Flashing the SPI NOR Firmware on the GKD Bubble Linux Gaming Device - TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSCore GitHub Wiki

Flashing the SPI NOR Firmware on the GKD Bubble Linux Gaming Device

This guide explains how to flash a .img file to the onboard SPI NOR of the GKD Bubble Linux gaming device using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher. The SPI NOR that ships with the device contains a custom u-boot implementation, which prevents custom operating systems from loading from an SD card. Flashing the SPI NOR firmware allows you to bypass this limitation.

Download: https://github.com/TheGammaSqueeze/GammaOSCore/releases/download/beta3/GKD_BUBBLE_SPI_NOR_FLASH.zip

Contents of the GKD_BUBBLE_SPI_NOR_FLASH.zip File

The GKD_BUBBLE_SPI_NOR_FLASH.zip file contains two folders:

  • Wipe: Used to erase the existing SPI NOR firmware.
  • Restore: Used to restore the original SPI NOR firmware.

Wiping the SPI NOR Firmware

Follow these steps to wipe the existing SPI NOR firmware:

  1. Prepare the Wipe Image

    • Locate the GKD-Geek-BBG-SPI-ERASE.img file in the Wipe folder.
    • Use a tool like Rufus or balenaEtcher to flash the GKD-Geek-BBG-SPI-ERASE.img file to a microSD card.

  2. Wipe the SPI NOR Firmware

    • Insert the prepared microSD card into the OS slot on the GKD Bubble device.
    • Turn on the device.
    • A recovery logo and progress bar will appear, indicating the wiping process is underway.
    • Once the wipe is complete, the device will automatically turn off.

  3. Insert the Custom OS Card

    • Remove the Wipe card and insert your GammaOS Core card (or another custom OS card).
    • Turn on the device.

Warning

  • After wiping the SPI NOR firmware, the stock firmware that ships with the device and any custom firmware based on it will no longer boot.
  • If you need to revert to the original SPI NOR firmware, follow the restoration steps below.

Restoring the Original SPI NOR Firmware

If you want to restore the original SPI NOR firmware, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare the Restore Tools

    • Locate the Restore folder in the GKD_BUBBLE_SPI_NOR_FLASH.zip file. It contains:
      • RKDevTool.exe
      • Device drivers
      • spi_recovery.bin
      • rk356x_spl_loader_ddr1056_v1.10.111.bin

  2. Install the Drivers

    • Install the drivers included in the Restore folder to ensure your PC can recognize the device.

  3. Boot the Device

    • Remove any microSD cards from the device.
    • Connect the device to your PC using a USB cable.

  4. Open RKDevTool

    • Launch RKDevTool.exe on your PC.

  5. Load the Loader File

    • Ensure the first item in the list is named Loader.
    • Click the ellipsis button (...) next to it and select the rk356x_spl_loader_ddr1056_v1.10.111.bin file from the Restore folder.

  6. Add the SPI NOR Item

    • Right-click on a blank area in the RKDevTool window and select Add Item.
    • Configure the item as follows:
      • Storage: Select SPINOR.
      • Address: Set to 0x00000000.
      • Name: Leave blank.
      • File Path: Select the spi_recovery.bin file from the Restore folder.
    • Ensure that Write by Address is selected. SPINOR FLASH

  7. Run the Restore Process

    • Click the Run button to begin restoring the original SPI NOR firmware.
    • Wait for the process to complete.

  8. Reboot with Stock Firmware

    • Once the restoration is complete, insert the stock OS card into the device.
    • Restart the device.

Troubleshooting

  • Device Not Recognized: Ensure the drivers are correctly installed and that the USB cable is properly connected.
  • Restore Fails: Double-check the file paths and settings in RKDevTool.
  • Stock Firmware Won't Boot: Verify that the SPI NOR restoration process completed successfully.

By following this guide, you can effectively wipe and restore the SPI NOR firmware on your GKD Bubble Linux gaming device, enabling you to use custom operating systems or revert to the original firmware as needed.