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meshcore-repeater/docs/flashing.md
Ryan Malloy dbed318124 Initial commit: Heltec V3 MeshCore repeater 
Standalone PlatformIO project using MeshCore as a library.

Features:
- Heltec LoRa32 V3 support (ESP32-S3 + SX1262)
- OLED display integration
- OTA firmware updates via WiFi
- Serial CLI for configuration

Uses symlinked MeshCore library from ../MeshCore
2026-01-25 12:15:15 -07:00

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Flashing the Firmware

USB Serial Flashing

Prerequisites

  • USB cable connected to Heltec board
  • User in uucp or dialout group (for /dev/ttyUSB* access)

Flash Command

# Build and flash
pio run -t upload

# Flash to specific port
pio run -t upload --upload-port /dev/ttyUSB0

Using the Stable Device Path

USB device numbers can change. Use the stable path instead:

pio run -t upload --upload-port /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Silicon_Labs_CP2102_USB_to_UART_Bridge_Controller_0001-if00-port0

Boot Mode Issues

If flashing fails, manually enter bootloader mode:

  1. Hold BOOT button
  2. Press RST button
  3. Release BOOT button
  4. Run pio run -t upload

OTA Updates

Over-The-Air updates let you flash wirelessly after initial USB flash.

Step 1: Enter OTA Mode

Connect to serial console:

screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200

Type:

start ota

Response:

Started: http://192.168.4.1/update

Step 2: Connect to WiFi

The repeater creates an open access point:

  • SSID: MeshCore-OTA
  • Password: (none)

Connect your computer/phone to this network.

Step 3: Upload Firmware

  1. Open browser to http://192.168.4.1/update
  2. Click "Choose File"
  3. Select .pio/build/heltec_v3_repeater/firmware.bin
  4. Click "Update"
  5. Wait for upload and reboot (~30 seconds)

OTA Endpoints

URL Purpose
http://192.168.4.1/ Device info page
http://192.168.4.1/update ElegantOTA firmware upload
http://192.168.4.1/log View packet log (if enabled)

Exiting OTA Mode

OTA mode stays active until reboot. To exit without updating:

  • Press the RST button, or
  • Power cycle the device

Verifying the Flash

After flashing, connect to serial:

screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200

Press RST to see boot messages:

Repeater ID: AABBCCDD...

Type ver to check firmware version:

ver
  -> MeshCore v1.10.0 (Jan 25 2025)

Exit Screen

To exit the screen session:

  • Ctrl+a then k then y (kill session)
  • Or Ctrl+a then d (detach, keeps session running)