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Use local firmware with the emulator

EKA2L1 runs selected Symbian software inside a desktop emulator. A firmware image supplies the system files for a particular device. Symbian calls its read-only system drive Z:. You supply your own firmware locally; it is not part of this repository or SDK.

You can create and build an application before importing firmware. Import one when you want to run the app in a disposable emulator instance.

EKA1 imports can open standalone emulator sessions. The Nokia 7610 profile also supports the opt-in no-UI EKA1 process profile; generated GUI applications continue to require EKA2.

1. Install the emulator and import an image

Install the compatible emulator before importing:

symbian emulator install
symbian emulator doctor

For a supported local archive, give the import a short name:

symbian firmware import '/path/to/device.7z' --name test-device --use global
symbian firmware list

The importer identifies its ROM and matching Z contents and stores a content-addressed baseline. If the input contains several devices, inspect it with symbian firmware probe INPUT and choose one explicitly. The import reference covers ROM/RPKG, VPL, existing EKA2L1 instances, integrity and offline transfer.

2. Check the selection

symbian emu resolve --project ~/dev/hello_time

The result shows the selected firmware identity, tool paths and whether it is usable. An unavailable selection is reported rather than guessed. To give one project a different imported image, use:

symbian emu configure --scope project --project ~/dev/hello_time \
  --firmware test-device

The configuration reference explains global, SDK, project and command overrides.

3. Run the application

symbian app run --project ~/dev/hello_time

Each run copies the verified baseline into new writable emulator state. It does not boot or edit your stored baseline. The emulator checks selected imports and ARM attributes before the guest starts. If it reports a missing service, use the compatibility notes to check the profile's requirements and restrictions.

Test required services and installation policy on the target phone before deployment.