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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, Linux, macOS.
  • microSD flashing.
  • eMMC flashing via UMS.

Download​

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

Installation​

Windows

Double-click the .exe to install and launch.

Linux

Run sudo dpkg -i with the package in a terminal.

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:

    SettingValue
    Baud rate921600
    Data bits8
    ParityNone
    Stop bits1
    Flow controlNone

  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.

RDK Studio​

At Select storage device, choose the USB drive. See Flashing with RDK Studio.

Rufus​

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

Note

If flashing is interrupted, repeat the steps above.

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