Firmware Installation

⚠️ Important Installation Warnings

Before flashing — very important to avoid bricking or failed installs:

• Do NOT have the charger plugged in during the whole flashing & first-boot process
• Remove the Second SD Card if installed and wait until the installation is complete before re-inserting.
• The ArkOS Wiki recommends avoiding Balena Etcher for this device (many users report failures)
• If you use the Second SD Card, follow the instructions below.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Download the latest image from:
   → Releases page

2. Extract the .img file using 7-Zip (or similar)

3. Check the hash (Optional but recommended).

a. Using Windows Powershell

PS C:\temp> Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA1 -Path .\dArkOS_G80CA-RE_trixie_01142026.img

Algorithm       Hash                                                                   Path
---------       ----                                                                   ----
SHA1            0D41C6A4E66B491B0C1C39EA653BA0437ADACE61                               C:\temp

b Using the 7-Zip Shell plugin by holding Shift → right-clicking on the file image file → 7-Zip → CRC SHA → SHA 1

4. Flash the image to a good-quality microSD card using one of these tools (all confirmed working):

   • USB Image Tool (My preference for working with images)
   • Raspberry Pi Imager
   • Rufus (Windows)
   • Avoid Balena Etcher if possible

5. Panel 9 only. Copy the dtb files from here to the BOOT partition.

6. Insert the card (no second ROM card yet) → power on

7. First boot:
   → Logo → Black Screen → Blue screen appears after 30 Seconds → device expands partitions → auto-reboots

8. Second boot:
   → Logo → Black Screen → Blue screen again → expands roms.tar to EASYROMS partition → auto-reboots

9. Final boot → you should land in EmulationStation

Adding ROMs on Second SD Card (Optional)

You can use a second SD card (SD2) to store your games (ROMs), BIOS files, and extra data. This keeps your main OS card (with themes and settings) uncluttered. However, on G80CA devices, there can sometimes be boot issues like missing themes if the cards aren't set up right. To avoid this, give your second SD card a unique name (label) like "ROMS2" – don't use "EASYROMS" like the main card.

Step 1: Prepare Your Second SD Card on Your Computer

• Get a Good SD Card: Use a high-quality one (e.g., SanDisk or Samsung, 64GB+). Insert it into your computer.
• Format It (This erases everything on the card – back up first!):
  • Windows:
    • Open File Explorer, right-click the SD card drive → Format.
    • File system: exFAT (best for games).
    • Allocation unit: Default.
    • Volume label: Type "ROMS2" (or something unique like "GAMES").
    • Quick format: Checked.
    • Click Start.
  • Mac:
    • Open Disk Utility (search in Spotlight).
    • Select your SD card on the left (be careful – pick the right one!).
    • Click Erase.
    • Name: "ROMS2" (or unique name).
    • Format: exFAT.
    • Scheme: Master Boot Record.
    • Click Erase.

Step 2: Switch to the Second SD Card on Your Device

• Power off your G80CA completely.
• Insert the prepared second SD card.
• Power on.
• In EmulationStation (the main menu), press START → Options → Advanced → Switch to SD2 for Roms.
  • This sets up the card for games.
• Shutdown and eject the card.
• Add Your Games: Copy your ROMs, BIOS, etc., to folders on the card.
• Eject the card safely and remove it.
• After starting, your games should show up. Themes (from the main card) should still work.

Tips:

• Use the same format (exFAT) for easy file copying from your computer.
• If you mess up, run Switch to Main SD for Roms to go back.
• For more help, check the dArkOS wiki or community forums (links below).