Preparation

Hardware Preparation

  1. Except for the hardware items described in Required Hardware, one USB C to USB A/C cable is required to flash OS to onboard eMMC.
  2. Before using the fastboot tool to flash the image, connect the serial port and USB data cable properly as the following:
    Figure 1. Set up Hardware

    ①: Connect the serial port to VisionFive 2 Lite (for entering to fastboot mode by running commands during starup).

    ②: Connect the USB-C port of the USB-C to USB-A/C cable to the VisionFive 2 Lite, and connect the other end to the PC.

Software Preparation

Perform the following steps to install drivers for using StarFive Fastboot Tool on Windows for the first time or fastboot on Ubuntu:

  1. Download and decompress the SFFB_Tool_V1.0.7z
  2. Enter fastboot mode by perform one of the following methods:
    • By enter commands during startup:
      1. Power on the VisionFive 2 Lite, and press any key to stop at U-Boot.
        Figure 2. Press Any Key to Stop at U-Boot
      2. Enter fastboot usb 0 and wait.
        Figure 3. Enter fastboot usb 0
    • By shorting fastboot pins before powering on:
      1. Shorting the fastboot pins before powering on can also make the board enter fastboot mode automatically.
        Figure 4. Shorting Fastboot Pins
        Note: The highlighted area is the fastboot pins.
        Figure 5. Fastboot Mode
  3. Open Device Manager on Windows, a device named USB Download Gadget will appear under Other Devices.
    Figure 6. USB Download Gadget
  4. Double click USB Download Gadget to open Properties menu, and then click Update driver .
    Figure 7. Update Driver
  5. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
    Figure 8. Browse My Computer for Drivers

    The following output indicates a successful installation:

    Figure 9. Successful Installation
  6. Verify the installation in Device Manager.

    The device name should display under the Device Manager after success installation.

    Figure 10. Verification