Jump to content

Trying to install Armbian onto an oDroid M1, but I can't get it to update the bootloader.


Recommended Posts

Posted

I have an old oDroid M1 that used to have Ubuntu 20 LTS installed on, but after it bricked itself during the install of Ubuntu 22 LTS, I decided to go looking for an alternative OS (it was also really sluggish). I got pointed to Armbian, and since it officially supports the M1, I gave it a go.

 

Unfortunately, the instructions leave much to be desired. This part just doesn't seem to actually work:

 

> Once booted, use armbian-install to write u-boot to MTD (SPI flash). This completely and irrevocably removes Petitboot, replacing it with mainline u-boot.

 

All of the options that appear to be what it means by "write u-boot to MTD (SPI Flash)" don't seem to actually do that, as every time I try, rebooting the oDroid just leads back to this Petiboot screen: 

20250721_223134.thumb.jpg.7dabe72b8c7e93ebc83bceaf3392e6fb.jpg

 

I can't seem to do anything from there, and it seems to be the old bootloader that the installation instructions said would be "irrevocably removed", but apparently isn't.

 

I can boot into Armbian if I hold the RCY button while booting up the oDroid, but I believe that's booting in the Armbian that's installed on my SD card (I did the initial setup once). I want to install the system onto the oDroid's storage directly (the eMMC, I think?), so I don't have to hold that button every time I boot.

 

I'm no linux expert (I use PC at home and a Mac at work), so I'm completely at a loss, here. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Here's the options I'm given from armbian-install. I've tried 2, 5, and 6, and none have worked. I don't have a SATA, USB, or NVMe to try the other options with.

20250721_225053.thumb.jpg.e6cbe8eab2bf719fb469d1f77aca9e5d.jpg

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Guidelines