Help! AML-S805X-AC (La Frite) — Need eMMC-to-USB adapter (cannot erase/flash/install)

Hardware
1

Hi there,

I’m at the point where I need a hardware workaround if I’m going to get any use out of what’s becoming a frustrating pile of La Frite (AML-S805X-AC) boards.

I’m looking for a known-compatible eMMC module to USB-A adapter/reader that will let me access Libre eMMC modules directly from another system so I can fully erase and reflash them.

I’ve seen multiple references stating that HardKernel (and other) eMMC modules are not compatible with Libre boards, but that doesn’t clearly answer the part I actually need to know:

  • Will Libre eMMC modules work with Hardkernel readers?

  • If not, what reader/adapter does work?

I’ve already bricked one board, and I’m not interested in continuing to fight the on-board flashing methods or toolchains. I’m looking for a dead-simple, reliable hardware solution that lets me write images directly to the module, using a PC, recover it if something goes wrong.

If anyone has a confirmed working adapter or reader for Libre/La Frite eMMC modules, I’d really appreciate a specific recommendation.

Thanks in advance.

2

Hi there,

Quick update since my last post—part background, part current status.

I’ve made some progress: I was able to add a second partition to the Raspbian install USB to hold the desired image, run LEFT to mount the eMMC, and eventually flash Debian to eMMC after a fair amount of trial and error. So I do have a working path now.

That said, I’m not sure that it’s a reliable or repeatable process for me. - I was able to get one eMMC rebind on the board, but multiple others would not detect.

I’m more comfortable with Linux than I was a year ago, but troubleshooting layered issues is not something that I’m fully equipped to handle. I’d prefer something simple that “just works”, instead of having to add more pieces to the trouble-shooting puzzle.

Since last post, I have purchased the eMMC to TF’/SD adapter from ameriDroid. The physical connection is deceptively similar, but not the same one as on the Libre boards.

Background context:

  • I have 6× La Frite boards and multiple Libre eMMC modules

  • I have never been able to get the boards to expose themselves as USB storage for direct flashing.

  • I’ve primarily used Armbian (lightest weight, has an installer) and later Raspbian (better support, has an installer) for convenience due inexperience with Linux and inability to flash directly.

  • I have been able to erase the eMMC with pymalboot, but this no longer works. Recent threads seem to indicate that pymalboot is deprecated and the erase-emmc script disabled/removed.

  • I have tried to erase the eMMC from within a running OS, leading to at least one bricked board and eMMC.

Thanks in advance.

3

There’s an eMMC USB mode built directly in the latest firmware that you can select with a menu to turn the board itself into the “adapter”. There’s no secondary adapter needed.

4

@librecomputer, thanks for the reply. I would love to use that function, but I have never once seen it work.

I am aware of the button. I’ve tried on laptops and desktops both Windows and Linux. I have 5 of these boards (and the eMMC, and the double-ended USB cable, etc.). The eMMC simply won’t expose as a USB device. (at least as not in a way that I’m able to see or make use of)

Is there any chance of answering the question that I asked? Is there an adapter that I could pick up, that would work for accessing the eMMC directly that isn’t the La Frite board itself?

Thanks in advance.

5

Are you on the latest firmware? https://boot.libre.computer/release/aml-s805x-ac/aml-s805x-ac-spiflash.img

Did you plug it into the Type-A next to IR per the instructions?

6

Yes. I’m using the USB-A closest to the IR, and have made sure use the spiflash image on the boards.

It’s a bit more frustrating because last year I had gotten pyamlboot to work, which to my understand requires the eMMC to be exposed as USB for it to function- but I’ve never been able to directly interact with the eMMC short of an bootable USB with an installer, or most recently running a bootable with a separate partition for an image. - I can’t get pymalboot to work now, and I have still yet to see the eMMC expose.

I have little doubt that I’m the common problem in the diagnostic chain somehow, but I haven’t the slightest clue how. - The boards I have are all purchased within the last year, between close to a year old (in terms of purchase date, no idea in terms of actual production date), close to six months, and maybe one month old.

7

What happens when you select the eMMC USB mode in the menu?

8

What menu? - I thought eMMC USB mode was supposed to be accessible through the push-button on the board when plugging it in (which doesn’t work for me). I have no idea which menu you’re referring to.