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DIY Gradiometer Kit — WiFi Connection Fix

This procedure fixes WiFi connection issues on the MAG-BOARD used in the DIY Gradiometer Kit. It involves three phases: an initial factory flash, a firmware upload via Arduino IDE, and a final firmware flash.

Download the fix package

Download WiFi Fix Package (.zip)

The ZIP contains the .bin firmware files and the mag-board_user Arduino sketch needed for all three phases below.

Requirements:

  • MAG-BOARD connected to PC via USB
  • ESP32 Flash Download Tool
  • Arduino IDE (free version)
  • factory_WROOM-32.bin and mag_board_v1.32.bin files from the .bin directory
  • MAG-BOARD user software from the mag-board_user directory

Phase 1 — Initial Flash​

  1. Connect the MAG-BOARD to your PC via USB.

  2. Open the ESP32 Flash Download Tool.

  3. In the configuration window, select the following and click OK:

    • ChipType: ESP32
    • WorkMode: Develop
    • LoadMode: UART

    ESP32 Flash Download Tool configuration window

  4. In the flash configuration panel:

    • Check the first file slot and select factory_WROOM-32.bin (located in the .bin directory)
    • Set the flash address to 0x0
    • Ensure DoNotChgBin is selected

  5. Select the correct COM port for your MAG-BOARD.

  6. Click START and wait until the panel shows FINISH.

    ESP32 Flash Download Tool — click START

Phase 2 — Arduino IDE Upload​

note

After Phase 1 you will have valid firmware for WiFi connection, but Phase 2 and Phase 3 are still required to complete the fix.

  1. Open Arduino IDE.
  2. Upload the MAG-BOARD user software located in the mag-board_user directory to the board.

Arduino IDE — upload MAG-BOARD firmware

Phase 3 — Secondary Flash​

  1. Re-open the ESP32 Flash Download Tool.

  2. Update the flash configuration:

    • Uncheck the factory_WROOM-32.bin file slot
    • Check a file slot and select mag_board_v1.32.bin
    • Set the flash address to 0x10000

  3. Click START and wait until the panel shows FINISH.

    ESP32 Flash Download Tool — select mag_board_v1.32.bin and click START

The WiFi connection fix is now complete.

Troubleshooting​

COM port not detected

  • Check Device Manager for driver errors
  • Install the CP210x or CH340 USB-to-UART bridge driver depending on your hardware revision

FINISH not shown / upload fails

  • Verify the USB cable supports data transfer (not charge-only)
  • Try a different USB port
  • Restart the Flash Download Tool and retry from Phase 1

Error or crash after completing the fix

Arduino IDE — Board Info showing Unknown board error

  • A required Arduino library is likely missing from your Arduino IDE installation. Ensure all libraries needed by the mag-board_user sketch are installed, then repeat Phase 2.

Blank screen after completing the fix

MAG-BOARD LCD showing blank screen after WiFi fix

If the MAG-BOARD shows a blank screen after the fix is complete, the display firmware needs to be re-flashed separately using the Flash Tool.

  1. Download the resources:

  2. Extract the ZIP and run the Flash Tool. When the startup dialog appears, set chipType to ESP32 and leave all other settings unchanged, then click OK.

    Flash Tool startup — select Chip Type ESP32 and click OK

  3. In the Flash Tool main window:

    • Check the checkbox next to the first file slot.
    • Click ... to browse for and select deluje.bin from the extracted folder.
    • Set the flash address field to 0x00.
    • Select the correct COM port for your MAG-BOARD from the dropdown at the bottom.
    • Click START and wait for the status to change from IDLE to FINISH.

    Flash Tool main window — deluje.bin selected at 0x00, COM port chosen, START clicked

  4. Once FINISH appears, disconnect and reconnect the MAG-BOARD. The display should now show normally.