Procedure to Flash Alpha device

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• AlphaDownload deviceFlashing tool and latest firmware here -> Flashing Tool.zip
• Windows laptop/pc (recommended)
• microUSB cable
• Cytron USB-UART Converter UC00C (shown below)

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Flashing Procedure

1. The programmer pins must be exposed via male headers at a 2.54mm pitch
   
   

2. Pin Order: Ensure the pins are arranged in this specific sequence:

   1. DTR

   2. RX

   3. TX

   4. 3.3V

   5. RTS

   6. GND
      
      

3. Insert the programmer into the flashing female port of the board, matching the pin names except for TX and RX, which are typically swapped.
   
   
4. Tilt the programmer at an angle to ensure a solid electrical connection with the port.
   
   
   
   
5. Open the downloaded Espressif Flash Download Tool (Flashing Tool -> flash_download_tool_3.9.4).
   
   
6. Upon opening the software, select the following settings:
   • Chip Type: ESP32-C3
   • WorkMode: Develop (for single board) or Factory (for multiple boards)
   • LoadMode: UART
     
     
     
7. Set the file paths at the following addresses:

   File Name	Memory Address (Offset)
   bootloader_v2.bin	0x0000
   partitions_v2.bin	0x8000
   boot_app0_v2.bin	0xe000
   AlphaX_BASE_x.x.x.bin	0x10000

   The files can be located at: Flashing Tool -> Firmware -> (select device model eg: Alpha1)
   

8. Configure the SPI Flash Config section as follows:
   • SPI SPEED: 80MHz
   • SPI MODE: DIO
   • Baud Rate: 921600
     
     
9. The flashing process:
   
   
   • For Single Boards:
     • Select the appropriate COM port
     • Click "START" to begin.
     • Monitor the progress bar as the upload proceeds.
       
       
   • For Multiple Boards (Factory Mode)
     • Uncheck "LockSettings" to modify configurations.
     • Assign the correct COM port for each attached programmer.
     • Re-check "LockSettings" to secure the configuration.
     • Click "START ALL" to flash all boards simultaneously.
       

       NOTE: It is recommended to ERASE the board first before re-flashing it. This can be done by pressing ERASE in the flashing tool before flashing.

Verification

Once the upload is complete, look for the following indicator on the board:

• The blue, green, and yellow LEDs will flash twice to signify a successful firmware upload
• The blue led will start blinking continuously indicating that device is ready to be setup and configured