LabTop Mk IV - installing/recovering firmware with external programmer
Star LabTop Mk IV — Firmware Recovery Guide
Requirements
Before starting, make sure you have the following:
-
An additional laptop or PC to run commands
-
8-pin test clip with adaptor
-
CH341A USB programmer
-
PH0 screwdriver
Required Tools
1. Prepare the Laptop
Place your Star LabTop Mk IV on a soft, protected surface to prevent scratching the anodised finish.
Preparation
2. Remove the Backplate Screws
1.
Remove the 10 short outer Phillips screws from the backplate. Outer Screws
2.
Then remove the 2 longer inner Phillips screws from the center. Inner Screws
3. Remove the Backplate
Carefully lift the backplate away from the chassis.
⚠️ Important: The speakers may be lightly attached to the backplate. When lifting the bottom left and right corners,
check the speaker cables and connectors to avoid damage.
Backplate Removal
4. Disconnect the Battery
Before proceeding, disconnect the battery connector to ensure safety during the flashing process.
5. Prepare the Programmer
1.
Attach the test clip adaptor to the CH341A USB programmer, ensuring the pin numbers are correctly aligned.
-
Pin 1 is located in the top-left corner of both the adaptor and the programmer socket.
Adaptor Setup Alignment
2.
Lock the adaptor in place by lowering the lever on the CH341A.
Lock Lever
6. Connect the Test Clip
Attach the test clip cable to the adaptor. Ensure that the red wire aligns with pin 1—this indicates correct
orientation.
Test Clip Alignment
7. Locate the SOIC Chip
On the mainboard, locate the SOIC (Serial Flash Memory) chip.
SOIC Location
The small dot in the top-right corner of the chip indicates pin 1. This pin must align with the red wire on your test
clip.
Pin 1 Marker
Carefully attach the clip to the SOIC chip, ensuring a secure connection.
Once attached, the red wire should sit in the top-right position, corresponding to pin 1.
Correct Orientation
8. Connect the Programmer
Plug the CH341A USB programmer into your secondary laptop or PC and open a Terminal window.
💡 Tip: Avoid resting the programmer directly on the laptop’s surface to prevent short circuits.
9. Install Flashrom
Install the required utility using the following command:
sudo apt install flashrom
10. Download the Firmware
All firmware files are available from the Star Labs GitHub repository.
For example, to download the StarBook Mk V coreboot firmware, open the .rom file here and click Download.
11. Flash the Firmware
Finally, run the following command, updating the version number at the end as needed:
sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w ~/Downloads/8.18.rom
This process will write the firmware to the SOIC chip.
✅ Once complete, disconnect the test clip, reconnect the battery, and reassemble your laptop. You’ve successfully
recovered the firmware on your Star LabTop Mk IV.
