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Procedure to Flash Alpha device

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

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

IMG_9109.jpg

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.

    WhatsApp Image 2026-01-14 at 12.17.09 PM.jpeg

  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

      WhatsApp Image 2026-01-14 at 12.22.27 PM.jpeg

  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)

    PLEASE USE THE LATEST FILES PROVIDED IN THE ATTACHED FILE ABOVE 

  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.


        WhatsApp Image 2026-01-14 at 12.23.33 PM.jpeg

 

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 
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