User manual

However, the code has been extensively tested and is known to work well. The
new firmware file is completely read before it starts programming, there are a lot
of sanity checks. If any fail, it will not program. There is no reason why such low
level code should behave differently on your Jukebox.
There's one ultimate safety net to bring back Jukeboxes with even completely
garbled flash content: the UART boot mod, which in turn requires the serial mod.
This can bring the dead back to life, with that it's possible to reflash independently
from the outside, even if the flash is completely erased. It has been used during
development, else Rockbox in flash wouldn't have been possible. Extensive
development effort went into the development of the UART boot mod.
Mechanically adept users with good soldering skills can easily perform these mods.
Others may feel uncomfortable using the first tool (firmware_flash.rock
firmware_flash.rockfirmware_flash.rock
firmware_flash.rock) for
reflashing the firmware.
If you are starting with a known-good image, you are unlikely to experience
problems. The flash tools have been stable for quite a while. Several users have
used them extensively, even flashing while playing! Although it worked, it's not the
recommended method.
The flashing software is very paranoid about making sure that the correct flash
version is being installed. If the wrong file is used, it will simply refuse to flash the
Jukebox.
About the safety of operation: Since the Rockbox boot code gives “dual boot”
capability, the Archos firmware is still there when you hold F1 during startup. So
even if you have problems with Rockbox from flash, you can still use the Jukebox,
reflash the second image with an updated Rockbox copy, etc.
The flash chip being used by Archos is specified for 100,000 cycles, so it's very
unlikely that flashing it will wear it out.
7.4
7.4 7.4
7.4 Requirements
RequirementsRequirements
Requirements
You need two things:
The first is a Recorder or FM model, or an Ondio SP or FM. Be sure you're using
the correct package, they differ depending on your precise hardware! The
technology works for the Player models, too. Players can also be flashed, but
Rockbox does not run cold-started on those, yet.
Second, you need an in-circuit programmable flash. Chances are about
85% that you have, but Archos also used an older flash chip which can't do
the trick. You can find out via Rockbox debug menu, entry Hardware Info. If
the flash info gives you question marks, you're out of luck. The only option for
flashing if this is the case is to solder in the right chip (SST39VF020), preferably
with the firmware already in. If the chip is blank, you'll need the UART boot
mod as well.
80 Rockbox User Manual