TABLE OF CONTENTS



The DAKboard Operating System (OS) is a modified version of Raspbian that provides a simple wifi setup, On/Off (Sleep) Schedule, resolution, timezone settings, and more for DAKboard. Continue reading to learn how to download and install the OS image.


The DAKboard OS only works with the following Raspberry Pi versions.  The 3B(+) and 4B perform best:

  • Raspberry Pi 3B
  • Raspberry Pi 3B+
  • Raspberry Pi 3A+
  • Raspberry Pi 4B (we recommend the 2GB version or higher)
  • Raspberry Pi 5 (with OS version 4.01 and above)
  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2W



NOTE: The original Raspberry Pi Zero is not recommended due to the lower CPU speed and less RAM. If you're using an original Pi Zero and having trouble connecting it to WiFi, please use the article DAKboard OS on a Raspberry Pi Zero.  We recommend using the Pi 4B or Pi 5 for continuous video (YouTube, etc.) on DAKboard screens.  


DAKboard OS release notes are available here.


IMPORTANT:


The DAKboard OS cannot be added directly to your SD card while the card is connected to the Pi computer. These steps require you to load the SD card from another PC via an SD card reader. The Minimum size you need for an SD card is 8GB though we strongly recommend using 16GB cards when imaging our OS.


Get DAKboard OS with the Raspberry Pi Imager:


The simplest way to install DAKboard OS is by using the Raspberry Pi Imager. You can download this software at https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/. You will not need to download a copy of our OS as it is all set in this imager software. 


NOTE: The latest version of Imager now includes the ability to select the Raspberry Pi Device you wish to install the OS on. Our OS is only available for the devices listed above and will not be able to be found or work on any other device. Make sure you select the correct Device before searching for the OS as detailed below.


Once installed, start the Imager software and click on the Choose OS button as seen below:




Then scroll to the Other specific-purpose OS section and select it. See below:



Scroll down until you find DAKboard and select it. See below:



Insert your SD card into your reader, then select the SD card, and finish by clicking Write to image the OS to your SD card.


Check out the GIF below to see the whole process:



Manually Download the Image File


Alternatively, you may manually download and write the image to the SD card with Etcher. 


First Download the image file:

Latest: (v4.01)

Legacy: (v3.54)


Write the File to a Micro SD Card:


Once downloaded, you'll need to write the image to a Micro SD card.


Etcher is a graphical SD card writing tool that works on Mac OS, Linux, and Windows and is the easiest option for most users. Etcher also supports writing images directly from the zip file, without any unzipping required. To write your image with Etcher:

  • Download Etcher and install it.
  • Connect an SD card reader with the SD card inside.
  • Open Etcher and select from your hard drive the Raspberry Pi .img or .zip files you wish to write to the SD card.
  • Select the SD card that you wish to write your image.
  • Review your selections and click 'Flash!' to begin writing data to the SD card.


See the Sample GIF below to see the process:



Insert the Micro SD Card into the Raspberry Pi:


You can now connect your Raspberry Pi to a TV/Monitor, insert the Micro SD card, and connect the power. When it's done loading you can follow the on-screen instructions for connecting to your network and adding it to your account.



Having Trouble?

- We also sell Pre-loaded Micro SD cards.

- Are you looking for the Legacy Instructions for DAKboard OS 2.31 and earlier?  Please visit here.

- Create a Support Ticket to reach us.