Byte Mk II - installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

Byte Firmware Recovery Guide

Requirements

Additional laptop or PC to run commands
FPC cable
CH341A USB programmer
Debug board
PH0 screwdriver

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Place the Byte on a soft, protected surface to prevent any scratching or damage to the finish.

Step 2: Access the Underside

Turn the Byte over so that the bottom of the chassis is facing upward.

Step 3: Remove the Backplate Screws

Remove the four long Phillips screws located in each corner of the backplate.

Step 4: Remove the Backplate

Gently press around the DisplayPort or HDMI port area to release the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) from the chassis. Carefully lift the backplate away.

Step 5: Lift the PCBA

Press the silver clamp attached to the DisplayPort to carefully lift the PCBA slightly above the chassis. You do not need to remove it completely.

Step 6: Locate the Debug Port

Lift the PCBA just enough to access the debug port as shown below.

Step 7: Assemble the Programmer Setup

Connect the CH341A USB programmer, Debug board, and FPC cable as shown in the example below.

Step 8: Connect to the Byte

Attach the free end of the FPC cable (connected to the programmer) to the debug connector on the PCBA.
Plug the CH341A USB programmer into your additional laptop or PC, then open a terminal.

Your final setup should resemble this:

Step 9: Install Flashrom

On your additional laptop or PC, install flashrom by running the following command:

Step 10: Download the Firmware

All firmware files are available on our GitHub repository.

For example, to download the Byte Mk II firmware:

Navigate to the .rom file here.
Click the Download button to save it to your system.

Step 11: Flash the Firmware

Finally, write the firmware to the device by running the following command.
Replace the version number at the end with the appropriate firmware file you downloaded: