Firmware Installation

⚠️ Important Installation Warnings

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

• Use a good quality SD Card, see this Reddit Post as to why.
• Do NOT have the charger plugged in during the 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

Step 1: Download the latest image from:

→ Goto the Releases page and download the latest release.

• Do not extract/unzip the file yet, or use WinRAR; move onto step two

Step 2: Extract the .img file using 7-Zip, download here.

a. Select the file, hold the Shift key and Right Click

b. Select "Extract to"

c. Image will now extract into the new folder.

d. Navigate into the new folder to view the image

Step 3: Check the hash (Optional but Highly recommended).

a. Ensuring the image is not selected, hold the Shift key right-click into the folder and select "Open in Terminal"

b. Run the command Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA1 -Path .\dArkOS_G80CA-RE_trixie_01242026.img and check the generated hash against the release page.

Step 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

a. Select the SD-Card Reader with the SD-Card, Click "Restore", select the image and click "Ok"

Step 5: Update the dtb files (not required for Panel 8 G80CA devices).

R36S Clones

a. Download the rg351v-uboot and rk3326-g80ca-linux.dtb files from the git links below (Click on the file and press the down arrow)

b. Copy the downloaded files to the BOOT partition on the SD Card

• G80C-MB V1.1-20250319 Panel 8
• G80C-MB V1.1-20250319 Panel 9
• G80CA-MB V1.2-20250422 Panel 9
• G80CA-MB V1.2-20250423 Panel 9
• R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 1
• R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 2
• R36S-V12 2023-08-18 Variant 3

*Note some R36-V12 devices do not initialise audio, press the power button twice.

Genuine R36S

a. Download the rg351mp-uboot and rk3326-g80ca-linux.dtb files from the git links below (Click on the file and press the down arrow)
b. Copy the downloaded files to the BOOT partition on the SD Card
c. Delete the rg351v-uboot file from the BOOT partition

• R36S-V21 2024-12-18
• R36Sxx-V21 2024-12-18

*Note will work with any R36S device by copying:

• the original rg351mp-uboot.dtb to the BOOT partition.
• the original rk3326-rg351mp-linux.dtb to BOOT and renaming it to rk3326-g80ca-linux.dtb.

Soy Sauce R36S

a. Download the rg351v-uboot, rg351p-uboot and rk3326-g80ca-linux.dtb files from the git links below (Click on the file and press the down arrow)
b. Copy the downloaded files to the BOOT partition on the SD Card

• Y3506_V04_20250529

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

This video shows the entire first boot process, which takes around 2 to 3 minutes.

If the screen is blank, then it is likely you have a Panel 9 device. Wait until the install is completed, or reflash the card and follow the Step 5 instructions

Step 7: 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. On R36S device, 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.
    • Allocation unit: Default.
    • Volume label: Type "EASYROMS".
    • 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: "EASYROMS" (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 device completely.
• Insert the prepared second SD card.
• Power on.
• In EmulationStation (the main menu),
  • press START → Options

    

  • press Advanced

    

  • press 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).