Using the Linux Flasher tool

This document is reviewed for maemo 4.0.

This document describes how to use the Linux flasher tool and how to flash a rootfs to the Internet Tablet device.

The flasher is a command line tool that can be used to flash items to the Nokia Internet Tablet. The utility can be downloaded from this location. N.B. Attention should be paid to selecting the correct flasher for the product in question, as different Internet Tablet products may require a specific flasher tool.

The flasher tool should be saved to the directory that is to be used as the working directory. After saving the tool, the file should be changed with chmod to be executable.

	$ chmod +x flasher
      

To run the flasher, root-user rights are needed. As a root user type:

 
	$ ./flasher
      

This command will display 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
      

This shows all the necessary parameters and information that are enabled for use in the flasher.

To try out the flasher, first retrieve a flash image for your specific product. For example, software for N800 is available in tablets-dev.nokia.com.

Save the image to the same directory where the flasher tool is located, 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

After these steps, the device is ready to receive the root file system. Enter the following command (remark that you must be the root user or use the sudo command):

	$ ./flasher -F RX-34_2007SE_4.2007.38-2_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM.bin -f -R
      

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

If everything goes well, a progress bar should appear on the bottom of the device screen.

The command above will flash the new image to the device. When the flashing is complete, the device will reboot.