Convert to Multi-Arch Block?

balenaHub
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I published a fork of Autohupr as a block here: balenaHub - IoT embedded device apps, edge computing resources, and developer tools

The container has multi-arch support.

I was forced to pick a default device, so I chose Generic AARCH64 thinking I can list all of the devices in the balena.yml. However, it seems that the block is only showing AARCH64 devices despite listing them all.

I see other blocks that list both aarch64 and armhfv7, like this one: balenaHub - IoT embedded device apps, edge computing resources, and developer tools

How do I make my block list support for multi-arch?

Thanks!

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hello @Schuby

Unfortunately, multi-arch blocks are not supported currently

So, as you noticed, you can have blocks namespaced by the “arch” you are targeting.

You can use multi-arch image in the dockerfile but you will have to push to different blocks (having default device types matching your arch)

The autohupr is using a multiarch image autohupr-example/Dockerfile at master · balena-io-experimental/autohupr-example · GitHub

but when you push to the block, it only builds for the architecture matching the default device type.

There is an example of how you would instruct your users to use the block GitHub - balena-solutions/display: A blueprint for deploying hardware-accelerated display servers on balenaOS. Serves as a practical example of abstracting graphics stacks. · GitHub

We have a feature request for this Mixed-architecture fleets (and apps) - #3 by system but alas, it has been longstanding

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You can read more about Dockerfile template files Define a container | balena docs

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Appreciate the reply.

I think I see why the Agent block allows both arm7hf and aarch64, and that’s because aarch64 can emulate arm7hf. Is that correct? You can see the list of devices here: https://hub.balena.io/blocks/2064662/agent

If that’s the case, is there a way to change the backend arch, or do I have to delete the block and recreate it? If I recreate, will the name of the block be available, or is that name forever ‘taken’?

Again, I appreciate your help!