Hacking basic R4i gold question

[cantim]

If I update the kernel (such as the WOOD R4 V1.53 Released. (2012-10-10) ) or even reformat the microsd card, will I have to update the patch on the card again with the ds lite?
I only have a 3DS xl and can only get access to a ds lite once every 3 or 4 months.

Thanks!

 

[Rydian]

No, the firmware/bootloader and the kernel/OS are entirely different things. The firmware/bootloader update is stored on the MicroSD itself once it runs.