MNT July 2025 Update
Lots of progress at MNT this month! Read more about the latest developments of the MNT Reform Next, the QCS6490/QCS8550 Processor Module, bug fixes, and our support system.
MNT Reform Next Developments
MNT Reform Aluminum Bottom Case Parts
New samples of the (semi-)final CNC-milled aluminum bottom case parts have arrived. They turned out great and have some refined details such as a new mounting area for a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module based on M.2 key E standard and a higher res 20 mm spaced thread grid as well as new areas for the battery packs. These no longer have negative space for the batteries built in; instead the battery mounts will be more modular 3D printed parts.
MNT Reform Next Trackpad (Buttons)
The trackpad area has now a recessed front for better ergnomics when pressing down on the trackpad buttons with your thumb. In terms of key switches, we've decided on the Kailh PG1316 which works perfectly with our available keycaps. The video below shows translucent ones, but Kailh also has black and white ones if a more classic look is desired.
MNT Reform Next USB 3.0
Lucie encountered some issues with USB 3.0 and PCIe Gen 3 during testing. After a lot of debugging, Lucie found out that an error in the 6-layer stackup of the motherboard was the cause:
It's good to know the cause but these issues threw us back a bit in terms of getting the production going. Fortunately, this problem is quick to fix and we're confident that we can still ship the first units of MNT Reform Next to Crowd Supply this Fall (2025). What's still left to do for Lucie is to finalize and debug the latest battery pack design/electronics and, lastly, the camera integration.
More MNT Developments
QCS6490/QCS8550 Processor Module
Lucie took the development of the QCS6490/QCS8550 Processor Module (which we introduced in our June update) a big step further and published a first version of the schematics for the MNT Reform series. If you're curious you can take a look at the files here.
Audio Bug Fix for MNT Pocket Reform
Since the launch of the MNT RCORE RK3588 processor module for MNT Pocket Reform, we noticed audio issues like aliasing/distortion and a lower pitch but couldn't determine the cause. This was also a problem with MNT Reform Next since both computers share the same audio setup. Turns out: The RK3588's I2S MCLK frequency, when set to 12280000 Hz actually yields 12279999 Hz and the TLV320AIC31xx driver, only having a fixed table, rejects this because it's off by 1 Hz. Therefore, Lucie added support for 12279999 Hz in the TLV320AIC31xx driver and now it works perfectly. (tested with hearing tests of 440 Hz sine tones and comparing to other devices)
It is now also possible to output audio through HDMI which is great if you use dual display on a regular basis. Instructions on how to install the update are listed in our MNT Community Forum.
MNT Support System
Unbricking Guide for MNT Pocket Reform
We've been working on filling our still new self-service support center with more helpful information and added another step-by-step guide. This one concerns an issue that only very few people encountered so far: MNT Pocket Reform was bricked after an incomplete firmware update. If this happened to you use this interactive unbricking guide to resolve this issue.
We'll be adding more guides gradually (also for other devices than MNT Pocket Reform). If you have any input on what you'd like to see there, write us a message using the support form.
Order Fulfillment Table
Since we are a small independent company, shipping your order often takes us months and we are grateful for your patience. However, we understand that you'd like to know when your package arrives and thought of a way to give you more information. We came up with a Fulfillment Table containing details such as major MNT products, order placement dates, estimated shipment dates, and—most importantly—delays.
You can access the table on our FAQ page and in our support system under the category My Order. Note that we have no information about orders placed on Crowd Supply and Mouser. Please contact their customer support if you need information.
We will update this table as soon as there is anything to update, but at least once a month, ideally bi-weekly. We encourage you to skim it if you want to know when your package will arrive.
New Products
New Heatsink for MNT Reform
Our MNT Reform Classic got a stylish and most of all mandatory upgrade: A copper heatsink that cools down the MNT RCORE with RK3588 processor module effectively.
You can buy the RCORE with RK3588 processor module (incl. heatsink) in our shop.
Affordable Upgrade Option for RCORE RK3588 for MNT Pocket Reform
If you bought our RCORE version 1.0 and wanted to upgrade to 2.0 without having to buy another RK3588 processor module you can now do so by selecting the option "RCORE Carrier Board" on our MNT Pocket Reform RK3588 Upgrade Bundle shop page.
The idea is: We provide you with the RCORE 2.0 PCB incl. our new Wi-Fi/BT Carrier Board and you can reuse your existing RK3588 processor + RAM module. You can also select the option Wi-Fi/BT Card + Antennas to get Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 without a hassle. Altogether, this upgrade costs 150 € (or 100 € without the Wi-Fi/BT Card + Antennas).
And that's a wrap! Have a great August, and as always, read our next update in approx. 4 weeks and follow us on the Fediverse!