Bookworm 6.1.y for the Radxa CM5 uConsole

uConsole
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First Release: 6.1.84 Image

Test it out and post anything that doesn’t work. I’ll be setting up a APT repo for the Radxa CM5 too so there will be kernel updates in the next image release.

Features: ClockworkRadxa-Bookworm-6.1.y

  • Linux-headers included with kernel
  • Auto-expanding file system
  • Set Username/Password in /config/before.txt before first boot or default will be:
    • Username / Password: clockwork / clockwork

Issues:

  • No WiFi/BT on the Radxa and can’t use the main boards WiFi/BT, you’ll need a USB one.
  • No audio but can work, on list of things to look into.
  • Device doesn’t fully shutdown until you hold the power button for 10 seconds.
  • The Radxa CM5 will not boot if you have the SDR/LoRa/GPS card in the device.

Raspberry Pi Imager will cause image not to boot if you apply custom settings.

Screenshot_20250326_164657
Screenshot_20250326_1646571280×720 173 KB


I have added a few working/testing images and kernels with the *.deb files to install in the mega folder if you want for different OSs.

Google Drive link for the main image if Mega doesn’t work for you.


Here’s my Github with the 6.1.y branch if you’d like to compile yourself.


Support my work and buy me a coffee here.

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I have barely booted this thing… but already I ordered another one to replace my Raspberry CM5 (good thing I only got the 2GB)…

I know I will be disappointed later by drivers and such… but the temperature says everything you need to know: this thing idles at less than the CM4 and goes to 20W at 4GFLOP/W CPU… and the GPU is better than the original Switch at lower temperatures! (if/when the drivers work and the power can be delivered)

I haven’t even tested anything more than getting TWM up on lite…

3mm is perfect heatpad, don’t forget the power chip!

Also do not get the lite for the Radxa it has no GPU!!!

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I love you rex, my radxa CM5 is finally coming out again

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I have ordered the CM5 8GB Radxafor my review and testing conpared to CM5 Pie versions.

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Wow thank for the amazing work! Gonna try it out later this weekend. “ The Radxa CM5 will not boot if you have the SDR/LoRa/GPS card in the device” Do you know if the module issues is short term and will be worked out, or something more fundamental?

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It’s the pin compatibility, or lack of. It’s not something that can be fixed. Other USB card will work though.

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Rex can we use the 4g module on this board?

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I don’t have a 4G card so I can’t test, but you’ll need the script for the 4G and you’ll probably need to change to pin numbering in the script to get it to work. Like I said I haven’t tested so it might cause the device to not boot with the 4G card because of pin compatibility. The SDR/LoRa/GPS module will cause the Radxa CM5 to not boot because of that.

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As always, amazing job Rex.
Do you think that in the near future you can make a Kali/Parrot image? If I wanted to do it, how is the process? is there a guide or something?

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Once I get back around to figuring out the audio or someone else does and posts it, then I’ll put out some more complete images.

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I am here ready to test once i get my 2nd Uconsole.

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Thanks Rex! you are the best

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