Installing the Firmware

Flashing the firmware may be done from many platforms with a variety of tools. The following is a method that have I have tested. Other methods may work; however, I have less experience with them.

Important Note:

: The ESP32 has a memory section which is not erased or written over by flashing firmware. If you have previously used your controller for any other tasks, I recommend that you wipe the flash memory before you begin. The method to do that differs by the tool used, and more information follows in the sections below.

Before proceeding, connect your controller via the USB port to your workstation.

Preferred Method for Windows and Macs

BrewFlasher is a stand-alone desktop application for Windows and macOS designed to simplify flashing Keg Cop (And other brewing-related firmware) to your controller.

It handles everything - locating the correct firmware, downloading it, setting the correct flash options/offsets, and flashing the firmware. There is no fumbling with the command line or worrying about esptool options. Select the project you want to flash, click a button, and you have finished.

You may download BrewFlasher from its GitHub release page or BrewFlasher.com.

BrewFlasher for Windows and MacOS

You will use the following settings:

  • Serial port: Auto-select

  • Project: Key Cop

  • Device Family: ESP32

  • Firmware: Keg Cop (latest version)

  • Baud rate: 921600 (any should work, this is faster)

  • Flash mode: Dual I/O (DIO)

  • Erase flash: yes, wipes all data (this avoids problems later on - it will wipe wifi settings if any)

Now click the button that says, “Download Firmware and Flash Controller.”

Here is a short video produced by the author of BrewFlasher.

Firmware Updates

The web application provides Over The Air (OTA) update functionality for upgrades. Navigate to the Settings page and on the Adanced menu, select Update Application.