Using fastboot

[Terra854]

Is it possible to use fastboot on the PINE64 to flash new images to SD card?

[Nilocsemliw]

I don't think so. There would need to be a way to boot into fast mode with the device off (like on some nexus devices) by holding the power and a combination of volume buttons. Also not all android devices have this functionality. It would be a cool thing to look into tho.

This would solve the problem of having a large number of micro SD cards!

[Gearsoul]

@__@ ..??? Um, what? 'xD Can someone please explain this fast boot/flashing thing to me? OTL

[patrickhwood]

Fastboot is a feature in uboot that allows downloading and flashing on board memory as well as sd cards. It's used a lot for performing factory restores of damaged flash.

The problem mentioned of booting directly into fastboot mode is that this usually requires holding down a button on a phone or tab to enter at power up, e.g., volume up+power button. A rooted android build can be rebooted into fastboot mode with the command "reboot fastboot" but that only helps for already-programmed cards. Also, a blank sd card can't boot into fastboot mode, as uboot has to be on the card to get there.

Now it is possible to load uboot over the otg port in fel mode, which the cpu should enter if the sd card doesn't have a valid boot signature on it, and then have it enter fastboot mode.

[tllim]

Fastboot is a feature in uboot that allows downloading and flashing on board memory as well as sd cards.  It's used a lot for performing factory restores of damaged flash.

The problem mentioned of booting directly into fastboot mode is that this usually requires holding down a button on a phone or tab to enter at power up, e.g., volume up+power button. A rooted android build can be rebooted into fastboot mode with the command "reboot fastboot" but that only helps for already-programmed cards.  Also, a blank sd card can't boot into fastboot mode, as uboot has to be on the card to get there.

Now it is possible to load uboot over the otg port in fel mode, which the cpu should enter if the sd card doesn't have a valid boot signature on it, and then have it enter fastboot mode.

For FEL method, please refer to this article: http://blog.hypriot.com/post/the-pine-a6...un-Docker/

[patrickhwood]

For FEL method, please refer to this article: http://blog.hypriot.com/post/the-pine-a6...un-Docker/

See this as well: http://linux-sunxi.org/FEL