Serial Re-flashing Not Working After Initial Flash

[foxrid3r]

Is it expected not to be able to use the web installer to flash via serial after the initial flashing with the esp32_nat_router binaries? I can query the device via the serial console, but can't flash. After the initial flash over serial with the web installer, I then did an OTA installation with the esp32_eth_wifi_bridge binaries. Just curious if this is expected or if it's something I'm doing wrong.

[martin-ger]

It is not expected - you should be always able to re-flash it via serial. (unless you started fiddling around with signed binaries and secure boot, which is most certainly not the case).

[foxrid3r]

Hmm…okay maybe there is something wrong with my WT32-ETH01 module then. No matter what I do, it seems like I am not able to enter bootloader mode. Automatic bootloader entry does not work and I can’t even get it to work manually by holding GPIO0 low and resetting it by momentarily pulling EN low with push buttons.

I have another one on its way so I’ll do some more testing with the new one.

[foxrid3r]

Figured out why I couldn't get the WT32-ETH01 into bootloader mode. The solder pad for the GPIO0 pin was torn off and was no longer connected to the trace on the PCB. I had the module soldered to a custom PCB and had to remove it to do some debugging. It must have come off during the process of removing it from the PCB.

I repaired it and it's flashing without issue. Here is a picture showing the missing solder pad which should connect to the trace on the PCB. I'll spare you the horror of what post-surgery looks like.

[martin-ger]

Okay, this obviously explains it - happy to read that it is no special SW bug.