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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 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.
8.3 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.
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) 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 boo 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.
8.4 REQUIREMENTS
You need two things:
The first is a Recorder or FM model. Be sure you're using the correct package,
Recorder and FM are different! The technology works for the Player models, too.
Players can also be flashed, but Rockbox does not run cold-started on those,
yet.
Rockbox User Manual