PDL Sky-Spy Firmware Flasher

Instructions

Plug in the Heltec board via USB-C cable
Select the variant below that matches the node's role
Click "Install" and select the serial port (usually "USB Serial")
Wait ~60 seconds for the flash to complete
After flashing, visit the Node Provisioner to set WiFi credentials and Node ID

Requirements: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Web Serial API). Safari and Firefox are not supported. If prompted, allow the browser to access the serial port.

Choose Firmware Variant

Each Heltec board should be flashed with the variant matching its deployment role:

Full (All Features)

RID + Token Arbitration + TDOA + Acoustic + PPS Sync + Spoof Detection

For primary sensor nodes with GPS module + MEMS mic attached

RAM: 17.8% | Flash: 42.6% | 1.34 MB

Sensor (RID + Inference)

RID + Token Arbitration + Spoof Detection (no acoustic/TDOA)

For perimeter nodes without GPS or MEMS mic

RAM: 17.7% | Flash: 41.7% | 1.31 MB

Gateway (LoRa Bridge)

LoRa RX aggregator + WiFi HTTP bridge to cloud

For the mesh gateway node (collects and forwards data)

RAM: 16.8% | Flash: 41.3% | 1.30 MB

After flashing, the board will reboot and begin scanning. Use the Provisioner to configure WiFi SSID/password and Node ID via USB serial.

Troubleshooting

No serial port appears? Hold the BOOT button on the Heltec while plugging in USB-C, then release after 2 seconds. This forces bootloader mode.

Flash fails at start? Try a different USB-C cable — some are charge-only without data pins.

Board doesn't reboot after flash? Press the RST button once. If that doesn't work, unplug and replug USB-C.

WiFi won't connect after provisioning? Double-check SSID and password (case-sensitive). The board status LED will blink rapidly when trying to connect.