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Installing Without Radxa eMMC/UFS Combo Module Reader

This guide explains how to install the system to an eMMC module without using an eMMC/UFS combo module reader.

We'll be using the dd command to install the system image to the eMMC module while the Cubie A7A is booted from a MicroSD card.

warning

Installing the system will format the eMMC module. Please back up any important data in advance!

Hardware Requirements​

Prepare the following hardware in advance:

  • Mainboard: Radxa Cubie A7A
  • Boot media: MicroSD card with system image
  • Target installation media: eMMC module
  • Power adapter: 5V Type-C power adapter

The Cubie A7A supports 5V power input with standard PD protocol. A power adapter with 3A or higher current is recommended to ensure stable operation of all peripherals.

Recommended Accessories

Hardware Connection​

After confirming that the Cubie A7A has successfully booted from the MicroSD card, install the eMMC module into the eMMC/UFS combo module interface of the Cubie A7A.

caution

eMMC Module Installation Steps:​

  1. Ensure the notch on the eMMC module aligns with the notch on the Cubie A7A's eMMC/UFS combo module interface
  2. Align the bottom edge connector of the eMMC module with the eMMC/UFS combo module interface on the Cubie A7A
  3. Gently press down on one end of the eMMC module until you hear a "click" sound, indicating successful installation. Repeat the same process for the other end to ensure the eMMC module is properly seated.
eMMC module installation diagram

System Installation​

Use the dd command to install the system image to the eMMC module.

Download System Image​

Go to the Downloads page to download and extract the system image file to your Cubie A7A.

Download Methods

Recommended methods to download the system image to your Cubie A7A:

  • Browser Download Access the Downloads page through the web browser on your Cubie A7A to download the system image.

  • Using wget Copy the download URL from the Downloads page and use the wget command on your Cubie A7A to download the system image.

radxa@cubie-a7a$
sudo apt install wget
wget [url]

Replace [url] with the actual download URL.

  • Alternative Methods Download the system image on your PC, then transfer it to the Cubie A7A using a USB drive, FTP, SCP, or other methods.

Install System Image​

Use the dd command to install the extracted system image to the eMMC module.

Write System Image​

danger

When using the dd command, make absolutely sure you've selected the correct device file. Using the wrong device can result in data loss!

radxa@cubie-a7a$
sudo dd if=[image_path] of=/dev/mmcblk1 bs=4M status=progress

Parameter explanation:

  • if: Input file - replace [image_path] with the path to your extracted system image
  • of: Output file - replace /dev/mmcblk1 with the correct device file for your eMMC module (modify according to your actual device)
  • bs: Block size - 4M is recommended
  • status: Shows progress during the operation

Verify the Write Operation​

Use the fdisk command to check the partition information of the eMMC module.

radxa@cubie-a7a$
sudo fdisk -l /dev/mmcblk1

After a successful write, the terminal will display partition information similar to:

Disk /dev/mmcblk1: 119.15 GiB, 127934660608 bytes, 31234048 sectors
Disk model: KLUDG4UHDC-B0E1
Units: sectors of 1 * 4096 = 4096 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 4096 bytes / 4096 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 524288 bytes / 524288 bytes
Disklabel type: gpt
Disk identifier: 33349998-C3CC-40F0-B818-DDDD8383A64D

Device Start End Sectors Size Type
/dev/mmcblk1p1 32768 65535 32768 128M Linux filesystem
/dev/mmcblk1p2 65536 679935 614400 2.3G EFI System
/dev/mmcblk1p3 679936 31234014 30554079 116.6G EFI System

System Information​

When using our provided system image for the first time, you'll need to log in with the following default credentials:

  • Username: radxa
  • Password: radxa