Goblin Scout
Web flasher

Summon a goblin

Install Network Goblin Scout on an NM-CYD-C5 straight from this page. No tools to install: plug the board in with USB-C and press a button. Works in Chrome or Edge on a computer.

FIRMWARE v0.4.0

New board, or something went wrong

First install

Writes everything: bootloader, partition table and the app. Use this the first time, or to recover a board that won't boot.

This browser can't talk to USB devices. Open this page in Chrome or Edge on a computer. Flashing only works on a secure (https) page.
Already running Scout

Update

Replaces just the app and leaves the rest of the chip alone. Quicker, and your goblin's name and settings stay put.

This browser can't talk to USB devices. Open this page in Chrome or Edge on a computer. Flashing only works on a secure (https) page.

Flashing by hand (esptool, Espressif's web tool, Flash Download Tool)? Each file has its own address: firmware.factory.bin at 0x0, firmware.bin at 0x10000. Many tools default to 0x0, and firmware.bin at 0x0 overwrites the bootloader: the board then boot-loops with invalid header until you do a First install. The buttons above always use the right address.

Your goblin's progress (level, hoard, trophies) lives on the microSD card, so either button keeps it. After a first install the goblin restores its name and ID from the card.

Step by step

How to flash

  1. Plug the board into your computer with a USB-C data cable (some cables only charge).
  2. Press Install Scout (or Update Scout) and pick the board's serial port from the list. It's usually called USB JTAG/serial or CH340.
  3. Wait for it to finish. Don't unplug while it's writing. It takes about a minute.
  4. Copy the sd_card folder onto a FAT32 microSD card and slot it in. That's the goblin's memory.
  5. Press RESET on the board. Accept the disclaimer, name your goblin, and go for a walk.
Troubleshooting

Goblin won't cooperate?

No port in the list

Try another cable or USB port. On Windows you may need the CH340 driver if you're using the CH340 port.

It won't connect

Hold BOOT, tap RESET, let go of BOOT, then press Install again. That puts the chip in flashing mode.

Boot loop with "invalid header" on the serial log

The chip can't find its bootloader: either the board is new, or firmware.bin was flashed at the wrong address. Use First install (not Update) and it's fixed. Your progress on the SD card survives.

Prefer the command line?

esptool --chip esp32c5 write-flash 0x0 firmware.factory.bin
esptool --chip esp32c5 write-flash 0x10000 firmware.bin (update)
Files: firmware.factory.bin (at 0x0), firmware.bin (update, at 0x10000).