Mindboards

Just got my son a used NXT 2.0 kit. I put batteries in it, and it first played a tune (which might have been the regular startup tune) but then quickly went to a clicking sound.

I've read that this means the firmware is corrupt or didn't finish uploading correctly. In any case, I need to upload a new firmware

I run Arch Linux and MacOS Catalina (10.15) so NXT-G isn't an option (without running a Windows 7 VM)

Question: should I at least be able to "see" the device on the USB bus with while it is in this "clicking" mode?

I've tried the following on Linux:

- leJOS NXJ - runs an error about driver (can't find out how to install this driver in Linux, not sure if it means the Fantom driver which appears to be for Mac and Win only)

- libnxt - cannot compile because it wants an ARM cross-compiler which I haven't found yet

- bricxcc and - both complain about missing, can't install a compatible version

- Enchanting - only a .deb package available and don't know where to find source to compile an Arch version

I figured *someone* must be running NXT stuff on a modern Linux system somewhere! I'm not fussed what we use to program it - Python, C/C++ or graphical programming using Snap!, EV3 software (which *is* NXT compatible from what I've read)

Please help! My son was so pumped to get this kit but we're both super disappointed it's not up and running yet...