Installing the KOS bootloader installs the node manager, the necessary software to recognize the board as a KOS device. KOS Studio recognizes KOS Devices and can interact with them as needed.

Prerequisites

Software:

• Ensure your Mac or Windows machine has the Raspberry Pi Imager installed. If needed, you can install it from here.

Hardware:

• A Windows or Mac machine with a USB Standard-A port (or the with supported USB hub or adapter)
• A RPi-Zero2W board with power and screen connected.
• A Micro SD card for flashing the KOS bootloader.

Step 1: Download the bootloader.

• Download the RPi-Zero2W bootloader.
  • If you use Safari to download the file, the file is automatically unarchived, and the *.img file will be in the download location.
  • On other browsers, unarchive the *.img.gz file for flashing.

Step 2: Prepare the micro SD card

• Insert the Micro SD card into the card reader and connect it to your computer.
• Start the RPi Imager installed on the machine.
• Locate and select the ‘.img’ and select the inserted flash drive.
• Follow the instructions for RPi Imager to flash the image to the flash drive.

Step 3: Verification

• Turn off the power to the board
• Insert the SD card into the RPi-Zero2W board
• Connect the USB keyboard and HDMI monitor.
• Connect the Ethernet cable to the RPi-Zero2W board.
• Power up the RPi-Zero2W board and wait for a few seconds to boot up.
• The screen should show “Node Manager,” and the IP should be displayed.
• You can use this IP in KOS Studio to interact with the device such as installing your device images.