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1.2.1.1 Full image flashing

Full image flashing writes a complete OS image to storage (usually an SD card or eMMC). It prepares the board with user-space apps, drivers, and core services.

Notes
  • Do not hot-plug any device other than USB, HDMI, or Ethernet while power is on.
  • The RDK X3 Type-C USB port is for power only.
  • Use a 5V/3A adapter as recommended in the accessory list.
  • Do not power the board from a computer USB port; insufficient power can cause abnormal shutdowns and repeated reboots.

Boot medium​

RDK X3 boots from a microSD card; flash the system onto the card.

  • Use at least an 8GB microSD card for Ubuntu and applications.
  • An SD card reader.

Flashing tools​

RDK X3 can flash Ubuntu with RDK Studio or Rufus on a PC.

RDK Studio​

  • Supports local image or download while flashing.
  • Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Download​

[Click here] to open the RDK Studio download page and choose the installer for your OS; User Installer is recommended.

Installation​

Windows

Double-click the downloaded .exe to install and launch the app.

Linux

In a terminal in the package folder, run sudo dpkg -i with the package name and wait for installation to finish.

macOS

Double-click the package, then drag the app icon into Applications.

Using Rufus​

  • Supports local image only.
  • Windows only.

Download​

[Click here] to open the Rufus site and download the build for your platform.

Installation​

Double-click the downloaded .exe to install and launch the app.

Image download​

  1. [Click here] to download an RDK X3 image.

    About the images

    • RDK X3 provides Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 images, in server (headless) or desktop form:

      • desktop: Ubuntu with a desktop; use a display, keyboard, and mouse.
      • server: Headless Ubuntu; use serial or network access.

    • Boards ship with a test image; for the latest release, reflash following this guide.

      • 3.x.x (Ubuntu 22.04): Built from the RDK Linux open-source package; supports RDK X3 and RDK X3 Module.
      • 2.x.x (Ubuntu 20.04): Same as above.
      • 1.x.x: Legacy RDK X3 only; extracted image name is system_sdcard.img.

  2. Open the version folder—for example for 3.0.3—and download server or desktop.

  3. Extract the Ubuntu image file, for example rdk-x3-ubuntu22-preinstalled-desktop-3.0.3-arm64.img.

Flashing procedure​

Using RDK Studio​

RDK Studio can flash the OS and manage the device on Windows, Linux, and macOS. See Flashing with RDK Studio.

Using Rufus​

Hardware​

Insert the microSD into a reader and plug the reader into the PC.

Steps​

  1. Open Rufus and select the microSD card under Device.

  2. Click SELECT and choose the extracted image, e.g. rdk-x3-ubuntu22-preinstalled-desktop-3.0.3-arm64.img.

  3. Leave other options at default, click START, and wait until flashing completes.

  4. When done, close Rufus and eject the card.

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