under NixOS?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using the Rockchip-supported kernel compared to the Mainline Kernel?
Are there any specific configuration or setup requirements that I should be aware of?

Other Suggestions

Are there any other suggestions or workarounds that I can use to achieve my goals (remote control via HDMI/UART, ZFS encryption, etc.)?
Can I use any other distributions or tools to achieve my goals?
Are there any community resources or forums that I can tap into for support and guidance?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit is a powerful and versatile device that offers a wide range of possibilities. While there are still some challenges to overcome, I'm confident that with the right guidance and support, we can achieve our goals and unlock the full potential of this device. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!

Additional Resources

Community Support

Q&A: Enabling HDMI Output with a Mainline Kernel and ZFS on NixOS

Q: Can I enable HDMI output with a Mainline Kernel (e.g., 6.13) and ZFS on NixOS?

A: Yes, it is possible to enable HDMI output with a Mainline Kernel and ZFS on NixOS. However, it may require some additional configuration and setup. You can try using the drm module and configuring the HDMI output manually.

Q: What are the necessary steps to achieve this?

A: To enable HDMI output with a Mainline Kernel and ZFS on NixOS, you'll need to:

Install the drm module and configure it to use the HDMI output.
Configure the HDMI output manually using the drm module.
Ensure that the ZFS configuration is set up correctly to use the HDMI output.

Q: Are there any known issues or limitations that I should be aware of?

A: Yes, there are some known issues and limitations to be aware of when enabling HDMI output with a Mainline Kernel and ZFS on NixOS. These include:

HDMI output may not work properly with some graphics cards or display devices.
ZFS configuration may require additional setup and configuration to work with HDMI output.
Mainline Kernel may not support all features or configurations required for HDMI output.

Q: Is it possible to switch to the Rockchip-supported kernel under NixOS?

A: Yes, it is possible to switch to the Rockchip-supported kernel under NixOS. However, this may require additional configuration and setup, as the Rockchip-supported kernel may not be as widely supported as the Mainline Kernel.

Q: What are the benefits and drawbacks of using the Rockchip-supported kernel compared to the Mainline Kernel?

A: The benefits of using the Rockchip-supported kernel include:

Better hardware support, including HDMI output.
More stable and reliable performance.

However, the drawbacks include:

Limited support and community resources.
May not be as widely supported as the Mainline Kernel.

Q: Are there any specific configuration or setup requirements that I should be aware of?

A: Yes, there are specific configuration and setup requirements to be aware of when using the Rockchip-supported kernel under NixOS. These include:

Ensuring that the Rockchip-supported kernel is properly configured and installed.
Configuring the HDMI output manually using the drm module.
Ensuring that the ZFS configuration is set up correctly to use the HDMI output.

Q: Are there any other suggestions or workarounds that I can use to achieve my goals (remote control via HDMI/UART, ZFS encryption, etc.)?

A: Yes, there are other suggestions and workarounds that you can use to achieve your goals. These include:

Using a different distribution or tool to achieve your goals.
Configuring the HDMI output manually using the drm module.
Ensuring that the ZFS configuration is set up correctly to use the HDMI output.

Q: Can I use any other distributions or tools to achieve my goals?

A: Yes, you can use other distributions or tools to achieve your goals. Some popular options include:

Ubuntu
Debian
Arch Linux
Other NAS distributions

Q: Are there any community resources or forums that I can tap into for support and guidance?

A: Yes, there are community resources and forums that you can tap into for support and guidance. Some popular options include:

NixOS Discourse forum
Friendlyelec community forum
Rockchip community forum
Other NAS and Linux communities

Additional Resources

Community Support

If you have any questions, experiences, or guidance to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me on the NixOS Discourse forum, where I'll be happy to discuss this topic further. Let's work together to unlock the full potential of the Friendlyelec CM3588 NAS Kit!