DIRECT USB · LOCAL SERIAL PORTS
Install your kernel.
Kernel Flasher is a native desktop app for the Foenix A2560Me. It writes the packaged .flash kernel to onboard flash. The Image Writer handles the disk separately.
Choose your download.
Linux x86-64 requires glibc, GTK 3 and permission to access the serial device. macOS supports Intel and Apple Silicon in one executable and uses Cocoa. Windows x86-64 uses Win32 and needs the board’s USB serial driver. Each download is one Go executable using system GUI libraries. No Go installation or browser is needed. macOS and Windows downloads are unsigned.
Verify the SHA-256 checksum. On Linux and macOS, run chmod +x <filename> before launching the downloaded executable from a terminal. See the README for platform setup.
Connect and flash.
- Extract the violetBSD release ZIP. Locate its
.flashfile; do not select the ZIP, disk image, ELF kernel or FPGA bitstream. - Shut down the board’s operating system. Connect its debug USB interface directly to your computer and close other programs using that port. Keep power connected.
- Open Kernel Flasher. Select the image, refresh the port list, then choose the debug serial port. You can also type a local port name. Use the debug interface, not a UART console; port numbers vary by computer.
- Click Flash kernel. Review the selected port, file and checksum, then confirm. This erases all 4 MiB of onboard flash and replaces it with your kernel.
- Wait for programming and cold reset to finish. Check the board’s screen or console to confirm the new kernel boots, then click Close to exit the app.
What is verified?
The app checks the image’s big-endian vector table and reads back every byte staged in SRAM before erasing flash. It validates command replies and uses bounded timeouts. Completion means the firmware acknowledged programming and reset; it is not independent flash readback or boot validation.
On failure the app stops without automatic retries or recovery resets. The board may remain stopped and, if flash was erased, require a successful reflash to boot. Retain the error message and resolve the problem before retrying.
Board and release status.
Uses the A2560Me Build 23+ flash contract with debug protocol revision 0x06, including Build 67. Serial communication is fixed at 6,000,000 baud, 8N1. Only local ports are supported. No RM-10 or network connection is used.
This is a development release. Automated host tests cover simulated flashing and failures. A user confirmed successful flashing and reboot with the Linux app. macOS/Windows GUI interaction and physical flashing still need acceptance testing.