IMPORTANT: Attach Antenna Before Powering On!
Always connect an antenna to your device BEFORE plugging in USB or turning it on. Transmitting without an antenna can permanently damage the LoRa radio chip. Even a few seconds of transmission without an antenna can cause irreversible damage. This applies to flashing AND normal use.
Step 1: Enter DFU/Bootloader Mode
Method: Power Switch + Trackball (REQUIRED)
- 1 Make sure the device power switch is OFF
- 2 Press and hold the TRACKBALL down (push the ball like a button)
- 3 While holding the trackball, flip the POWER SWITCH to ON
- 4 Keep holding for 2-3 seconds
- 5 Release the trackball - device is now in DFU mode
- 6 Screen will be BLACK with backlight OFF - this confirms DFU mode
- 7 If backlight is ON, repeat these steps
Note: Alternative: Hold trackball, press side RST button, release both. If issues persist, try the web flasher "1200bps reset" button first.
Step 2: Install Drivers (if needed)
CP210x USB to UART Bridge
Usually not required
Step 3: Flash Firmware
Open the web flasher for your chosen firmware in Chrome or Edge browser:
Step 4: Post-Flash Configuration
MeshCore Setup
- Device will reboot and show MeshCore interface
- Can operate standalone WITHOUT a phone
- Use keyboard and trackball to navigate menus
- Configure settings directly on the device
- Or connect via Bluetooth for initial setup
Meshtastic Setup
- Device will reboot with Meshtastic interface
- Standalone operation - no phone required
- Use keyboard to type messages directly
- Trackball navigates menus
- Connect via Bluetooth for easier initial config
US Users: Set frequency/region to 915 MHz (US). This ensures compatibility with the NodakMesh network and other US mesh networks!
Tips & Notes
- MUST use DFU mode - normal connection will NOT flash
- Screen stays blank in DFU mode - this is expected
- Full QWERTY keyboard for standalone messaging
- Touchscreen + trackball for navigation
- Speaker and microphone for audio features