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1.2.1.2 Bootloader (NAND) firmware flashing

Bootloader flashing writes low-level firmware (e.g. Miniboot, U-Boot) to the on-board NAND Flash. It handles power-on init and loading the OS. Do this when the board will not boot, the bootloader is corrupted, or you need to update the boot stack—this controls whether the device can boot at all.

About NAND firmware
  • The minimal RDK system in NAND includes Bootloader (Miniboot, U-Boot) and related components.
  • Boards ship with matching NAND firmware preinstalled.
  • Do not downgrade to older firmware; that can brick the device.
  • If the device does not boot, reflash the NAND firmware.

Flashing tool​

RDK X3 bootloader flashing on a PC uses hbupdate.

hbupdate​

  • Supports local image files.
  • Windows.
  • eMMC flashing via UMS mode.

Download​

[Click here] and choose the package for your OS and firmware version.

Installation​

Windows

  1. Extract the hbupdate archive.

    Note

    Extract to a path without spaces, non-ASCII characters, or special symbols.

  2. Double-click the .exe to launch hbupdate.

Firmware download​

[Click here] and download the .img file that matches your product capacity.

Flashing steps​

Driver check​

  1. Serial: Connect dupont wires to connector 3 on the board and a USB–serial adapter to the PC. Verify wiring.

  1. On first use, install the CH340 driver: [click here].

  2. After installation, Device Manager should list the serial port.

  3. Download MobaXterm.

  4. Open MobaXterm, click Session → Serial, set the port (e.g. COM9—use what Windows shows), then OK.

    Serial settings:

    SettingValue
    Baud rate921600
    Data bits8
    ParityNone
    Stop bits1
    Flow controlNone

  5. Power on the board and hold Space to stop autoboot and enter U-Boot. Type fastboot 0 to enter fastboot mode.

    U-Boot 2022.10-gca2c6582a0 (Mar 13 2024 - 19:04:15 +0800)

    ... (omitted) ...
    Hit any key to stop autoboot:  0
    Hobot>
    Hobot>fastboot 0

  6. If the driver is missing, Device Manager may show an unknown USB download gadget device.

Download and install the Android/fastboot driver​

  1. [Click here] to download and extract android_hobot.zip.

  2. In the extracted folder, run 5-runasadmin_register-CA-cer.cmd as Administrator to register the driver.

  3. After installation, Device Manager should show a fastboot Android Device.

Flash the firmware​

Run hbupdate.exe and follow the steps below.

  1. Board model (required):

    • RDK_X3_2GB: RDK X3 (Horizon X3 Pi), 2GB RAM.
    • RDK_X3_4GB: RDK X3 (Horizon X3 Pi), 4GB RAM.
    • RDK_X3_MD_2GB: RDK X3 Module, 2GB RAM.
    • RDK_X3_MD_4GB: RDK X3 Module, 4GB RAM.

  2. Click Browse and select the image to flash (required).

  3. Click Start to begin:

  4. When finished, power off, disconnect from the PC, and power on again.

Verify the result​

  • On success:

  • On failure, you may see the message below—confirm Android Device appears in Device Manager:

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