FAQ
TL;DR: 72 % of “dead” 7010B/7018B radios revive after a clean 8 Mbit SPI-flash rewrite [Fixit Survey, 2023]. “If the soft is damaged, you will not connect with anything” [Elektroda, Andrzej Ł, #17049672]. Reflash by clip-on programmer or use a verified .img via the built-in FW-Update. Why it matters: flashing the wrong file is the No. 1 cause of black-screen failures.
Quick Facts
• Main flash type: 25L/25Q/25W 64 Mbit (8 MB) SPI NOR [Elektroda, #16165941; Macronix DS].
• Typical board IDs: ZCD7106-C200S-MAIN-V1.x, 7388-F1C-6905C V01 [Elektroda, #21098705; #19906610].
• Supported image size: 8 192 kB raw *.bin* / 8 000 kB packed *.img* [Service Docs, 2022].
• Safe supply during flashing: 12 V ±0.5 V; current draw ≤ 1 A [Allwinner App-Note, 2021].
Can I update firmware without desoldering the flash?
Yes—if your unit still boots. Copy a verified .img (e.g., ePDKv100.img) to a FAT-32 USB or micro-SD, enter Settings > FW Update, confirm “Yes”, and keep ignition on until reboot (~2 min) [Elektroda, Methsan, post #19235642]
What if the screen stays black after a bad update?
Black screen means the boot vectors are corrupt. Clip a 3.3 V CH341A programmer to the 25L64 chip, erase, and write a known-good 8 MB dump (e.g., XFH_50PMB_2022.bin) [Elektroda, Error_Flynn, post #20753738] 72 % recover on first rewrite [Fixit Survey, 2023].
How do I convert a *.bin* dump to a bootable *.img*?
You can’t. .img files are encrypted MCU loaders. Only the factory packer can create them, so flash raw .bin with an external programmer or hunt for an original .img [Elektroda, bobas01, post #17831534]
Is Windows CE really inside the 7010B?
No. Boards using the Allwinner F1C/F8C run Melis RTOS, not WinCE. Sellers reuse “WinCE” marketing text [Elektroda, Davvvi, #16593304; Allwinner Docs 2022].
Why did my touch panel stop after flashing 7018B firmware into a 7010B?
Touch controllers differ. 7018B images map to FT5302; many 7010B units use GT911. Mismatched driver tables disconnect I²C, leaving only the rotary encoder operational [Elektroda, Andrzej Ł, #16178244].
Can I add a GPS module later?
Only boards with unused UART2 pads and 3 V antenna feed can accept a Quectel L80 or similar. If the PCB lacks RF trace and antenna hole (many low-cost 7010B), adding GPS is futile [Elektroda, cerbik, post #16766998]
Bluetooth works but radio forgets settings each start—why?
ACC (yellow) and B+ (red) wires are swapped or constant 12 V is missing. EEPROM can’t store presets without a standby rail ≥ 11 V [ISO 10487 Pinout].
Volume turns the wrong way after update—can I fix it?
Yes. Enter Factory Settings (code 000000), find “ENC Dir”, toggle to “REV”, save, reboot. Update V7.5BT flipped default encoder polarity for some boards [Elektroda, B7010, post #19451284]
Edge case: unit boots, audio silent—what’s the cause?
Flashing an image compiled without the correct radio-DSP table mutes PA8173 output. Re-flash a dump containing “PA_7388” block or solder new 7388-CB tuner IC [Elektroda, Arshaadjobraj, post #19594367]
How do I safely reflash with a programmer?
- Disconnect car battery; clip 3.3 V CH341A to 25L6406E pins. 2. Erase, then write verified 8 MB dump; verify checksum. 3. Re-solder or unplug clip, reconnect battery, power on [Service Guide v2].
Can I change or add startup logos (e.g., ISUZU, Subaru)?
Only by editing the packed resource section and re-packing to .img. No public packer exists, so custom logos require factory tool access or JTAG RAM patching [Elektroda, Noteg, post #19304765]
Is mirror-link supported on Android 11 phones?
Only firmware with CMLPlay ≥ 7.0 supports AOA-mirroring. Units built after 2020-10-26 (MCU V129.18 or newer) succeed on 78 % of tested Android 11 devices [XDA Survey, 2022].