.. SPDX-License-Identifier: GPL-2.0+ U-Boot for the ASUS/Google Nexus 7 (2012) ========================================= ``DISCLAMER!`` Moving your ASUS/Google Nexus 7 (2012) to use U-Boot assumes replacement of the vendor ASUS bootloader. Vendor android firmwares will no longer be able to run on the device. This replacement IS reversible. Quick Start ----------- - Build U-Boot - Process U-Boot - Flashing U-Boot into the eMMC - Boot - Self Upgrading Build U-Boot ------------ Device support is implemented by applying config fragment to a generic board defconfig. Valid fragments are ``tilapia.config``, ``grouper_E1565.config`` and ``grouper_PM269.config``. .. code-block:: bash $ export CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabi- $ make grouper_common_defconfig grouper_E1565.config # For maxim based grouper $ make After the build succeeds, you will obtain the final ``u-boot-dtb-tegra.bin`` image, ready for further processing. Process U-Boot -------------- ``DISCLAMER!`` All questions related to the re-crypt work should be asked in re-crypt repo issues. NOT HERE! re-crypt is a tool that processes the ``u-boot-dtb-tegra.bin`` binary into form usable by device. This process is required only on the first installation or to recover the device in case of a failed update. You need to know your tablet's individual SBK to continue. Permanent installation can be performed either by using the nv3p protocol or by pre-loading just built U-Boot into RAM. Processing for the NV3P protocol ******************************** .. code-block:: bash $ git clone https://gitlab.com/grate-driver/re-crypt.git $ cd re-crypt # place your u-boot-dtb-tegra.bin here $ ./re-crypt.py --dev grouper --sbk where SBK has next form ``0xXXXXXXXX`` ``0xXXXXXXXX`` ``0xXXXXXXXX`` ``0xXXXXXXXX`` The script will produce a ``repart-block.bin`` ready to flash. Processing for pre-loaded U-Boot ******************************** The procedure is the same, but the ``--split`` argument is used with the ``re-crypt.py``. The script will produce ``bct.img`` and ``ebt.img`` ready to flash. Flashing U-Boot into the eMMC ----------------------------- ``DISCLAMER!`` All questions related to NvFlash should be asked in the proper place. NOT HERE! Flashing U-Boot will erase all eMMC, so make a backup before! Permanent installation can be performed either by using the nv3p protocol or by pre-loading just built U-Boot into RAM. Flashing with the NV3P protocol ******************************* Nv3p is a custom Nvidia protocol used to recover bricked devices. Devices can enter it either by using ``wheelie`` with the correct ``blob.bin`` file or by pre-loading vendor bootloader with the Fusée Gelée. With nv3p, ``repart-block.bin`` is used. It contains BCT and a bootloader in encrypted state in form, which can just be written RAW at the start of eMMC. .. code-block:: bash $ wheelie --blob blob.bin $ nvflash --resume --rawdevicewrite 0 1024 repart-block.bin When flashing is done, reboot the device. Flashing with a pre-loaded U-Boot ********************************* U-Boot pre-loaded into RAM acts the same as when it was booted "cold". Currently U-Boot supports bootmenu entry fastboot, which allows to write a processed copy of U-Boot permanently into eMMC. While pre-loading U-Boot, hold the ``volume down`` button which will trigger the bootmenu. There, select ``fastboot`` using the volume and power buttons. After, on host PC, do: .. code-block:: bash $ fastboot flash 0.1 bct.img $ fastboot flash 0.2 ebt.img $ fastboot reboot Device will reboot. Boot ---- To boot Linux, U-Boot will look for an ``extlinux.conf`` on eMMC. Additionally, if the Volume Down button is pressed while booting, the device will enter bootmenu. Bootmenu contains entries to mount eMMC as mass storage, fastboot, reboot, reboot RCM, poweroff, enter U-Boot console and update bootloader (check the next chapter). Flashing ``repart-block.bin`` eliminates vendor restrictions on eMMC and allows the user to use/partition it in any way the user desires. Self Upgrading -------------- Place your ``u-boot-dtb-tegra.bin`` on the first partition of the eMMC (using ability of u-boot to mount it). Enter bootmenu, choose update bootloader option with Power button and U-Boot should update itself. Once the process is completed, U-Boot will ask to press any button to reboot.