Firefox OS/TCP/Flashing the Flatfish bootloader

If you have not previously flashed this bootloader update (version 2.0) to your flatfish device we recommend you do so. If you already have, there is no need to do so again.

This bootloader update fixes the problem of not being able to flash a working OS should your tablet become completely disabled. It also fixes the ability for Mac users to flash the OS. The problem of Mac users not being able to flash the OS remains. This update also allows you to enter fastboot mode using the tablet buttons.

Note: This method is Windows only but works fine from Windows inside a virtual machine such as VirtualBox, but see the special instructions at the bottom of this page to accomplish this. If your main machine is Linux then you can update the bootloader on Windows as described below and then follow these these instructions to flash Firefox OS.

Also, this will delete all internal user data (such as installed apps).

1. Downloads and installs:
   • Download the recovery image
   • Download these known-working build files (img files) of Firefox OS. Place them into a folder on your computer.
   • Download this script and place it in the same folder as the Firefox OS build files.
   • Extract this file into the same folder.
   • Download and install PhoenixSuit
     • Windows 8 64-bit users: It may fail to install the USB Device Driver. This is ok.
2. Ensure the your tablet is booted and running Firefox OS normally
3. Open PhoenixSuit
4. Plug the tablet into your computer via the USB cord
5. Once device information (e.g. Model: flatfish) shows on the PhoenixSuit window, click the Firmware button.
6. Click Image and locate the recovery image file (sun6i_boot-fastboot_v2.0.img).
7. When prompted to upgrade the device firmware, click Yes.
8. Click Yes for the mandatory/forced format.
   The image will be written and after a quick reboot your device should now display FASTBOOT to indicate it is in fastboot mode.
   The bootloader has now been flashed. You may now close PhoenixSuit.
9. Run the flash-all-fastboot file you placed in the folder with your build files. This will flash a working OS.
   • If it stops at < waiting for device > try unplugging and replugging the cord. If this does not work, follow these instructions to install USB drivers and run flash-all-fastboot again.

Remember, this is development software and you will run into issues with the OS (that's why you're here!) so please report them. Here are a few notable issues with the current stable build:

• At the end of the intial First Time Experience setup you will see a File not Found error. Shut down the tablet and restart to move past this.
• If your screen starts shutting down after only a few seconds when inside an app, go to Settings > Screen lock and tap the toggle to disable it.

After everything is complete, you are free to uninstall PhoenixSuit if desired, but when prompted, do not remove the ADB/USB drivers.

In the future, if you need to enter fastboot mode manually:

1. Power off the device.
2. Press and HOLD the power key (for about 4~5 seconds)
3. When the boot logo (Firefox OS Contribution Program) appears, press and HOLD the Volume+ key (for about 2 second) until the Fastboot logo appears. Continue to hold the power button the entire time.

Special Instructions for Virtual Machines

During the process to flash the bootloader, the device will lose the USB connection momentarily and it must be picked up again immediately, so set your virtual machine to capture all connected USB devices automatically. Below are instructions for VirtualBox.

In VirtualBox, go into the USB area of the Virtual Machine's settings (if the machine is running: Machine > Settings) and create a general filter, the top option on the right toolbar, which will capture all USB connections on your computer. You can remove this filter after the flash is successful if desired.