Testing workflow without Tonex One hardware possible?

[juvalisle]

I have got a Tenstar ESP32 S3 Zero just to play around and see how far I can go before buying a Tonex One. I flashed it with the last firmware and connected the 5V power supply to it. However, I don’t see any wifi access point offered within the first minute or later. Is it simply because there is no Tonex One connected, so the firmware just sits in the loop waiting for it?

[Builty]

Hi. The controller should still be largely functional, even with the Tonex connected. The WiFi side should work as normal.

The "Tenstar" looks like a cop of the Waveshare. It might have some differences that are preventing the controller from booting.
Do you see 3 flashes of the led just after connecting power? This is a confirmation that the controller has booted correctly.

[juvalisle]

Hi, I guess you meant ... should still be largely functional, even without the Tonex connected.
It is a clone of Waveshare. I will try today again but I dont remember seeing the 3 flashes after connecting.

[Builty]

Sorry yes I meant to write "without" the Tonex.
You could try also doing a full erase (with the programming app) and programming again.

[juvalisle]

Hi, I discover that the external 5V power supply is not working with the board. When I just power it up via USB-C port, then the access point tonexconfig shows up. I can connect and open tonex.local in the browser.
It seems that I have to solder an USB-C cable with power injection. Or is there another solution?

[Builty]

It should be possible to use the 5v power supply. What type is it? Some phone chargers don't work well for this job.
Also make sure you have the + and - connected the right way around.

[juvalisle]

Hi, it was just a quick and dirty trial. I simply took an USB charger, cut off the connector at the end and wired the VBUS and GND to the board. The USB charger can deliver up to 1A but maybe it is just limiting the current to 500mA because of the missing signaling. I will order a DC-DC converter for 9V to 5V and try it again.

[Builty]

A number of people have found that this approach doesn't always work, for the exact reason you mentioned. The charger will not output the full current unless it sees the right resistance on the USB data lines.