Installation Guide

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What You’ll Need

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Step 1: Download Firmware Installer

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Step 2: Prepare the Installer

# Install dependencies
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install -y curl build-essential libusb-1.0-0-dev libudev-dev gcc pkg-config

# Install Node.js 20 (required)
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

# Clone the repository
git clone -b open-source-prototype https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat.git
cd NoLongerEvil-Thermostat

# Install typescript
sudo npm install ts-node typescript --save

# Run the installer
cd firmware/installer
npm install
export ELECTRON_DISABLE_SANDBOX=1
npm run electron:dev

# Install Homebrew if not already installed
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Node.js 20 (required)
brew install node@20
brew link --overwrite node@20

# Clone the repository
git clone -b open-source-prototype https://github.com/codykociemba/NoLongerEvil-Thermostat.git
cd NoLongerEvil-Thermostat

# Install dependencies
brew install libusb

# Run the installer
cd firmware/installer
npm install
npm run electron:dev

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Step 3: Launch the Installer

1. Open the NoLongerEvil installer app
   • Linux: Run ./NoLongerEvil-*.AppImage or double-click the AppImage file
   • macOS: Double-click NoLongerEvil.app
2. The installer GUI will open - Follow the on-screen instructions in the installer
3. The installer will guide you through the process, including:
   • Selecting your device generation (Gen 1 or Gen 2)
   • Entering DFU mode
   • Flashing the firmware
   • Setting up your device

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Step 4: Enter DFU Mode

• Generation 2 (Easy)
• Generation 1 (Advanced)

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Gen 2: Simple Reboot Method

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Boot device on backplate - IMPORTANT: Connect your Nest to the wall backplate and let it fully boot to the home screen. This ensures the battery is charged and the device is ready.
2. Remove from wall - Once fully booted, remove the Nest from its back plate/wall mount
3. Start the installer - Make sure the install.sh script is running and waiting for the device
4. Connect via USB - Plug the Nest into your computer using a micro USB cable
5. Reboot the device - Press and hold down on the display for 10-15 seconds until the device reboots
6. DFU mode active - Once it reboots, the device will enter DFU mode and the installer script will recognize it and begin flashing

The firmware installer will automatically detect the device and flash the custom bootloader (x-load, u-boot) and kernel (uImage).

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Gen 1: Teardown & Contact Bridge Method

Gen 1 requires physical disassembly. This process involves opening the device and manually bridging internal contacts. Only proceed if you’re comfortable with electronics teardown.Credit: Gen 1 DFU mode instructions adapted from guyman70718’s cuckoo_loader_gen1 guide.

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Tools Needed:

• Phillips screwdriver or prying tool
• Metal tweezers or similar conductive object
• Mini USB cable
• Non-conductive object for battery removal

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Teardown Steps:

1

Begin Disassembly

Follow the SparkFun Nest Thermostat Teardown Guide to open your Gen 1 thermostat.You need to access the internal circuit board.

2

Disconnect Battery

Unplug the battery by inserting your finger or a NON-CONDUCTIVE object underneath the battery wires. It lifts directly up.Important: Do not use metal tools for this step.

3

Remove Metal Shield

Detach the metal shield from the corner to expose the circuit board components and contact points.

4

Reconnect Battery

Reconnect the battery while keeping the shield removed.Note: The device will not boot without a battery connected.

5

Prepare for DFU Mode

Ensure:

• Battery is reconnected
• Screen is off
• The ./install.sh script is running and waiting on your computer
• Mini USB cable is ready but not yet connected

6

Bridge Contacts & Connect USB

Using metal tweezers or a conductive tool, bridge the black and yellow resistor contacts shown in the image below:

While holding the contacts bridged, connect the mini USB cable to the device.The thermostat should boot into DFU mode and the installer will detect it.

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Wait for Flash

Once detected, the firmware installer will automatically flash the custom bootloader and kernel.Keep the device connected and don’t disconnect until flashing completes.

After successful flashing, you can reassemble your Gen 1 thermostat by reversing the teardown steps. The device should boot normally with the new firmware.

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Step 5: Wait for Boot

• Keep the device plugged in via USB
• Wait for the device to complete its boot sequence (this may take 3-4 minutes)
• Do not disconnect or power off the device during this time

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Step 6: Register Account

1. Visit https://nolongerevil.com in your web browser
2. Register an account (or sign in if you already have one)
3. Navigate to your Dashboard

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Step 7: Link Your Device

1. On your Nest device, navigate to: Settings → Nest App → Get Entry Code
2. The device will display a unique entry code
3. Enter this code on the No Longer Evil dashboard
4. Your device is now linked and ready to use!

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Step 8: Reinstall on Wall

1. Align the Nest with the backplate on the wall
2. Push gently until it clicks into place
3. The device will reconnect to HVAC power and charge

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🎉 Success!

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What Gets Flashed

1. x-load.bin - First-stage bootloader (X-Loader for OMAP)
2. u-boot.bin - Second-stage bootloader (Das U-Boot) loaded at address 0x80100000
3. uImage - Linux kernel image loaded at address 0x80A00000

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Something Went Wrong?

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Credits & Acknowledgments

• grant-h / ajb142 - omap_loader, the USB bootloader tool used to flash OMAP devices
• exploiteers (GTVHacker) - Original research and development of the Nest DFU attack, which demonstrated the ability to flash custom firmware to Nest devices gen 1 & gen 2
• guyman70718 - cuckoo_loader_gen1 guide and teardown documentation for Gen 1 DFU mode access
• FULU and all bounty backers - For funding the Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 1/2 bounty and supporting the right-to-repair movement