User manual

7.1
7.1 7.1
7.1 Introduction
IntroductionIntroduction
Introduction
Flashing in the sense used here and elsewhere in regard to Rockbox means
reprogramming the flash memory of the Jukebox unit. Flash memory (sometimes
called "Flash ROM") is a type of non-volatile memory that can be erased and
reprogrammed in circuit. It is a variation of electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM).
A from the factory Jukebox comes with the Archos firmware flashed. It is possible
to replace the built-in software with Rockbox.
Terminology used in the following:
Firmware
FirmwareFirmware
Firmware means the flash ROM content as a whole.
Image
ImageImage
Image means one operating software started from there.
By reprogramming the firmware, the Jukebox will boot much faster. The Archos
boot loader seems to take forever compared to the Rockbox version. In fact, the
Rockbox boot loader is so fast that it has to wait for the disk to spin up. The flashing
procedure is a bit involved for the first time, updates are very simple later on.
7.2
7.2 7.2
7.2 Method
MethodMethod
Method
The replaced firmware will host a bootloader and 2 images. This is made possible
by compression. The first is the "permanent" backup. The second is the default
image to be started. The former is only used when you hold the F1 key during start,
and is the original Archos firmware, the second is a current build of Rockbox. This
second image is meant to be reprogrammed whenever a Rockbox upgrade is
performed.
There are two programming tools supplied:
The first one is called firmware_flash.rock
firmware_flash.rockfirmware_flash.rock
firmware_flash.rock and is used to program the whole
flash with new content. It can also be used to revert back to the original
firmware that is backed up as part of this procedure. This tool will only be
needed once, and can be viewed as "formatting" the flash with the desired
image structure.
The second one is called rockbox_flash.rock
rockbox_flash.rock rockbox_flash.rock
rockbox_flash.rock and is used to reprogram only
the second image. If the resulting programmed firmware image is not
operational, it is possible to hold down the F1 key while booting to start the
Jukebox with the Archos firmware and Rockbox booted from disk to reinstall
a working firmware image.
7.3
7.3 7.3
7.3 Risks
RisksRisks
Risks
Well, is it dangerous? Yes, certainly, like programming a mainboard BIOS, CD/DVD
drive firmware, mobile phone, etc. If the power fails, the chip malfunctions while
programming or particularly if the programming software malfunctions, your
Jukebox may stop functioning. The Rockbox team take no responsibility of any
kind - do this at your own risk.
Part 6: Advanced Topics / Reference 79