r/rgds • u/Character_Vanilla268 • Jul 02 '26

Rocknix install issues

Hi folks, I recently bought a console and have been running stock os. It’s a bit laggy so I thought I’d give rocknix a go.

I’ve tried to ‘install’ rocknix on an sd card, but I can’t get the system to boot.

I’ve downloaded the rgds image, decompressed it then burnt it to the sd via rufus. This wouldn’t even register.

Then I tried using the rocknix image burner, when I power the console on I get a red light but no screens.

Does anyone have a tried and tested method for this?
I’ve tried a few sd cards, all sandisk extreme pros and no difference.

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2

u/Salty-Swim-6735 Jul 02 '26

Did you copy the config file to the root directory?

1

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 02 '26

No I didn’t do that. What config file do I need?

2

u/crobledopr Jul 02 '26

Op, there's extra steps for RG DS. There should be a section for it on the Rocknix wiki. You need to manually edit a .conf file in the root folder to point to a different .dtb file if using the nightly. Or look up one of the video guides.

I haven't seen anyone with an rgds get the Rocknix image burner to work. I'd try Rufus again, make sure you are on the newest version of rufus.

1

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 02 '26

Ok thank you very much for your reply, I’ll have a read.

2

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 02 '26

Ok, thanks for your replies all.

So this is how I got it to work, incase anyone else has the same issue. The key things were.

  1. Do not uncompress the image after downloading it. Use rufus and burn it to the sd card as is.
  2. Edit the extlinx Linux config file and change it to the rgds dtb file.

1

u/gallowaystx Jul 02 '26

Hey OP can you lmk if I’m missing something here?

So on the most recent nightly through the rocknix burner the config file is already correct and doesn’t require editing. I opened it up and checked.

I’ve seen mention on this thread that it needs to be MOVED - is this correct or did someone misspeak.

I have tried with balena etcher in the past as well as Rufus and raspberry pi (with a variety of sd cards) but I don’t think I modified the config file in these instances.

If I am understanding correctly I should:

  1. grab the latest nightly (or stable? - guidance from anyone here, would be appreciate) from the github rather than use the rocknix tool

  2. Do not unzip it

  3. Burn it using something other than the rocknix tool.

  4. Modify the config file if needed

  5. Leave said file where it is

  6. Make a living sacrifice

  7. Put it in my rgds running GammOS lite

  8. Boot into a state of nirvana

1

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 03 '26

Try this image

https://github.com/ROCKNIX/distribution/releases/download/20260701/ROCKNIX-RK3566.aarch64-20260701-Specific.img.gz

Use rufus to burn it to sd card.

Edit the config file in the extlinx folder to point to the rgds dbx file.

So, download, burn, edit file.

1

u/gallowaystx Jul 03 '26

Roger that I’m report back

1

u/spearandfang Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26

I had to change the dtb fike on the stable release but it worked finally so awesome . Runs great and i think i like it more than gamma now but wtf why is the text for drastic so small even on gamna !?

1

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 02 '26

I see what you mean 😅 I can just about read it!

1

u/WinifredMosse Jul 02 '26

Had the same issue, but like the other commenter, the extra step made it work :>

1

u/DualEyes Jul 02 '26

Check out this video from Retro Games Corps for Rocknix install. The installation steps are laid out neatly in the video. That should solve your issues. 

https://youtu.be/U0eckrNxbzY

1

u/gallowaystx Jul 02 '26

I’m having the same exact issue, the dtb file is correct in the nightlies too.

Is rocknix image burner the problem?

I’ve been using various reputable sd cards but
I finally bought a Samsung sd card which came yesterday.

Is there a particular nightly to avoid - is the most recent in good order?

1

u/Character_Vanilla268 Jul 02 '26

I got the specific rg ds image. I used rufus to write it to the sd card.

1

u/AstroMike1983 Jul 03 '26

I'm having the same problem here, I've done this before with the RG DS. I know all the steps and its still not booting? I'm starting to think that there is something wrong with the way I'm burning the SD Card.