I'd have thought an SSH client from the iPad to the linux server would be possible (Terminus, I recall using many years ago?), and probably even the Chromecast? But yep, a PC will make it much easier.
Addons I wrote &/or maintain:
OzWeather (Australian BOM weather) | Check Previous Episode | Playback Resumer | Unpause Jumpback | XSqueezeDisplay | (Legacy - XSqueeze & XZen)
Sorry, no help w/out a *full debug log*.