1.2.2.1 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.
• RDK X3 Module is powered from the DC jack on the carrier; use a 12V/2A adapter as listed in the accessory list.
• Do not power from a computer USB port; insufficient power can cause abnormal shutdowns and repeated reboots.

Boot medium

RDK X3 Module has on-board eMMC and supports microSD or eMMC as the boot medium.

• Use at least an 8GB microSD card.
• An SD card reader.

Flashing tools

RDK X3 Module can flash Ubuntu with RDK Studio or Rufus.

RDK Studio

• Local image or download while flashing.
• Windows,macOS.
• microSD flashing.

RDK Studio Download Links

• Click here to download

Installation

Windows

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

macOS

Double-click the package and drag the app into Applications.

Rufus

• Local image only.
• Windows only.
• microSD or eMMC (UMS).

Download

[Click here] for Rufus.

Installation

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

Image download

1. [Click here] and choose an RDK X3 image.

   About the images

   • RDK X3 provides Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04 in server or desktop form:

     • desktop: Ubuntu with a desktop.
     • server: Headless Ubuntu.

   • Boards ship with a test image; reflash for the latest release.

     • 3.x.x (Ubuntu 22.04): RDK X3 and RDK X3 Module.
     • 2.x.x (Ubuntu 20.04): Same.
     • 1.x.x: Legacy RDK X3 only; image name system_sdcard.img.
   

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

   

3. Extract the image, e.g. rdk-x3-ubuntu22-preinstalled-desktop-3.0.3-arm64.img.

Flashing procedure

Flashing the SD card

RDK Studio

See Flashing with RDK Studio.

Rufus

Same steps as RDK X3 — Using Rufus.

Flashing eMMC

Driver check

Before flashing on Windows, confirm drivers as follows.

1. Connect the carrier Micro USB (flashing port) to the PC with a USB cable (see figure).

   

2. Power on. If Device Manager shows unknown USB download gadget, update the driver.

   

Download and install the driver

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

2. Run 5-runasadmin_register-CA-cer.cmd as Administrator.

   

3. Double-click the unknown USB download gadget, point to the driver folder, and continue.

   

4. After installation, Android Device should appear.

   

Flash the system

1. Set the carrier jumper to 3.3V power.

   

2. On first use of the debug Micro USB, install CH340: [click here]. Connect the debug Micro USB to the PC.

   

3. Connect the flashing Micro USB to the PC.

   

4. Install MobaXterm.

5. Session → Serial, set the port (e.g. COM3), OK.

   Settings:

   Setting	Value
   Baud rate	921600
   Data bits	8
   Parity	None
   Stop bits	1
   Flow control	None

   

6. Power on and hold Space to enter U-Boot.

   

7. In U-Boot run watchdog off, then ums 0 mmc 0 to expose eMMC (device 0) as a USB mass-storage device.

   watchdog off
   ums 0 mmc 0

   

8. The PC should see a standard USB drive—the module’s eMMC.

   

Rufus

In Rufus, pick that drive letter; other steps match RDK X3 — Using Rufus.

Note

If flashing is interrupted, repeat the steps above.