Gumstix u-boot 1.2

Posted by Motoma

I took the plunge and, at the risk of bricking my Verdex, updated u-boot. I can only begin to describe the improvements! The process was not nearly as perilous as I anticipated (though I did hold my breath when I rebooted the first time). Noteworthy improvements are the ability to load the kernel directly into the U-Boot environment, and the inclusion of ymodem file transfers over the serial line. The former reduces my boot time to a breathtaking 23 seconds, while the latter reduces rootfs flash time via serial connection by more than half! The process was simple enough: after running a make in the buildroot, you are given three files: rootfs_arm_nofpu.jffs2, u-boot.bin, and uImage. These are your root filesystem, u-boot image, and kernel image, respectively. The first step in the process of the u-boot upgrade is to replace the u-boot image. I used Hyper Terminal to do the transfer using the Kermit protocol:

GUM>loadb a2000000 *In HyperTerminal: Transfer->Send File->u-boot.bin with Kermit protocol* GUM>protect off all GUM>era 1:0-1 GUM>cp.b a2000000 0 ${filesize} GUM>reset
Then I sent the root filesystem image to the device using the ymodem protocol:
GUM>loady a2000000 *In HyperTerminal: Transfer->Send File->rootfs_arm_nofpu.jffs2 with Ymodem protocol* GUM>pro on 1:0-1 && jera all && cp.b a2000000 40000 ${filesize}
Finally, I installed the kernel image for U-Boot to use. This means that rather than mounting the jffs2 root filesystem then initializing the kernel, U-Boot can start the kernel directly:
GUM>loady a2000000 *In HyperTerminal: Transfer->Send File->uImage with Ymodem protocol* GUM>katinstall 100000 GUM>katload 100000 GUM>bootm
Please note: these are the steps that worked for me; in all circumstances you should follow the latest instructions listed on The Gumstix Support Wiki. Hope this helps, Motoma

Comments (2) | 26 July 2007

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  • When you run a full make in buildroot, you will end up creating three files: rootfs_arm_nofpu.jffs2, u-boot.bin, and uImage. u-boot.bin is the binary for u-boot, and the version you have depends on the revision of the buildroot you svn'ed. I know that revisions 1443 and later use 1.2, but I am sure 1.2 came standard before that particular revision.

    Posted by , 11/06/2008 9:24am (3 months ago)

  • can u tell me where i can find the u-boot v1.2 for the gumstix?

    Posted by , 11/06/2008 9:24am (3 months ago)

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