- You may flash an OS image directly to the Rock S0 internal EMMC flash as follows:
- Build Linux x86 binary rkdeveloptool (sources) on host
- Remove any SDcard
- Hold down the tiny, black MASKROM button while you…
- Power on, with the MASKROM button pressed, to enter flash mode
- Release the MASKROM button after 2 seconds
- Next, run these host commands to flash the internal EMMC flash:
-
- sudo rkdeveloptool db rk3308_loader_uart0_m0_emmc_port_support_sd_20190717.bin
- #await output: Downloading bootloader succeeded.
- sudo rkdeveloptool wl 0 /path/to/uncompressed_armbian_image
- #await output: Write LBA from file (100%)
- sudo rkdeveloptool rd
- #outputs: Reset Device OK.
(check official step by step instructions)
-
- If a valid image is found on the built-in EMMC flash, the board will boot that image unless…
- Holding down the MASKROM button disables the EMMC flash.
- If no valid image can be read from EMMC flash, it will attempt to boot from SD Card.
- The white “RECOVERY” button as no predefined function.
- The Rock S0 has no “reset” button!
- Kernel serial console is on UART0.
- The serial console operates at 1.5Mbaud with 8 data, 1 stop, and no parity bits.
- Red(far right)=+5V, Black(center right)=GND,White(center left)=TxD, Green(far left)=RxD
There is no need to attach the +5V to the GPIO header (as pictured above) if the board is powered via USB.
If not using an external antenna, consider adding this line to /boot/armbianEnv.txt file to increase CPU clock to 1.3 GHz:
overlays=b@1.3ghz
However, use of an external antenna will dramatically improve radio performance.
If using an external antenna, consider adding this line to /boot/armbianEnv.txt file to increase CPU clock to 1.3 GHz and select the external antenna:
overlays=b@1.3ghz s0-ext-antenna
Refer to /boot/dtb/rockchip/overlay/README.rockchip-overlays for more information.
Audio Notes:
Linux kernel >= 6.12 with enable both the RK3308’s built-in analog CODEC and the pcm5102a CODEC used on other variants of the RockPI.
RockPI-S audio users should disable the pcm5102a by running the following command as root:
# echo "install snd_soc_pcm5102a /bin/false" >/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-snd_soc_pcm5102a.conf
This prevents the kernel module for the pcm5102a from loading on subsequent boots.
To access the RockPI-S POE hat’s headphone audio output, please see:
After you download and boot?
Basic OS configuration is conducted at first boot. You are asked to set a root password, normal user and confirm your, automatically determined, language settings. If your hardware has internal media, you might want to transfer your OS to it. You can also choose to configure your OS first, setup applications, enable services and install to internal media later.
armbian-config
You can select different login shell (ZSH), enable 2FA for your SSH, enable virtual read-only file-system, switch to rolling releases, ... and more. Armbian config tool helps you configure your network (static, dynamic, enabling hotspot). Once you are done configurion your OS, you can proceed to software section. Armbian config provides clean and fast way of installing great selection of popular software titles. If you plan to use your board for running a home automation, file server, ad blocking, downloading media, ... we got you covered.
Different images? Missing features? -> Download SDK Looking for compatible accessories? Want to participate in development?
Minimal/IOT images with Armbian Linux v6.6
Build Date: Nov 24, 2024
| Distro | Variant | Extensions | Torrent | Integrity | Size | |||||
 Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble) |
Minimal / IOT |  |
SHA | ASC | 239.4 MB | |||||
| * Minimal images have very small footprint. They come only with essential packages and build-in systemd-networkd. They are optimised for automation and production deployments. | ||||||||||
Dedicated applications images with Armbian Linux v6.6
Build Date: Nov 20, 2024
| Distro | Application | Torrent | Integrity | Size | ||||||
 Debian 12 (Bookworm) |
Home Assistant | |
SHA | ASC | 321.7 MB | |||||
| * 3rd party unofficial applications deployment made with official Armbian build framework. Application support is not provided by Armbian team, but you are welcome to use our community forums for support. | ||||||||||
Specifications
* Specifications differ from hardware revision, model and software support level
FAQs
- check previous images from archive
- join community forums
Simple
BASH or ZSH shell, standard Debian/Ubuntu utilities. Features can be adjusted with menu-driven utility. Login is possible via serial, HDMI or SSH.
Universal
Minimal, server or Desktop. We work with XFCE, Gnome and Cinnamon but more is possible to build: Mate, KDE, Budgie, Deepin, i3, …
Light
No bloatware or spyware. Special utilities are completely optional. Suitable for newcomers and professionals.
Optimized
Distributed images are optimized for flash media (SD/eMMC/SSD) and compacted to real data size.
Fast
Armbian is optimized on kernel and userspace level. ZRAM & ZSWAP support, browser profile memory caching, garbage commit delay.
Secure
Security level can be adjusted with the armbian-config. OS is reviewed by professionals within the community.
Supported
Maintainers and community have deep understanding how HW work. We are seniors with 30+ years of experience in Linux + embedded Linux.
Open
Armbian provides open source build framework to build a distribution of optimised Linux hardware interface for armhf, aarch64 and x86.
We provide a selection of images that fits hardware best. If you need different image – use build framework and make whatever you need. Build framework relies on Debian and Ubuntu packages – you can build any combination – stable, old stable or rolling release.
Minimal images have very small footprint. They come only with essential packages and build-in systemd-networkd while CLI server images have Network Manager based networking, armbian-config utilities, option to select ZSH as default shell.
Make sure you have a good & reliable boot media (SD card / USB key) and a proper power supply. Archives can be flashed with Etcher (all OS) directly.
Insert the SD card into the slot, connect a cable to your network if possible or a display and power your board. (First) boot (with DHCP) takes a bit longer.
Support is provided in one of two ways:
- Free support is provided via general project search engine, documentation, community forums or IRC/Discord. Keep in mind this is mostly provided by our awesome community members in a best effort manner and therefore there are no guaranteed solutions.
- For commercial or prioritised assistance:
- book a an hour of professional consultation,
- consider becoming a project partner.
- Reach us out at https://armbian.com/contact,
Rolling releases images with Armbian Linux v6.12
Build Date: Feb 19, 2025
| Distro | Variant | User space | Kernel | Torrent | Integrity | Size | |
| Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky) |
Minimal / IOT | rolling | 6.12.15 | | SHA | ASC | 274.1 MB |
| Debian Testing (Trixie) |
Minimal / IOT | rolling | 6.12.15 | | SHA | ASC | 280.1 MB |
Rolling releases are suitable for Linux enthusiasts who want cutting edge packages and have the skills to fix damage that a bad update might cause. If you want stability in a production environment or low headaches as a novice user, skip rolling releases.
They are only at, build and ship, Debian testing / Arch / Manjaro / Suse Tumbleweed / Kali / Gentoo support quality level!