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Flashing Firmware for T-Stick 4GW

Option 1: using .bin files and esptool.py [DEPRECATED]

This method is easier/faster. It uses esptool.py.

Download the bin files

  • Download the .bin files located at the bin folder

Download esptool.py

Connect the T-Stick to the computer and check the USB port

  • Check the T-Stick (ESP32) port in your computer:
  • For MacOS/Linux:
    • install the latest drivers from from the SiLabs website.
    • Open a Terminal window
    • Execute the command ls /dev/cu.*. The command will return a list of ports in your computer.
    • Plug the T-Stick (USB) and run the command ls /dev/cu.* one more time. You can now compare the lists and anotate the T-Stick USB port. Should be something similar to /dev/cu.wchusbserial1410, probably with a different number
    • Linux users should also give the currently logged user read and write access the serial port over USB. Check here for more information
  • For Windows:
    • Check the list of identified COM ports in the Windows Device Manager
    • Plug the T-Stick (USB) and check the list of identified COM ports in the Windows Device Manager again. The T-Stick port should appear on the list. Anotate the T-Stick USB port, it should be something similar to COM3 or COM16

Flash the firmware (.bin files)

  • Use Finder, Terminal, or File Explorer to copy the contents of the bin folder (you should copy 3 .bin files) to the esptool-master folder
  • Navigate to the esptool-master folder in Terminal or Command Prompt
  • Run the command (don't forget to replace the --port (/dev/cu.wchusbserial1410) option for your T-Stick port): esptool.py --chip esp32 --port /dev/cu.wchusbserial1410 --baud 115200 --before default_reset --after hard_reset write_flash -z --flash_mode dio --flash_freq 80m --flash_size detect 0xe000 boot_app0.bin 0x1000 bootloader_dio_80m.bin 0x10000 esp32_arduino_FW211124.bin 0x8000 esp32_arduino_FW211124.ino.partitions.bin 2686976 esp32_arduino_FW211124.spiffs.bin. Wait for the process to be complete. Do not unplug or turn off your T-Stick during the process.

To set the T-Stick info and test if the data is being send correctly:

  • Connect the T-Stick to a network (instructions here);
  • Open the Pure Data (PD) or Max/MSP patch to receive T-Stick messages (they can be found here);
  • Start receive OSC messages according to the chosen patch.

INSTALL ALL DEPENDENCIES AND REAL ALL OBSERVATIONS BEFORE UPLOAD !

You can use Visual Studio Code and the PlatformIO extension in order to flash firmware for the T-Stick-5GW.

Setup VS Code and PlatformIO

  1. Download Visual Studio Code.
  2. Follow the installation guide on PlatformIO's website to setup PlatformIO extension in VS Code

Tip

If you are not familiar with PlatformIO or VS Code it is recommended to read a quick start guide for both platforms before continuing this guide.

Build the Firmware

  1. Download and unzip the latest firmware from the T-Stick reposity
  2. In Visual Studio, under the File menu select open folder. open folder button in VS code code
  3. Navigate to where you downloaded the T-Stick repository and select the firmware folder.
  4. On the bottom bar select the correct environment depending on your T-Stick version (ie: tinypico or lolin_d32_pro)
  5. In the main.cpp file ensure the TSTICK_SIZE is the correct value for your T-Stick.
  6. Navigate to the data folder and open config.json.
  7. Update the id of the T-Stick to a number of your choosing.

  8. Update the author to your name.

  9. Build the firmware by clicking the checkmark on the bottom menu.

  10. Click the PlatformIO Icon to show the Project Tasks.

  11. Select Build Filesystem Image.

PlatformIO project Tasks

Upload the Firmware and Filesystem Image

Note

If your T-Stick was in deep sleep prior to flashing, you may have to wake up the instrument by pressing the button for it to show up on your computer.

  1. Plug in your T-Stick to a USB Port on your computer.

  2. In the PlatformIO Project Tasks select Upload Filesystem Image.

  3. Once the filesystem is uploaded. Select Upload to flash the firmware to the board.

Warning

DO NOT DISCONNECT the USB cable while the T-Stick is flashing.

After flashing, you can use the VSC/PlatformIO serial monitor to check if the T-Stick is booting properly. You should see T-Stick booting process.

You can also interact with the controller using the following commands:

  • ping to get the T-Stick to reply pong
  • reboot to reboot
  • sleep to enter deep sleep

Firmware Information

Sopranino T-Stick 4G - LOLIN D32 PRO / TinyPico - USB - WiFi Input Devices and Music Interaction Laboratory (IDMIL)