Updating U-Boot on the La Frite AML-S805X-AC: A Step-by-Step Guide

The La Frite AML-S805X-AC is a compact and capable single-board computer (SBC) developed by Libre Computer. Designed with hobbyists, educators, and developers in mind, it is an affordable platform that embraces open-source hardware and software. On the back of the board, you'll find a 16MB SPI NOR Flash (GD25LQ128D) that stores the U-Boot bootloader, which is essential for initializing the hardware and starting the operating system.

Libre Computer regularly provides pre-compiled U-Boot binaries for La Frite, available here. While some operating systems like LibreELEC don't require a specific U-Boot version to function, updating to the latest firmware can fix early boot graphical glitches and improve overall performance. In this post, we will walk through two different methods to update U-Boot: one that is simple and ideal for most users using a USB stick, and another that gives more control using a script-based approach.

Method 1: USB Stick

This method is recommended for users with some basic experience and is the easiest way to update U-Boot. You will only need a USB stick and a few minutes.

1. Download the latest aml-s805x-ac-spiflash.img from the Libre Computer bootloader releases.
2. Flash the image to a USB stick using tools like balenaEtcher or dd.
3. Insert the USB stick into the OTG port (next to the GPIO header).
4. Power on the board. If the existing U-Boot detects that the image is newer, it will automatically perform the upgrade.
5. Once completed, power off, remove the USB stick, and you are done!

Method 2: USB Boot Mode

This method is more hands-on and best suited for users comfortable with the command line. It involves booting La Frite into USB Boot Mode and using a bash script to flash the firmware.

Prerequisites:

• A Linux PC
• USB cable (to connect La Frite's OTG port to your PC)

1. Install dependencies:

   sudo apt install wget python3 python3-usb git

2. Clone pyamlboot (gxl branch):

   git clone -b gxl https://github.com/libre-computer-project/pyamlboot.git

3. Download the boot binary: aml-s805x-ac-boot.bin
4. Connect La Frite's OTG port to your PC with a USB cable.
5. Boot into USB mode:
   • Press and hold the boot button on La Frite.
   • While holding, plug in the power via microUSB.
6. Verify connection:

   lsusb

   You should see the La Frite device listed as Amlogic.
7. Flash firmware:

   ./pyamlboot/pyamlboot ~/Downloads/aml-s805x-ac-boot.bin

8. Monitor serial output (optional but recommended): Use a tool like screen with baud rate 115200 to view the boot messages and confirm the upgrade.

Bonus: Booting Linux from USB

The video also includes a quick demo of booting Linux from a USB stick, built with the latest Yocto Project Walnascar (April 2025) and the meta-meson BSP layer. You can find that Yocto layer here:
🔗 meta-meson on GitHub