WiFiCom Update Tool

Use this tool to install your initial WiFiCom files or to update an existing WiFiCom to a newer release. Also works for downgrading!

Mac read first!

• Updating on Mac is not recommended if it can be avoided.
• On MacOS Sequoia, and Sonoma from 14.4, updates are slow, may cause excessive flash wear on your WiFiCom, and may have issues upgrading CircuitPython.
• MacOS Sonoma before 14.4 corrupts files on CIRCUITPY drives! Put your WiFiCom in Drive Mode first, then use the workaround on this page before running wificom-update-tool.

Updating

• See the bottom section if any of these steps look different on your device!
• Back up the files on your CIRCUITPY drive if you changed anything important. This tool aims to preserve previous WiFiCom config and only delete/overwrite specific files, but be cautious about any files you don't want to lose.
• Put the WiFiCom into Drive Mode using the menu.
• Run the update tool and select an option.
• If a CircuitPython upgrade/downgrade is recommended, the tool will link to the appropriate file.
  • Choose "Download UF2 file" to save the file using your web browser.
  • Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
  • Exit Drive Mode by holding the C button.
  • Put the unit into bootloader mode using the option in the Settings menu.
  • Copy the UF2 file into the RPI-RP2 drive that appears.
  • When the WiFiCom has rebooted, put it back into drive mode, and re-run the update tool with the same option as before.
• Wait for the update to complete.
• Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Exit Drive Mode by holding the C button.

Installing on a new build

• Install the appropriate version of CircuitPython (see wificom-lib). On a fresh board, the RPI-RP2 drive appears by default. Otherwise, enter bootloader mode using the instructions below.
• If you are using a custom circuit layout, modify "board_config.py" from wificom-lib and save it to your CIRCUITPY drive.
• Run the update tool and select an option.
• Wait for the installation to complete.
• Create a new WiFiCom on https://wificom.dev/ and follow the "Credentials Download" instructions on the page that appears.
• Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Disconnect and reconnect the USB / power supply.

Exceptions (P-Com, older versions, non-bootable)

Making the CIRCUITPY drive writeable

• WiFiCom Dev Mode: connect the unit to USB while holding the C button (or the only button) then release the button promptly when the LED comes on.
• P-Com with no LED: connect the unit to USB while holding the main button, and keep holding until the CIRCUITPY drive appears.

Rebooting into normal mode (make CIRCUITPY read-only again)

• First eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Older WiFiCom firmware in "Drive Mode": select a different mode from the menu.
• Screenless units / WiFiCom in "Dev Mode" / not running: disconnect and reconnect the USB / power supply.
• Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: press the RESET button once.

Bootloader mode

• Most boards: disconnect the USB / power supply, reconnect while holding the BOOT button, and keep holding until the RPI-RP2 drive appears.
• Xanthos's premade units: the BOOT button is on the back. On battery units you will need to detach the battery module. You may need a tool to press the button.
• Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: double-click the RESET button.