Problem with image Rock4C+

#1

Hello everyone,
I need to install a minimal version of debian on my Rock4C+ to use it as a server
I tried to install Armbian from here:https://github.com/radxa-build/rock-pi-4c/releases/tag/20221101-0124
Release: “Armbian_22.11.0-trunk_Rockpi-4c_bullseye_current_5.15.76_minimal.img.xz”

  1. After installation everything works
  2. I update everything with: “apt update & apt upgrade”
  3. It runs all my updates without errors
  4. Reboot … and linux doesn’t work anymore, green led on and no signal on the video

I tried to install the Dietpi image of my Rock4C+ but it doesn’t work (Green led and it doesn’t even start)
If I install an old Dietpi bullseye image the Rock4C+ works, but I can’t update (after “apt update & apt upgrade” reboot) … nothing works anymore

the latest version of Armbian on the Radxa site works but I need a minimal version without desktop

Thank you for any help

#2

Armbian comes without any warranty and promise, You can use it at own risk if You want.
I can only confirm that I’ve seen this particular problem, as far as I remember one package during update asks about something related to config or boot and one of choices will make device unbootable. It was quite easy fix, but same thing happens over and over again, so You never know what upgrade will brake what. Yet again - use it at Your own risk or choose something different.

You may just mask problematic package and update it later when fix is ready. Recent kernels miss several important stuff like the support for full pcie speed. It’s not worth to upgrade whatever comes if You are not sure that You really need particular things. Of course there are some packages that are not crucial for boot, some that adds features and not security fixes, just pay attention to that. If it’s working and upgrading some packages brakes that, it’s quite easy to find which one cause the problem, probably it’s the one about kernel.

You should be able to boot, but without UART it’s just guessing what is wrong. Those two maybe share same issue with kernel?
If radxa OS is working You can also just deinstall GUI and all unnecessary packages.