Need unambiguous RPI instructions

29 June 2022, 17:35:22

I'm looking at https://info.armtixlinux.org/raspberrypi4.html.

These instructions are vague and don't work. I find no other instructions for any RPi except https://forum.artixlinux.org/index.php/topic,2249.0.html which also leaves a lot to the imagination and leaves mysterious errors unsolved. It's a shame because it would be nice to run a pi without systemd. Please would somebody who already knows their way around artix write some instructions that are unambiguous and actually work.

TIA, Adrian.

Re: Need unambiguous RPI instructions

Reply #1 – 29 June 2022, 19:28:23

I'm hopeful for you that someone will step up and write a complete more detailed guide.

But failing that you might get also some help if you detail which parts are you finding too vague, which parts go wrong, and the errors or problems which occur.

I don't have an Rpi4. So no experience with that.
I do have a lot of experience with Arch Arm (ALARM) on Odroid ARMv7 Dev boards. Though I gave that up some years ago now. And previous to that messing about with installing Ubuntu on various cheap Chinese ARM 'TV-sticks'.

Without a complete step by step guide it can be a challenge if you don't fully understand all the concepts needed. Which was where I started from. There was a lot of trial and error and swearing to begin with. I got better. I've forgotten a lot by now but much has also stayed with me.

The only ARM device I run Linux (ALARM) on now is my old Samsung Chromebook. And that would not work if I followed the instructions on ALARM site at present. It's broken past a certain kernel. Won't boot. I know this so the kernel is locked. ALARM have abandoned it but the instructions don't state this.

Even with that said if no one with any actual experience of your issue steps up I'd consider giving the installation of ALARM for the RPI4 a go. https://archlinuxarm.org/platforms/armv8/broadcom/raspberry-pi-4
If you can get that working it gives you experience, and a base, to come back and have another go at armtix.

Looking at both sets of instructions the instructions for ALARM are more clear cut. "Do exactly this"

Re: Need unambiguous RPI instructions

Reply #2 – 30 June 2022, 10:25:31

In some way these instructions focus on different parts of installation: while ALARM one focuses on partitioning, the ARMtix one is focused on boot peculiarities and how to make it possible to use USB drive as /. You'd better read both instructions carefully and then try to install. There is still a big chance to fail at first because of complicated RPi4 firmware. In order to get the exact errors and find out ways to solve them, buy UART cable and communicate with the board over it (this is general advice for the majority of aarch64 boards).

P.S. Please, move this topic to ARMtix subboard