traveler 2aff30ab71 prep for new grimoire

2026-04-12 09:39:57 -05:00

23 KiB

Raw Blame History

title	description	published	date	tags	editor	dateCreated
Stream Box	Configure ONN Media Box	true	2026-02-20T04:50:44.701Z		markdown	2026-02-20T04:50:34.384Z

Onn 4K Streaming Box Setup Guide

Complete configuration guide for Onn 4K streaming boxes used with Pocket Grimoire

Overview

This guide covers the complete setup of your Onn 4K streaming boxes for use with Pocket Grimoire, including:

Initial device setup
WiFi configuration (portapotty network)
Required app installations (Jellyfin, StashApp, Netflix, YouTube TV)
Connection to Pocket Grimoire services
Troubleshooting common issues

Network Configuration:

WiFi SSID: portapotty (GL.iNet Beryl AX travel router)
Connection: All devices connect wirelessly to portapotty
Exception: Raspberry Pi connects to router via CAT5 ethernet

Hardware Information

Onn 4K Streaming Box Specifications

Model: Onn 4K Streaming Box (Walmart exclusive)
OS: Android TV (Google TV interface)
CPU: Amlogic S905Y4 quad-core
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 8GB internal
Video: 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos
WiFi: 802.11ac (WiFi 5) dual-band
Bluetooth: 5.0
Ports: HDMI 2.1, Micro-USB (power)
Remote: Voice remote with Google Assistant

What's in the Box

Onn 4K streaming box
Voice remote with batteries
USB power adapter
HDMI cable (short)
Quick start guide

Initial Setup

First Power-On

Connect to TV:
- Plug HDMI cable into Onn box
- Connect other end to hotel TV HDMI port
- Plug Micro-USB power into Onn box
- Connect USB power adapter to wall or Anker Prime
Power On:
- TV should auto-detect HDMI input
- If not, use TV remote to select correct HDMI input
- Onn box LED will light up (solid white when ready)
- Wait for Google TV home screen
Select Language:
- Use remote to select language (English)
- Click OK
Accessibility Options:
- Skip unless needed (click "Skip")

WiFi Configuration

Critical: Connect to portapotty network

WiFi Setup Screen:
- List of available networks will appear
- Scroll to find portapotty
- Select portapotty
- Click "Connect"
Enter Password:
- Enter WiFi password for portapotty network
- Use on-screen keyboard
- Click "Connect"
- Wait for connection (should take 5-10 seconds)
- "Connected" message will appear
Verify Connection:
- Should show "portapotty" with signal strength
- Should show "Connected" status

Troubleshooting WiFi:

If portapotty doesn't appear: Ensure Beryl AX router is powered on
If password fails: Double-check portapotty WiFi password
If connection drops: Move closer to router
Signal strength: Should be "Excellent" or "Good" in hotel room

Google Account Setup

Option A: Sign in with Google Account

Select "Sign in"
Use phone to scan QR code or enter code
Follow prompts on phone
Account will sync to Onn box

Option B: Set up without Google Account (Limited)

Select "Skip"
Click "Skip" again to confirm
Some features will be limited (Play Store, purchases)
Recommendation: Use Option A for full functionality

For Pocket Grimoire:

Need Google account for: Play Store (to install apps)
StashApp requires sideloading (see separate section)

Complete Initial Setup

Google Services:
- Accept terms (or skip)
- Location services: Your choice
- Device name: Name it (e.g., "Onn Box 1", "Onn Box 2")
Voice Match:
- Set up "Hey Google" voice commands (optional)
- Can skip and set up later
Apps to Install:
- Google will suggest popular apps
- Skip for now (we'll install specific apps later)
- Click "Next" or "Skip"
Complete:
- Should arrive at Google TV home screen
- Remote should control interface
- Ready to install apps

App Installations

1. Jellyfin for Android TV

Install from Google Play Store:

Open Play Store:
- Press Home button on remote
- Navigate to "Apps" tab at top
- Select "Play Store"
Search for Jellyfin:
- Click search icon (magnifying glass)
- Type "Jellyfin" using on-screen keyboard
- Select "Jellyfin for Android TV" from results
- Developer: Jellyfin
- Note: Choose "Jellyfin for Android TV" not regular Jellyfin
Install:
- Click "Install"
- Wait for download and installation (~30 seconds)
- Click "Open" when complete
Configure Jellyfin:
- Click "Connect to Server"
- Method 1 - Manual Entry:
  - Click "Add server manually"
  - Host: pocket-grimoire.local or 10.0.0.10 (Pi's IP)
  - Port: 8096
  - Click "Connect"
- Method 2 - Auto-Discovery (if available):
  - Wait for Jellyfin to discover Pocket Grimoire
  - Select "Pocket Grimoire" from list
  - Click "Connect"
Login:
- Enter username and password
- Or select "Quick Connect" if configured
- Click "Sign In"
Verify:
- Should see Jellyfin home screen
- Libraries (Movies, TV Shows) should appear
- Test playing a video (should be direct play, no buffering)

Jellyfin Settings (Optional but Recommended):

Settings → Playback
- Video quality: Maximum
- Allow direct play: ON
- Allow direct stream: ON
- Allow video transcoding: OFF (should be disabled on server already)

2. StashApp for Android TV

Installation: Requires Sideloading (GitHub Release)

StashApp is not available in Play Store, must be installed manually via APK file.

Prerequisites

USB drive (for APK transfer)
Computer with internet access
OR Android phone with file transfer capability

Method 1: USB Drive Installation (Recommended)

On Your Computer:

Download StashApp APK:
- Open browser: https://github.com/damontecres/StashAppAndroidTV/releases
- Find latest release (e.g., v1.x.x)
- Download file: stashapp-tv-release-vX.X.X.apk
- Save to USB drive
Prepare USB Drive:
- Format as FAT32 or exFAT (if not already)
- Copy APK to root of USB drive
- Safely eject USB drive

On Onn Box:

Enable Unknown Sources:
- Press Home button
- Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
- Select "Device Preferences"
- Select "Security & Restrictions"
- Enable "Unknown Sources"
- Confirm warning (accept risk)
Install File Manager (if needed):
- Open Play Store
- Search "File Commander" or "X-plore File Manager"
- Install one of these apps
- Open the file manager app
Connect USB Drive:
- Plug USB drive into Onn box USB port
- Note: Onn box only has Micro-USB (power), so you need:
  - USB OTG adapter (Micro-USB to USB-A female)
  - OR transfer APK via network/Bluetooth

Alternative: Network Transfer

Since Onn box doesn't have easy USB access:

Use Send Files to TV App:
- On Onn box: Install "Send Files to TV" from Play Store
- On phone/computer: Install companion app
- Transfer APK wirelessly
- Open with package installer
Or Use Cloud Storage:
- Upload APK to Google Drive
- On Onn box: Install Google Drive app
- Download APK from Drive
- Open with package installer

Method 2: Direct Download on Onn Box (Easiest)

On Onn Box:

Install Downloader App:
- Open Play Store
- Search "Downloader" (by AFTVnews)
- Install and open
Download StashApp APK:
- In Downloader app, click URL field
- Enter: https://github.com/damontecres/StashAppAndroidTV/releases
- Navigate to latest release
- Click APK download link
- Save APK
Install APK:
- Downloader will prompt to install after download
- Click "Install"
- Click "Done" when complete
- APK will be installed

Configure StashApp:

Open StashApp:
- Find in Apps list (may be under "See all apps")
- Or search "Stash" in search bar
Connect to Server:
- Enter server URL: http://pocket-grimoire.local:9999
- Or use IP: http://10.0.0.10:9999
- Enter API key (if required)
- Click "Connect"
Test Connection:
- Should load Stash interface
- Browse library
- Test playing a preview
- Verify scene markers work

StashApp Settings:

Video quality: Original (for direct play)
Hardware acceleration: ON
Cache previews: ON (if storage available)

3. Netflix

Install from Google Play Store:

Open Play Store:
- Press Home button
- Navigate to "Apps"
- Select "Play Store"
Search Netflix:
- Search bar → type "Netflix"
- Select "Netflix" (official app)
- Click "Install"
- Wait for installation
Open Netflix:
- Click "Open" after installation
- Or find in Apps list
Sign In:
- Enter Netflix email and password
- Or scan QR code with phone
- Select profile
Test:
- Browse content
- Play a video to verify streaming works
- Check video quality (should be HD/4K)

Netflix Settings:

Profile: Select your profile
Video quality: High (auto)
Subtitles/audio: Configure as preferred

4. YouTube TV

Install from Google Play Store:

Open Play Store:
- Navigate to Play Store
- Search "YouTube TV"
Install:
- Select "YouTube TV" (official app)
- Click "Install"
- Wait for installation
Sign In:
- Open YouTube TV
- Sign in with Google account (YouTube TV subscription)
- Or use TV code activation:
  - Visit tv.youtube.com/start on computer/phone
  - Enter code shown on TV
  - Sign in and authorize
Test:
- Browse live TV channels
- Test DVR recordings
- Verify streaming quality

YouTube TV Settings:

Live guide: Configure preferences
DVR: Verify recordings accessible
Picture quality: Auto or 4K (if available)

Network Configuration Details

portapotty WiFi Network (GL.iNet Beryl AX)

Network Details:

SSID: portapotty
Frequency: 2.4GHz + 5GHz (dual-band)
Security: WPA2/WPA3
DHCP: Enabled (automatic IP assignment)
Subnet: 192.168.8.0/24 (default GL.iNet)
Router IP: 192.168.8.1 (Beryl AX admin panel)
DNS: Handled by Beryl AX (AdGuard Home)

Devices on portapotty Network:

Raspberry Pi 4: Ethernet (CAT5) → 10.0.0.10 (static, or check DHCP)
Onn Box 1: WiFi → 192.168.8.x (DHCP assigned)
Onn Box 2: WiFi → 192.168.8.x (DHCP assigned)
Laptop: WiFi → 192.168.8.x (DHCP assigned)
Phone/tablet: WiFi → 192.168.8.x (DHCP assigned)

Pocket Grimoire Service Addresses

When connected to portapotty network:

Jellyfin:        http://pocket-grimoire.local:8096
                 or http://10.0.0.10:8096

Stash:           http://pocket-grimoire.local:9999
                 or http://10.0.0.10:9999

Wiki.js:         http://pocket-grimoire.local:3000
                 or http://10.0.0.10:3000

File Browser:    http://pocket-grimoire.local:8080
                 or http://10.0.0.10:8080

Router Admin:    http://192.168.8.1

If .local names don't resolve:

Use IP addresses directly (10.0.0.10)
Check Beryl AX DNS settings
Restart Onn box

Configuration Checklist

Pre-Deployment (At Home)

Before traveling, complete these tasks:

Both Onn boxes powered on and tested
Both connected to test WiFi network
Google accounts signed in on both boxes
All 4 apps installed on both boxes:
- Jellyfin for Android TV
- StashApp for Android TV (sideloaded)
- Netflix
- YouTube TV
Jellyfin configured and tested (play test video)
StashApp configured and tested (browse library)
Netflix signed in (test streaming)
YouTube TV signed in (test live TV)
Both remotes have fresh batteries
Both boxes labeled (Box 1, Box 2) or distinguishable

Hotel Deployment

Setup sequence at hotel:

Setup Beryl AX Router:
- Power on Beryl AX
- Connect to hotel WiFi (via Beryl AX admin or phone app)
- Verify internet connection
- portapotty WiFi should be active
Setup Pocket Grimoire:
- Power on Raspberry Pi
- Connect via CAT5 to Beryl AX
- Wait 2-3 minutes for boot
- SSH in and unlock ZFS (if needed)
- Verify Docker containers running
Setup Onn Box 1:
- Connect to TV HDMI port
- Power on
- Wait for boot (30 seconds)
- Should auto-connect to portapotty
- If not: Settings → Network → portapotty → Connect
- Test Jellyfin (should connect automatically)
- Test StashApp (should connect automatically)
Setup Onn Box 2 (if using):
- Connect to second TV or different HDMI port
- Repeat setup steps above
- Verify connection to portapotty
Verify All Services:
- Open Jellyfin → Browse library → Play test video
- Open StashApp → Browse library → Test preview
- Open Netflix → Test streaming
- Open YouTube TV → Test live channel

Total setup time: 10-15 minutes

Troubleshooting

WiFi Connection Issues

Onn box won't connect to portapotty:

Verify Router is Online:
- Check Beryl AX power LED (should be solid)
- Check Beryl AX WiFi LED (should be blinking/solid)
- Use phone to verify portapotty network is visible
Forget and Reconnect:
- Settings → Network & Internet
- Select portapotty
- Click "Forget network"
- Scan again
- Reconnect with password
Check Router Settings:
- Access Beryl AX admin: http://192.168.8.1
- Verify WiFi is enabled
- Check if DHCP is active
- Verify no MAC filtering enabled
Restart Devices:
- Power cycle Onn box (unplug, wait 10 seconds, plug back in)
- Restart Beryl AX router
- Try connecting again

Weak WiFi Signal:

Move Beryl AX closer to TV/Onn box
Reduce obstacles between router and box
Use 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz (better range, slower speed)
Check for interference (hotel WiFi channels)

Jellyfin Connection Issues

Can't connect to Jellyfin server:

Verify Server is Running:
- SSH into Pocket Grimoire
- Run: docker ps | grep jellyfin
- Should show pocketgrimoire_jellyfin running
Check Network Connectivity:
- On Onn box, open browser app
- Navigate to: http://pocket-grimoire.local:8096
- Or try IP: http://10.0.0.10:8096
- Should load Jellyfin web interface
Reconnect Jellyfin App:
- Open Jellyfin app
- Settings → Server
- Delete existing server
- Add server manually:
  - Host: pocket-grimoire.local or 10.0.0.10
  - Port: 8096
- Connect and login
Check Firewall:
- SSH into Pi
- Verify port 8096 is open: sudo netstat -tlnp | grep 8096
- Should show jellyfin listening

Jellyfin Playback Issues:

Video won't play:

Check media is H.264/AAC (see encoding guide)
Verify network bandwidth (should be strong WiFi)
Try different video file
Check Jellyfin logs: docker logs pocketgrimoire_jellyfin

Video buffers/stutters:

Check WiFi signal strength (move router closer)
Verify direct play (check playback info, should NOT say "transcoding")
If transcoding occurs: Media is not properly encoded
Check network activity: ssh user@pocket-grimoire.local then iftop

Subtitles don't work:

Ensure subtitles are SRT format (not PGS/VobSub)
External .srt files work best
Embedded SRT in MKV also works

StashApp Connection Issues

Can't connect to Stash server:

Verify Stash is Running:
- SSH into Pocket Grimoire
- Run: docker ps | grep stash
- Should show pocketgrimoire_stash running
Test Server Connection:
- Open browser on Onn box
- Navigate to: http://pocket-grimoire.local:9999
- Or try: http://10.0.0.10:9999
- Should load Stash web interface
Reconfigure StashApp:
- Open StashApp
- Settings → Server
- Remove existing server
- Add server:
  - URL: http://pocket-grimoire.local:9999
  - Or: http://10.0.0.10:9999
- Enter API key (if required)
- Connect
Check API Key:
- If StashApp requires API key
- SSH into Pi: cat /srv/vaultpg/stash/config/config.yml | grep api_key
- Or access Stash web UI → Settings → Security → API Key
- Copy key into StashApp

StashApp Crashes or Freezes:

Clear app cache: Settings → Apps → StashApp → Clear cache
Restart Onn box
Reinstall StashApp (download latest APK)
Check Stash server logs: docker logs pocketgrimoire_stash

Previews won't play:

Verify previews synced from Netgrimoire
Check: ssh user@pocket-grimoire.local
Run: ls /srv/vaultpg/stash/generated/ (should show preview files)
If empty: Sync hasn't completed, or previews not generated on Netgrimoire

Netflix/YouTube TV Issues

Netflix won't sign in:

Verify Netflix subscription is active
Try signing in on phone/computer first
Use "Sign in with code" option (visit netflix.com/tv8 on another device)
Check internet connection (portapotty → hotel WiFi)

YouTube TV won't play:

Verify YouTube TV subscription is active
Check location restrictions (some content blocked outside home area)
Try signing out and back in
Verify internet connection speed

Streaming quality poor:

Check WiFi signal strength
Verify hotel internet speed (not throttled)
Switch to lower quality in app settings temporarily
Move router closer to TV

General Onn Box Issues

Box won't turn on:

Check power adapter is plugged in
Check Micro-USB cable is secure
Try different power source
LED should light up (white when on)

Remote not working:

Check batteries (replace if needed)
Re-pair remote: Hold Back + Home for 5 seconds
Check for obstructions between remote and box
Try using Google Home app as remote backup

Box is slow/laggy:

Clear cache: Settings → Storage → Cached data → Clear
Uninstall unused apps
Restart box: Settings → Device Preferences → About → Restart
Factory reset (last resort)

Apps keep crashing:

Clear app cache and data
Uninstall and reinstall app
Check for OS updates: Settings → Device Preferences → About → System update
Factory reset if persistent

No sound:

Check TV volume (not muted)
Check HDMI connection (reseat cable)
Settings → Display & Sound → Audio output → Test
Try different HDMI port on TV
Check if audio is set to "Auto" or "Stereo"

DNS Resolution Issues

.local addresses don't work (pocket-grimoire.local fails):

Use IP Address Instead:
- Replace pocket-grimoire.local with 10.0.0.10
- Example: http://10.0.0.10:8096 for Jellyfin
Check Pi's IP Address:
- SSH into Pi: ip addr show eth0
- Look for inet address (e.g., 192.168.8.50)
- Use this IP in apps instead of .local
Check Beryl AX DNS:
- Access http://192.168.8.1
- Check DNS settings
- Verify AdGuard Home is running
- Ensure mDNS/Bonjour reflection is enabled (if option available)
Add Static DNS Entry:
- In Beryl AX admin panel
- Add static DNS entry: pocket-grimoire → 10.0.0.10

Advanced Configuration

Setting Static IP for Raspberry Pi

On Beryl AX router:

Access admin panel: http://192.168.8.1
Navigate to Network → DHCP Server
Find Raspberry Pi in client list
Assign static IP: 10.0.0.10
Save and apply

Or on Raspberry Pi directly:

# Edit network config
sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

# Add at end:
interface eth0
static ip_address=10.0.0.10/24
static routers=192.168.8.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.8.1

Optimizing Video Playback

Jellyfin Video Settings (on Onn box):

Settings → Playback
Max streaming bitrate: Maximum (Auto)
Video quality: Maximum
Allow video playback that may require conversion: OFF
Skip intro: ON (if desired)

StashApp Video Settings:

Settings → Playback
Video quality: Original
Hardware acceleration: ON
Buffer size: Large

Remote Control Tips

Voice Commands:

"Hey Google, open Jellyfin"
"Hey Google, play [movie name] on Jellyfin"
"Hey Google, pause"
"Hey Google, turn off TV"

Useful Remote Shortcuts:

Home button (twice): Recent apps
Back button (hold): Return to home
Play/Pause: Works in most video apps
Voice button: Google Assistant

App Locations

After installation, find apps here:

Home Screen:

Netflix, YouTube TV usually appear automatically

Apps Tab:

All installed apps listed alphabetically
Jellyfin, StashApp will be here

Quick Access:

Long-press Home → Add to Favorites
Apps appear on home screen for quick access

Maintenance

Weekly (While Using)

Check for app updates (Play Store → Updates)
Clear cache if apps feel slow
Verify WiFi connection strength

Before Each Trip

Test all apps at home
Update apps if updates available
Check remote batteries
Verify all logins still active

After Each Trip

Check for OS updates
Review installed apps (remove if unused)
Clear cache to free storage

Factory Reset (If Needed)

When to factory reset:

Box is extremely slow
Apps constantly crash
Persistent connection issues
Selling/giving away box

How to factory reset:

Via Settings:
- Settings → Device Preferences
- About → Factory Reset
- Confirm reset
- Wait for reboot (3-5 minutes)
Via Recovery Mode:
- Power off box
- Hold reset button (if present)
- Power on while holding
- Navigate with remote to "Factory Reset"
- Confirm

After reset:

Complete initial setup again (see beginning of guide)
Reinstall all apps
Reconfigure WiFi and services

Quick Reference Card

Essential Information:

WiFi Network:    portapotty
Router Admin:    http://192.168.8.1

Pocket Grimoire Services:
- Jellyfin:      http://pocket-grimoire.local:8096
- Stash:         http://pocket-grimoire.local:9999
- Wiki:          http://pocket-grimoire.local:3000

If .local fails, use IP: http://10.0.0.10:[PORT]

Apps Required:
✓ Jellyfin for Android TV (Play Store)
✓ StashApp for Android TV (Sideload APK)
✓ Netflix (Play Store)
✓ YouTube TV (Play Store)

Troubleshooting:
1. Restart Onn box
2. Check portapotty WiFi connection
3. Verify Pocket Grimoire is running (SSH check)
4. Use IP addresses instead of .local names

Appendix: StashApp APK Sources

Official GitHub Repository:

https://github.com/damontecres/StashAppAndroidTV
Releases: https://github.com/damontecres/StashAppAndroidTV/releases
Latest version: Check releases page

Verification:

Download only from official GitHub releases
Verify file integrity (check file size, release notes)
Watch for malware warnings (false positives common with sideloaded APKs)

Update Process:

Check GitHub for new releases periodically
Download new APK
Install over existing app (data preserved)
Or uninstall and reinstall clean

This guide was created for Onn 4K streaming box configuration with Pocket Grimoire. Keep updated as apps and configurations change.

23 KiB Raw Blame History

Onn 4K Streaming Box Setup Guide

Overview

Hardware Information

Onn 4K Streaming Box Specifications

What's in the Box

Initial Setup

First Power-On

WiFi Configuration

Google Account Setup

Complete Initial Setup

App Installations

1. Jellyfin for Android TV

2. StashApp for Android TV

Prerequisites

Method 1: USB Drive Installation (Recommended)

Method 2: Direct Download on Onn Box (Easiest)

3. Netflix

4. YouTube TV

Network Configuration Details

portapotty WiFi Network (GL.iNet Beryl AX)

Pocket Grimoire Service Addresses

Configuration Checklist

Pre-Deployment (At Home)

Hotel Deployment

Troubleshooting

WiFi Connection Issues

Jellyfin Connection Issues

StashApp Connection Issues

Netflix/YouTube TV Issues

General Onn Box Issues

DNS Resolution Issues

Advanced Configuration

Setting Static IP for Raspberry Pi

Optimizing Video Playback

Remote Control Tips

App Locations

Maintenance

Weekly (While Using)

Before Each Trip

After Each Trip

Factory Reset (If Needed)

Quick Reference Card

Appendix: StashApp APK Sources

23 KiB

Raw Blame History