Stage Reference

The Kuiper build is divided into several stages for logical clarity and modularity. This section describes each stage in detail, helping you understand the complete build process.

Stage 01: Bootstrap

Purpose: Create a usable minimal filesystem

Key operations:

  • Uses debootstrap to create a minimal Debian filesystem

  • Sets up core system components

  • Prepares for configuration in later stages

The minimal core is installed but not configured at this stage, and the system is not yet bootable.

Stage 02: Set Locale and Timezone

Purpose: Configure system localization

Key operations:

  • Installs localization packages (locales, dialog)

  • Configures locale variables

  • Sets the system timezone

  • Installs mandatory system packages

Related config options: None (always executed)

Stage 03: System Tweaks

Purpose: Configure core system settings and users

Key operations:

  • Creates ‘analog’ user with sudo rights (password: ‘analog’)

  • Sets root password (same as user: ‘analog’)

  • Configures hostname

  • Sets up root autologin

  • Enables SSH root login

  • Configures network settings

  • Sets up automounting for external devices

Related config options: None (always executed)

Stage 04: Configure Desktop Environment

Purpose: Set up graphical interface (optional)

Key operations:

  • Installs XFCE desktop environment

  • Configures automatic login for ‘analog’ user

  • Sets up X11VNC server for remote access

  • Applies visual customizations

Related config options:

  • CONFIG_DESKTOP=y - Enable/disable entire stage

Stage 05: ADI Tools

Purpose: Install Analog Devices libraries and applications

Key operations:

  • Installs selected ADI libraries: libiio, pyadi, libm2k, libad9361, libad9166, gr-m2k

  • Installs selected ADI applications: iio-oscilloscope, iio-fm-radio, fru_tools, jesd-eye-scan-gtk, colorimeter, Scopy

  • Installs non-ADI applications: GNU Radio

  • Clones Linux scripts repository

  • Creates log file with installed tools, branches, and commit hashes

Related config options: Multiple tool-specific options

Stage 06: Boot Partition

Purpose: Prepare boot files for different platforms

Key operations:

  • Adds Intel and Xilinx boot binaries (if configured)

  • Adds Raspberry Pi boot files (if configured)

  • Creates and configures fstab for mounting partitions

  • Sets up default boot configuration for Raspberry Pi

Related config options:

  • CONFIG_RPI_BOOT_FILES - Include Raspberry Pi boot files

  • CONFIG_XILINX_INTEL_BOOT_FILES - Include Xilinx and Intel boot files

Stage 07: Extra Tweaks

Purpose: Apply custom configurations and additions

Key operations:

  • Runs custom user scripts (if specified)

  • Installs Raspberry Pi specific packages (if configured)

  • Installs Raspberry Pi WiFi firmware (if Raspberry Pi boot files are configured)

Related config options:

  • EXTRA_SCRIPT - Path to custom script

  • INSTALL_RPI_PACKAGES - Install Raspberry Pi specific packages

  • CONFIG_RPI_BOOT_FILES - Install Raspberry Pi WiFi firmware

Stage 08: Export Stage

Purpose: Finalize and export the image

Key operations:

  • Installs scripts to extend rootfs partition on first boot

  • Exports source code for all packages (if configured)

  • Generates license information

  • Prepares boot partition for target hardware

  • Creates and compresses the final disk image into a zip file

Related config options:

  • EXPORT_SOURCES - Download source files for all packages

  • ADI_EVAL_BOARD and CARRIER - Configure for specific hardware