Modifying hw_intfc.conf for NVME boot

#1

I was following the following guide after managing to sort out some errors that were caused by a faulty usb and incompatible NVME SSD:

https://wiki.radxa.com/Rockpi4/Linux_system_runs_on_M.2_NVME_SSD

As I am on the last step to be able to boot from NVME, I update the uboot and kernel with the following commands:
$ sudo apt-get install -y rockchip-overlay
$ sudo apt-get install -y linux-4.4-latest rockpi4-dtbo rockpi4b-rk-u-boot-latest

The update is successful and I cd into /boot/ directory to modify the hw_intfc.conf. Although, there is no file in that directory. When I run ls command the files in the directory are as follows:

system.map-4.4.154-110 …
system.map-4.4.154-59 …
vmlinuz 4.4.15-110
vmlinuz 4.4.15-59
config 4.4.15-110
config 4.4.15-59
dtbs
extlinux

How do I get the hw_intfc.conf file and any missing files into the /boot/ directory, so that I may complete the step for SPI flash device of NVME SSD.

SPI flash from USB OTG port for NVME SSD setup
#2

Another thing to note is that if I reboot or turn the power off I have no display output from my HDMI. I basically have to re download Ubuntu on to the NVME and complete the steps again to see any display output.

#3

What is shown when you enter:

findmnt /
findmnt /boot
#4

findmnt / is on nvme0n1p5 and findmnt /boot is on nvme0n1p4.

Root and /boot are on the correct partition. I was even able to complete all steps and modify the hw_init.conf file. I even modified the /boot/extlinux/extlinux.conf file, there were two kernel versions listed both with: label kernel … I replaced label with default in front of the newer kernel version. Although, after a reboot I suffered the same fate. I had a complete black screen from the HDMI output. It shows that the HDMI signal is there but the screen is black and I do not see the linux terminal as I did before. The only time I get an output from the HDMI is after I do a fresh install of ubuntu and proceed the steps from the beginning. What could be causing this problem, is something improperly configured for linux to boot?

#5

After it reboots all that remains on is the solid green LED. The screen is completely black and I am not able to see the linux terminal as I was when I finished the setup previously.

#6

Do

apt remove 4.4.154-59
apt install 4.4.154-110 --reinstall

1 Like
#7

strangely

For the newest version of u-boot, when it runs, the red(or blue) led is on.

If the spi is recorded correctly, then after turning on the power, the blue LED should light up.

#8

The blue LED does go on at the beginning of the boot and then it flashes in bursts of two after and all that remains is a solid green LED (after configuration).

Prior to configuration when I installed a fresh version of ubuntu and performed all the steps from the beginning without a reboot Green LED is always on. Although, the moment I complete the steps and reboot I am not able to see a display output anymore.

Could this be caused by the type of NVME SSD? I am using the Adata XPG SX8200 Pro 256 GB, would that explain why on first time boot I am getting a visual and second time nothing (I switched SSD NVME, as I was previously using Samsung 970 evo plus and heard of many issues). Or could this be due to the distribution that I am using, in the instructions and many guides debian is used. I am almost certain that something is incorrectly setup though.

Is there a list of NVME SSD that the community has successfully used for SPI + NVME boot.

#9

Made correction to LED state when screen was visible and after reboot.

#10

If the blue LED is blinking, then the kernel is booted. If it stops blinking and goes out, then the OS has crashed. A green LED means the power is just on…

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#11

So after I complete the steps and reboot the kernel is booted the problem is that I do not get any output from the HDMI. It says that it is on but the screen remains blank.