Using the Linux Flasher tool

Introduction

This document is reviewed for maemo 3.x.

This document is released under the GPL license.

This document describes how to use the Linux flasher tool and how to flash the reference (=developer) rootfs to the Internet Tablet device.

Using Linux Flasher

The flasher is a command line tool which you can use to flash items to your Nokia Internet Tablet. You can download the utility from: this location. Be careful to select the right flasher from the page. Different Internet Tablet products may require a spesific flasher-tool.

You should save the flasher tool to the directory you wish to use as the working directory. After you have saved the tool, go to the directory and change the file to executable with chmod.

$ chmod +x flasher
      

To run the flasher you need root-user rights. As a root use type:

 
$ ./flasher
      

This command will display you the following information on how to use the flasher:

Usage: flasher [OPTIONS]
Options:
--fiasco, -F                  Location of a FIASCO image
--kernel, -k                  Location of kernel image
--initfs, -n                  Location of initfs image
--rootfs, -r                  Location of root JFFS2 image
--xloader, -x                 Location of X-Loader image
--secondary, -s               Location of NOLO secondary bootloader image
--2nd, -2                     Location of NOLO cold flasher ("2nd") image
--unpack, -u [arg]            Unpack a FIASCO image
--flash, -f                   Load and flash all supplied images
--load, -l                    Only load all supplied images
--boot, -b [arg]              Boot the kernel with optional cmdline
--reboot, -R                  Reboot the board (e.g. after flashing NOLO)
--read-board-id, -i           Print out the board type
--serial-port, -S             Serial port used for cold flashing
--initialize-port, -I         Only initialize the serial port
--cold-flash, -c              "Cold flash" the device
--enable-rd-mode              Enable R&D mode on the device
--disable-rd-mode             Disable R&D mode on the device
--set-rd-flags [arg]          Set R&D mode flags on the device
--clear-rd-flags [arg]        Clear R&D mode flags on the device
--query-rd-mode               Query the device R&D mode status and flags
--set-root-device             Set the default root device
--query-root-device           Query the default root device
--enable-usb-host-mode        Set the device into USB host mode
--disable-usb-host-mode       Set the device into USB peripheral mode
--flash-only                  Flash only certain components

Here you see all the necessary parameters and information which are enabled for use in the flasher.

To try out the flasher, download the reference root filesystem for your spesific product. See details in the maemo.org releases page where to find the reference root filesystem that is suitable to your product.

Save the rootfs to the same directory which includes the flasher tool and complete the following steps:

• Make sure you are the root user on your PC
• Turn off the Nokia Internet Tablet
• Make sure your device is connected to your PC via USB

The Flasher tool does not work through an USB hub.

After these steps your device is ready to receive the root filesystem. Issue the following command:

$ ./flasher -r Maemo_Dev_Platform_rootfs.jffs2 -f -R
      

After this command, turn on the device, and the flashing will start.

If everything goes well you should see a progress bar in the bottom of the device screen.

The name of the root filesystem may vary.

The command above will flash the new root filesystem to your device. When the flashing is complete the device will reboot.