Recipe for Debian 13 Trixie Linux 6.12.32 CM4

uConsole
, , , ,
1

Hi everyone,

I’m sharing a guide on how to create a custom Debian 13 “Trixie” image for the uConsole, using only the ClockworkPi APT repository.

Let’s assume the following:

  • You’ve installed a server Debian-based distro (Bookworm or Trixie) onto an SD card using Raspberry Pi Imager.
  • In Raspberry Pi Imager’s advanced settings, you set a hostname, created a user and password, and enabled SSH.
  • You’ve booted the uConsole and have a way to run the following commands on it (either by logging in via ssh or by connecting an external keyboard and monitor).

Execute these commands:

wget -q -O- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/clockworkpi/apt/main/debian/KEY.gpg | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/clockworkpi.gpg
echo "deb [arch=arm64] https://raw.githubusercontent.com/clockworkpi/apt/main/bookworm stable main" | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/clockworkpi.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install uconsole-kernel-cm4-rpi clockworkpi-audio clockworkpi-firmware
# Install optional packages
# apt search uconsole-*
# Clock work apt repo link: https://github.com/clockworkpi/apt/tree/main

Edit /boot/firmware/config.txt, This is what I’ve got:

# For more options and information see
# http://rptl.io/configtxt
# Some settings may impact device functionality. See link above for details

# Uncomment some or all of these to enable the optional hardware interfaces
#dtparam=i2c_arm=on
#dtparam=i2s=on
#dtparam=spi=on

# Enable audio (loads snd_bcm2835)
dtparam=audio=on

# Additional overlays and parameters are documented
# /boot/firmware/overlays/README

# Automatically load overlays for detected cameras
camera_auto_detect=1

# Automatically load overlays for detected DSI displays
display_auto_detect=1

# Automatically load initramfs files, if found
auto_initramfs=1

# Enable DRM VC4 V3D driver
#dtoverlay=vc4-kms-v3d

max_framebuffers=2

# Don't have the firmware create an initial video= setting in cmdline.txt.
# Use the kernel's default instead.
#disable_fw_kms_setup=1

# Run in 64-bit mode
arm_64bit=1

# Disable compensation for displays with overscan
disable_overscan=1

# Run as fast as firmware / board allows
arm_boost=1

# Enable host mode on the 2711 built-in XHCI USB controller.
# This line should be removed if the legacy DWC2 controller is required
# (e.g. for USB device mode) or if USB support is not required.
#otg_mode=1

ignore_lcd=1
display_auto_detect=0
dtoverlay=audremap,pins_12_13
dtoverlay=dwc2,dr_mode=host
dtparam=ant2

# Enable DRM VC4 V3D driver (Clockworkpi uConsole CM4)
dtoverlay=clockworkpi-uconsole
dtoverlay=vc4-kms-v3d-pi4,cma-384
dtparam=pciex1=off
dtparam=spi=on
enable_uart=1
#dtparam=drm_fb0_rp1_dsi1
#initial_turbo=0

Reboot, you’re done. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

Optional:

  • Install a linux desktop with tasksel and aptitude:
#1) Common desktop tasks using tasksel:
sudo apt install tasksel
sudo tasksel #select open-ssh server, laptop (caps linux for a longer battery life), and a desktop.

#2) Common desktop tasks using aptitude
sudo apt install aptitude
sudo aptitude
# / Search (dialog box): try task-gnome-desktop, task-mate-desktop, task-xfce4-desktop, ...
# + Install
# _ Purge

Do you want also some suggestions about what to do now? I’ve got you covered!

Want to build a distro with your own patched kernel? I’ve got you covered, too!

Have a great day!

5 Likes