Flashing Firmware

This page covers flashing LoRa APRS firmware on Digi/iGate/Tracker devices. The process is unified and looks the same for all software types.

For information about updating existing firmware, please refer to:

Tracker updates: /lora_aprs_tracker/updating/
Digi/iGate updates: /lora_aprs_digi/updating/

Flashing from Scratch (First Time)

When flashing a device for the first time or when you want to install firmware on a clean device, you have two options:

1. Flash via Web Browser (USB) - Preffered option

You can flash firmware directly from your browser using https://flasher.lora-aprs.pl/.

⚠️ Important: Flashing via the web page always erases all settings, so we recommend using this method only once - during initial flashing or when you want to reset the device to factory settings.

Requirements:

Good quality USB cable connected to the device
Browser with Web Serial API support (e.g., Chrome, Edge)

2. Flash from Binary File Using External Software - for Advanced Users

You can download the .bin file directly from the repository page: https://firmware.sq2cpa.pl/ and flash it using external tools (e.g., esptool, Flash Download Tool).

This method provides more control over the flashing process and is useful for advanced users.

FAQ - Common Issues

❓ Flashing Gets Stuck at Some Step (e.g., “Preparing Installation”)

Solution: Change the USB cable.

Unfortunately, poor quality cables may not work properly and can cause problems during flashing. Use a good quality cable with data transfer support (not just charging).

❓ No Communication with Device During Flashing

Problem: When flashing from https://flasher.lora-aprs.pl/, you get a message like “no communication with device” or the device is not detected.

Solution: The device is probably not in flashing mode (boot mode).

Some devices, such as Heltec Wireless Tracker, must be manually put into flashing mode:

Press and hold the USER button
Press the RESET button (while still holding USER)
Release the RESET button
Release the USER button

The device should now be in flashing mode. Try again.

Happy flashing!