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: Double-Tap Reset (UF2 Bootloader)
- 1 Connect the device via USB
- 2 Quickly double-tap the RESET button (like a double-click)
- 3 The device should appear as a USB drive named "TECHOBOOT" or similar
- 4 If using web flasher, it should now detect the device
- 5 For manual flash: drag and drop the .uf2 firmware file to the drive
Note: Timing is key - double-tap needs to be quick (within 500ms)
Step 2: Install Drivers (if needed)
None Required
nRF52840 devices appear as USB drives - no driver needed
Windows
No driver required
macOS
No driver required
Linux
No driver 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 after file copy completes
- E-ink display will show MeshCore interface
- Connect via Bluetooth for configuration
- GPS will begin acquiring satellites
- Ultra-low power - great battery life
Meshtastic Setup
- Device will reboot automatically
- E-ink screen updates with new firmware
- Connect via Bluetooth for setup
- Set region to US
- Excellent battery life due to nRF52840 chip
US Users: Set frequency/region to 915 MHz (US). This ensures compatibility with the NodakMesh network and other US mesh networks!
Tips & Notes
- E-ink display only updates when content changes - saves power
- nRF52840 is extremely power efficient
- GPS built-in for position tracking
- NFC capable for future features
- Great for solar-powered repeater setups