NAOFlasher

What is NAOFlasher

NAOFlasher is a tool allowing you to update your NAO Operating system (OpenNAO).

An option, Factory reset, allows updates in a Rescue mode. NAOFlasher also allows you to perform a simple update, without Factory reset, but a much simpler way exist, using Choregraphe: Simple update via Choregraphe

Where I find NAOFlasher

Since release 1.12.1, NAOFlasher is on the DVD in Software > NAO OS.
You can also find the latest release on the Aldebaran Robotics’ User or Developer site.

Choose the NAOFlasher according to your Operating System:

  • nao-flasher-x.x-win32-vs2008.zip
  • nao-flasher-x.x-linux32.tar.gz
  • nao-flasher-x.x-linux64.tar.gz
  • nao-flasher-x.x-mac64.tar.gz

Rescue mode

What is a rescue software update

The rescue software update:

  • Upgrades the NAO’s software with the given OpenNAO software release and

  • Resets the whole system in a similar state as if the robot was just out of the factory.

    Therefore, any data put on the robot will be erased during the rescue software update process,
    and any settings will be reset to their default values too.

Warning

After a rescue software update:

  • all user’s data put on the robot will be irreparably lost;
  • all settings will be reset to their default values

When should I do a rescue software update

Rescue software update should be used:

  • when something goes wrong and NAO does not boot normally anymore;
  • when you want to completely reset NAO to a known state;
  • (rare) if you want to downgrade to a former OpenNAO software release.

Alternative method

If:
  • NAO boots normally,
  • you do not want to use a release older than the current one, and
  • you want to keep all user’s data and settings,
Then you may prefer a Simple update via Choregraphe.

How to update your NAO with NAOFlasher

Make sure you know which version of NAO you have. If you hesitate, see NAO Version.

For a NAO ... See ...
V4 NAOFlasher for NAO V4
V3.X NAOFlasher for NAO V3.x

Troubleshooting

My new USB stick doesn’t work!

If the USB stick you just flashed doesn’t work, it is may be due to the old files in your home directory. Try flashing your key again with the Factory Reset option enabled.

Cleaning up your USB stick - Windows

Warning

DISKPART is a very dangerous tool if you don’t know how to use it. It can potentially erase all your data without warning. Please be careful and don’t use it if in doubt.

Launch DISKPART

Go to the windows search box and type diskpart. Then type ENTER or click on the diskpart icon to launch the program.

Note

DISKPART might fail to operate on the drive if the flasher is running. Exit the flasher before running DISKPART.

../../_images/cleanup-1.png

Clean The Drive

../../_images/cleanup-2.png

Step Action

list volume: this will list all the volumes present on your computer.

Find the line that correspond to your USB stick and remember the corresponding letter (Ltr column).

select volume X: replace X with your drive letter.

This will enable you to do actions on the drive.

clean: erase all data and partitions on the drive. You can’t undo this!
exit: exits DISKPART. You may now try the flasher again.

Cleaning up your USB stick - Linux

You can use, for example, GParted.

Warning

GParted is a very dangerous tool if you don’t know how to use it. It can potentially erase all your data without warning. Please be careful and don’t use it if in doubt.

Step Action
Launch GParted with root privileges.
Select the device corresponding to the usb stick.
On this device, delete all existing partitions.
Click the Apply button.
Read carefully the warning.
Triple check that it is selected device is the right one.
Confirm.

For further information, read the GParted online documentation: http://gparted.sourceforge.net/display-doc.php?name=help-manual.

Launching NAOFlasher with administrator privileges

To Launch NAOFlasher with administrator privileges:

  1. Find and select the NAOFlasher executable:

    [Choregraphe path]\bin\flasher.exe

  2. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.