From ba5d58ee85b0fd33e8d61fb3288794fcd0887d8a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Roy Sigurd Karlsbakk Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:54:13 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Update firmware flashing instructions with venv setup Added instructions to create and activate a Python virtual environment before installing esptool to avoid breaking the system --- docs/faq.md | 11 ++++++++--- 1 file changed, 8 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/faq.md b/docs/faq.md index 5ebdb9b614..d02a831576 100644 --- a/docs/faq.md +++ b/docs/faq.md @@ -603,14 +603,19 @@ For ESP-based devices (e.g. Heltec V3) you need: 2. Confirm the `ttyXXXX` device path on your Raspberry Pi. - Go to the `/dev` directory and run the `ls` command to find your device path. - It is usually `/dev/ttyUSB0` for ESP devices. -3. Install esptool from the shell. - - `pip install esptool --break-system-packages` -4. Flash the firmware. +3. Create a python virtual environment + - `python3 -m venv meshcoreenv` + - `source meshcoreenv/bin/activate` +5. Install esptool from the shell. + - `pip install esptool` +6. Flash the firmware. - For non-merged bin: - `esptool.py -p /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip esp32-s3 write_flash 0x10000 .bin` - For merged bin: - `esptool.py -p /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip esp32-s3 write_flash 0x00000 .bin` +*Make sure to activate this venv when you need esptool. If you need it all the time, just add the activation to your ~/.bashrc or similar for other shells.* + **Instructions for nRF devices:** For nRF devices (e.g. RAK, Heltec T114) you need the following: