[Feature Request]: EFI/GRUB boot support for AYN Odin 2

[masies-hack]

Which feature would you like to have?

I am using an AYN Odin 2 and running both Armbian and Rocknix on the device.

Recently, Rocknix introduced a new ABL that enables Linux booting across multiple devices using an EFI/GRUB-based boot flow. However, this has created a compatibility issue with Armbian.

Current situation

• Armbian currently uses LinuxLoader-based boot
• Rocknix uses EFI/GRUB-based boot
• The ABL required for each system is not compatible with the other

As a result, switching between Armbian and Rocknix requires:

• Reflashing the ABL each time
• This is inconvenient and potentially dangerous, as it involves repeatedly modifying bootloader partitions

Problem

This prevents a clean dual-boot setup (Linux + Android), since:

• Each Linux system requires a different ABL
• There is no shared boot method between Armbian and Rocknix

Proposed solution

Implement support for EFI/GRUB boot in Armbian for the Odin 2, similar to Rocknix.

This would allow:

• Booting Armbian and Rocknix using the same ABL
• Switching systems simply by changing the SD card
• Avoiding repeated flashing of bootloader partitions

Benefits

• Safer (no repeated ABL flashing)
• Better user experience
• Standardized boot method across Linux distributions
• EFI/GRUB provides more flexibility and maintainability

Additional context

The goal is not multiboot between multiple Linux systems simultaneously, but rather:

• Reliable dual usage of different Linux systems (Armbian or Rocknix) alongside Android
• Without modifying bootloader partitions each time

Funding

• I am willing to cover expenses

[github-actions]

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[github-actions]

Jira ticket: AR-2841