Flashing Software Guide

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Site Author
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Flashing WeighMyBru Firmware

🚀 Recommended Method: Use our web-based flash tool for the easiest installation experience!

⭐ Method 1: Web Flash Tool (Recommended)

The fastest and easiest way to flash your WeighMyBru firmware is directly through your web browser using ESP32 Web Tools.

Steps:

  1. Connect your ESP32 to your computer via USB
  2. Visit the Flash Page: Flash WeighMyBru Firmware
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions - no software installation required!

💡 Benefits: No downloads, no setup, works on any modern browser with WebSerial support.

📋 Method 2: Manual PlatformIO Installation

For advanced users who want to customize the firmware or contribute to development, you can use PlatformIO:

Prerequisites Check

  • ✅ VSCode installed
  • ✅ PlatformIO extension installed
  • ✅ ESP32-S3-WROOM Dev Board
  • ✅ USB cable for connection

Step 1: Install Git (if not already installed)

Windows:

  1. Download Git from git-scm.com
  2. Run the installer with default settings
  3. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and verify: git --version

macOS:

# Using Homebrew
brew install git

# Or download from git-scm.com

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git

Step 2: Clone the WeighMyBru Repository

  1. Open Terminal/Command Prompt

  2. Navigate to your projects directory:

    cd ~/Documents  # or wherever you keep projects
mkdir esp32-projects  # optional: create a projects folder
cd esp32-projects

  3. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/031devstudios/weighmybru2.git
cd weighmybru2

Step 3: Open Project in VSCode with PlatformIO

  1. Launch VSCode

  2. Open the project folder:

    • File → Open Folder
    • Navigate to and select the weighmybru2 folder you just cloned
    • Click “Select Folder”

  3. Wait for PlatformIO to initialize (you’ll see activity in the bottom status bar)

Step 4: Select Your Board Environment

WeighMyBru supports two ESP32 board variants. You need to select the correct environment that matches your hardware:

Supported Boards:

  • [env:esp32s3-supermini] - For ESP32-S3-Supermini boards
  • [env:esp32s3-xiao] - For SeeedStudio XIAO ESP32-S3 boards

How to Select:

  1. Check your board - Look at the board label or documentation to identify which variant you have
  2. In PlatformIO: When building or uploading, make sure to select the correct environment from the dropdown
  3. Look for the environment selector in the bottom blue status bar or in the PlatformIO project tasks

⚠️ Important: Using the wrong environment may cause flashing issues or incorrect pin configurations.

Step 5: Hardware Connection

  1. Connect your ESP32 to your computer via USB cable
  2. Put ESP32 in flash mode (if required):
    • Hold BOOT button
    • Press and release RESET button
    • Release BOOT button
    • (Some boards auto-reset, so this may not be necessary)

Step 6: Identify COM Port

In VSCode with PlatformIO:

  1. Look at the bottom blue status bar
  2. You should see a COM port listed (e.g., “COM3” on Windows, “/dev/ttyUSB0” on Linux)
  3. If not visible, click the PlatformIO icon in the left sidebar → Devices

Alternatively check manually:

  • Windows: Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)
  • macOS/Linux: ls /dev/tty* or dmesg | grep tty

Step 7: Build and Upload

Using PlatformIO GUI:

  1. Click the PlatformIO icon in the left sidebar (alien head icon)
  2. Under “PROJECT TASKS” expand your environment (e.g., esp32-s3-devkitc-1)
  3. Click “Build” to compile the code first
  4. Wait for successful build (check terminal output)
  5. Click “Upload” to flash the ESP32

Using PlatformIO Terminal:

  1. Open PlatformIO terminal: Terminal → New Terminal
  2. Build the project: 
    pio run
  3. Upload to ESP32: 
    pio run -t upload && -t uploadfs

Using VSCode Status Bar:

  • Click the checkmark (✓) in the blue bottom bar to build
  • Click the arrow (→) in the blue bottom bar to upload

Step 8: Monitor Serial Output

  1. Click the monitor plug icon in the blue status bar, or
  2. In PlatformIO sidebar: expand your environment → click “Monitor”
  3. Or use terminal command: 
    pio device monitor

Troubleshooting

Upload Issues:

  • Wrong COM port: Check device manager/system and update platformio.ini if needed
  • Board not in flash mode: Try the BOOT+RESET procedure again
  • Driver issues: Install ESP32 USB drivers from Espressif’s website
  • Permission denied (Linux/macOS): Add user to dialout group: sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER

Build Issues:

  • Missing libraries: Check if libraries need to be installed (they’ll be listed in build errors)
  • Wrong board config: Verify your ESP32-S3 variant matches the platformio.ini settings

Cannot find device:

# Check if device is detected
pio device list

# On Linux, you might need:
sudo chmod 666 /dev/ttyUSB0  # or your specific device

WeighMyBru Specific Notes

Based on the project description, this scale project includes:

  • Webserver functionality - After flashing, the ESP32 will host a web interface
  • WiFi connectivity - You’ll need to configure WiFi credentials
  • Bluetooth support - For GaggiMate integration
  • HX711 load cell interface - Make sure your hardware connections match the code

Post-Flash Configuration:

  1. Connect to the ESP32’s WiFi access point (check serial monitor for details - AP IP :192.168.4.1)
  2. Access the web interface for calibration and configuration
  3. Configure your home WiFi through the web interface

Success Indicators

✅ Build completes without errors
✅ Upload shows “SUCCESS” message
✅ Serial monitor shows boot messages
✅ ESP32 creates WiFi access point (for initial setup)

Your WeighMyBru scale should now be running! Check the serial monitor for the web interface URL and initial setup instructions.