DarkOS on R36H: Check Your Board First
The dArkOSRE-R36 community project lists specific R36H boards in beta. Before installing, match your board identifier to the project's device list and read the current release and installation notes. The R36H name alone is not enough to select an image or configuration.
Which R36H boards are listed?
As checked on 20 September 2026, the maintainer's supported systems table lists these two board identifiers. Both are marked beta, so this is not a claim that every R36H unit is fully supported.
| Board identifier | Project status | Tester field |
|---|---|---|
| HL-R36H-V20 2024-05-18 | Beta testing | southoz |
| HL-R36H-V21 2024-11-18 | Beta testing | Untested |
The project's beta notes mention both board IDs and work on the R36H control scheme. The V20 and V21 rows have different tester status; check the latest table before relying on either one.
Before installing
- Identify your board. Compare its exact identifier and any panel details with the project table. If you cannot establish a match, ask the maintainer community before writing an image.
- Preserve your working setup. Back up saves and settings, keep the original card unchanged where possible, and check that your recovery copy is readable.
- Use the project release. Read the current releases, download from the maintainer's linked location, and compare the image hash with the value the maintainer publishes.
- Follow the current installation guide. The maintainer's installation instructions specify tools, model selection, card handling and first boot. These steps vary with releases and boards.
Check the project's tool warning
The maintainer's installation page currently advises avoiding Balena Etcher for this image and lists other writing tools. Use the current project instructions rather than a generic flashing recipe.
If your board is missing or the screen fails
Stop before trying another model's image, device tree file, or profile. Check the project's release notes for your exact board and use its documented recovery route. A blank screen by itself does not identify the cause. Keep the original card available while you investigate.
For general preparation, see our firmware compatibility checklist. This page does not substitute for the maintainer's board-specific instructions.