GPL requires source code be offered for any software distributed. Changes to the build system probably aren't covered, but a modified DTB probably is. The final image also has the Linux kernel and other GPL components, so that definitely is. Bottom line is that GPL is supposed to be permissive. DTS is easily gotten from DTB. And you're probably good as long as you're not being a jerk about it. If that bothers you, you could also make a overlay (dtbo) and just patch the DTB on boot. You'd avoid the custom image and also make it more clear that your DTB is tweaked.

While attempting, using AI, to see if there were DTS changes that could help this (spoiler: there aren't), it came up with some DTB changes that it claims need to be made for the board's stability. Maybe someone who understands these things can see if they got it right? Also, does the new allwinner update for armbian help/fix any of the cubie's USB/Power issues? https://github.com/armbian/build/pull/9381 a5e-armbian-DTS.patch

I finally managed to boot in Maskrom mode by shorting the clock pin (red circle on the picture) to ground, then loading the loader (rk3528_spl_loader_v1.07.104.bin) and u-boot with rkdeveloptool.

Dear @Werner , I have just created an issue on Github to keep track of this discussion: https://github.com/armbian/build/issues/9446 Is it safe to try possibly unsupported images on the NanoPC-T6 Plus ? It's a relatively expensive piece of kit and I'd rather not take any chances (new LPDDR5 RAM: possibly new memory timings, etc.) Best regards, Samuel

... problem is elsewhere. This is running: sudo dpkg-reconfigure tzdata in CLI (Armbian Noble), choosing region Atlantic, then: