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To flash slot 0 with the new core file, we need to first load a core. The menu tells us to press F3 to do that. From the file selector we choose our core (note that we now see the long filename, and after a short while we get some information about the core). Pressing RETURN selects the core.
Note: we could also use F5 to switch between the external and the internal SD card, and we can use F7 to change the directory, but only between the top level directory (root) and the special sub-directory CORE (all caps!), but only if it exists (actually the new MEGAFLASH will default to CORE if it is found!).
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8. Start flashing
As you can see from the menu, the next key we need to press is F8 to flash the core we just selected. The core file is first loaded into attic ram, and then the CRC32 checksum is calculated. If this succeeds, the progress turns green and flashing starts. Then all sectors are erased that would hinder the start of slot 1 for recovery (if flashing is interrupted).
| Tip |
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Extra testing: if you have a JTAG, we want you to power off the machine while flashing, or do other weird stuff like plug/unplug devices, wiggle joysticks, etc. to try breaking the process. So we can make it saver for people without a JTAG. |
Note: you can interrupt the loading and the checksum calculation by pressing STOP, but as soon as flashing begins, there is no way back!
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| Info |
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Extra background: Recovery to slot one works be removing all the sync words from the flash, so the FPGA will continue searching for one until it hits slot 1. The core in slot 0 has integrated a list of such sectors, which is used to erase those first. For release 0.95 core there is a build in list in MEGAFLASH, release 0.9 does not need one. |
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Warning: if you interrupt slot 0 flashing before those first (few) sectors are erased, then slot 1 recovery will fail. So make sure to not interrupt power nor touch the device while flashing! We also recommend to remove all peripherals. |
9. Done!
After flashing finished, we get a confirmation screen. Back in the menu you can check the Slot 0 Version hash by pressing HELP. You can now reboot your system.
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