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Overview

The Flash Firmware page allows you to install firmware to your Duck devices directly from your web browser using USB. No external software or command-line tools required - everything is done through the OWL DMS interface.
Browser Requirement: This feature requires Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser with Web Serial API support.

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Prerequisites

Chrome Browser

Chrome or Edge (version 89+) required

USB Cable

USB connection to your computer

Device Registered

Device must exist in Network page

Serial Permissions

Grant browser serial port access

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4-Step Flashing Process

The firmware flashing wizard guides you through four simple steps:

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Step 1: Connect Device

1

Connect via USB

Plug your Duck device into your computer using a USB cable.
2

Click Connect Device

The interface will detect available serial ports.
3

Grant Browser Permission

When prompted, select your device’s serial port and click “Connect”.
4

Wait for Connection

The system will establish a connection with your device.
If you don’t see your device in the serial port list, check your USB connection and ensure drivers are installed.

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Step 2: Select Device Type

Choose which type of Duck device you’re flashing:
Network Hub
  • Connects to WiFi
  • Sends data to cloud
  • Manages MamaDucks
  • Always powered on
Best For: Central hub locations with WiFi and power access

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Step 3: Configure Firmware

Configuration options vary by device type.

View All Firmware Types

See detailed information about each firmware type, including sensor wiring diagrams and GPIO pin configurations
1. Select Your MamaDuck
  • Choose from existing MamaDucks in your account
  • Devices are grouped by their assigned PapaDuck
2. Firmware Version
  • Select ClusterDuck Protocol (CDP) version
  • Latest stable version recommended
3. GPS Interval (Optional)
  • Set how often GPS coordinates are sent
  • Options: 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes
  • Lower intervals = more frequent updates, higher battery usage
4. External LED (Optional)
  • Enable external LED indicator
  • Configure GPIO pin (default: 4)
5. Firmware Type - Choose ONE:GPS Location
  • Sends GPS coordinates periodically
  • Use for: Asset tracking, mobile monitoring
BMP180 Sensor
  • Temperature and pressure monitoring
  • Configure sensor interval (30 sec to 60 min)
  • Configure sensor GPIO pin
  • Use for: Weather monitoring
BMP390 Sensor
  • Advanced temperature and pressure
  • Higher precision than BMP180
  • Configure sensor interval and GPIO pin
  • Use for: Precision environmental monitoring
DHT11 Sensor
  • Temperature and humidity monitoring
  • Configure sensor interval and GPIO pin
  • Use for: Climate monitoring
LED Control
  • Rainbow LED pattern display
  • Configure number of LEDs
  • Use for: Visual indicators, testing
1. Select Your PapaDuck
  • Choose from existing PapaDucks in your account
2. Firmware Version
  • Select CDP version
3. WiFi Credentials (Required)
  • SSID: Your WiFi network name
  • Password: Your WiFi password
  • Device will use this to connect and upload data
4. External LED (Optional)
  • Enable external LED indicator
  • Configure GPIO pin
External LED Configuration

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Step 4: Review & Flash

Review Your Configuration Before flashing, you’ll see a summary of all your selections:
  • Device type
  • Selected device
  • Firmware version
  • WiFi settings (for PapaDuck)
  • Sensor type and intervals (for MamaDuck)
  • LED configuration
Flash Progress Once you click “Flash Device”, the system will:
  1. Prepare - Validate configuration
  2. Build Firmware (~20 seconds)
    • Compiles custom firmware with your settings
    • Progress bar shows build status
  3. Erase Flash - Clears existing firmware
  4. Write Firmware - Uploads new firmware
    • File-by-file progress shown
    • Multiple files uploaded sequentially
  5. Verify - Confirms successful installation
Do not disconnect the device during flashing! The process takes 1-3 minutes. Disconnecting may corrupt the firmware.
Serial Monitor The Review step includes a serial terminal that shows:
  • Real-time flash progress
  • Device boot messages
  • Error messages (if any)
  • Firmware version confirmation
You can:
  • Reconnect if connection is lost
  • Change baud rate (default: 115200)
  • Send commands to the device
  • Clear terminal output

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After Flashing

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LED Status Indicators

LED colors indicate the current status of your device. MamaDuck and PapaDuck use different indicators: MamaDuck and PapaDuck LED Status Colors MamaDuck
LED ColorStatusDescription
OrangeBoot/SetupDevice is starting up and initializing
BlueNormal OperationDevice is running and operating normally
Green (flashing)Sending DataDevice is actively transmitting data to the mesh
PapaDuck
LED ColorStatusDescription
GreenConnectedWiFi connected and communicating with the cloud
RedDisconnectedNo WiFi connection or network issue
The LED indicator helps you quickly identify your device’s status without needing to check the serial monitor or dashboard.

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Next Steps

Network Management

View your device in the Network page

Dashboard

Monitor device messages

Map View

See device location (if GPS enabled)

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Troubleshooting

Solutions:
  • Check USB cable is properly connected
  • Try a different USB port
  • Install CP210x USB drivers (if needed)
  • Restart your browser
  • Ensure no other program is using the serial port
Common Causes:
  • Device disconnected during flash
  • Insufficient power via USB
  • Corrupted USB cable
  • Wrong device type selected
Solutions:
  • Use a high-quality USB cable
  • Try connecting directly to computer (not via hub)
  • Ensure correct device type is selected
  • Retry the flash process
Solutions:
  • Check serial monitor for error messages
  • Verify WiFi credentials (for PapaDuck)
  • Try reflashing with default settings
  • Check sensor GPIO pin assignments
  • Power cycle the device
Check:
  • SSID is correct (case-sensitive)
  • Password is correct
  • WiFi network is 2.4GHz (5GHz not supported)
  • Device is within WiFi range
  • Serial monitor shows connection attempts
Solution: Reflash with correct credentials
Check:
  • Device is assigned to correct PapaDuck
  • PapaDuck is online
  • Sensor is connected to correct GPIO pin
  • Sensor interval is reasonable
  • Battery is charged
View: Check Dashboard for messages
Requirements:
  • Google Chrome 89+ or Microsoft Edge 89+
  • Web Serial API enabled (enabled by default)
  • Not supported: Firefox, Safari
Solution: Use Chrome or Edge browser

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Configuration Tips

Battery Life

Extend Battery:
  • Increase GPS interval (30-60 min)
  • Increase sensor interval
  • Disable external LED when not needed

Data Frequency

More Frequent Data:
  • Decrease GPS interval (5-10 min)
  • Decrease sensor interval
  • Note: Higher battery drain

WiFi Stability

Better Connectivity:
  • Place PapaDuck near WiFi router
  • Use 2.4GHz network (better range)
  • Avoid WiFi with captive portals

Sensor Selection

Choose Right Sensor:
  • GPS: Location tracking
  • BMP180/390: Weather monitoring
  • DHT11: Indoor climate
  • LED: Visual testing

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Firmware Versions

ClusterDuck Protocol (CDP) The firmware is based on the ClusterDuck Protocol, our open-source LoRa mesh network library. The CDP is made by OWL and maintained by OWL.
  • Stable Versions: Recommended for production use
  • Beta Versions: Latest features, may have bugs
  • Version Numbers: e.g., “v4.0 (Stable)”
Always use the latest stable version unless you need specific beta features.

Firmware Types

Detailed firmware options and sensor wiring

Device Types

Learn about Papa/Mama/Detector differences