The iAudio Rockbox bootloader

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The Rockbox bootloader

The iAudio X5 and M5 have a built-in bootloader which performs the firmware updates and can also access the hard drive via USB. Therefore, the Rockbox bootloader can be very minimalistic, not requiring a USB mode. This also makes it less dangerous to install the Rockbox bootloader, as you can always restore the original by using the iAudio bootloader. The current bootloader is not prepared to coexist with the original firmware. It replaces the original firmware.

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Installation

NOTE for X5: When instructed to connect/disconnect the USB cable, always use the USB port through the subpack, not the side 'USB Host' port! The side port is intended to be used for USB OTG connections only (digital cameras, memory sticks, etc)! On the M5, the side port and the USB port through the (optional) subpack are essentially the same so you can use either one, but not both at the same time.

• Download the bootloader binary on the bottom of this page which matches your player
• Copy it to the FIRMWARE directory on your X5/M5
• Turn the X5/M5 off, remove the USB cable and insert the charger. The X5/M5 will automatically upgrade the flash with the Rockbox bootloader.
• Download the current X5/M5 build from https://build.rockbox.org/, and unzip the contents of that to the root of your player.
• If you are installing Rockbox for the first time, or reinstalling after removing the .rockbox directory it is recommended you install the fonts package from https://download.rockbox.org/daily/fonts/rockbox-fonts.zip.
• Rockbox is now installed.

Restoring the original firmware

• Download the original X5/M5 firmware from the iAudio web site
• Copy it to the FIRMWARE directory on your X5/M5
• Turn the X5/M5 off, remove the USB cable and insert the charger. The X5/M5 will automatically upgrade the flash with the original firmware.

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History

X5 bootloader

Version	Information
1	Boots Rockbox but can't yet boot the original firmware.
2	Internal changes only. X5V support.
3	Working remote LCD output.
4	Proper hold switch handling.

M5 bootloader

Version	Information
1	Boots Rockbox but can't yet boot the original firmware.
2	Corrected backlight voltage: Same backlight brightness as in the original firmware.
3	Working remote LCD output.
4	Proper hold switch handling.

M3 bootloader

Version	Information
1	Boots Rockbox but can't yet boot the original firmware. Remote LCD output and proper hold switch handling.

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