Plug in the Flight TrackerUse the USB-C data port. The LED matrix should show setup instructions.
2
Click Connect belowChrome will show a USB picker. Choose the Flight Tracker USB serial device, usually named "USB JTAG/serial debug unit" or just "debug". Do not choose Bluetooth or wlan.
Configure WiFi
Connected. Scan for nearby networks or enter an SSID manually.
Manual WiFi Push
Use this when scan is not helpful or the network is hidden. Credentials go directly from this browser to the board over USB serial and are not sent to Flight Tracker servers.
Recovery
Support recovery only▾
Firmware reinstall is only for support recovery. To get past this, email me.
Firmware RecoveryInstall stable firmware 1.0.5▶
Use this only for a board that needs firmware reinstalled or factory reset. It is separate from WiFi setup, erases saved board state, and restarts the Flight Tracker.
Factory reset erases saved WiFi and board state. After this install, the board must be set up again.
Version
Stable 1.0.5
Hardware
MatrixPortal ESP32-S3
1
Hold BOOTKeep holding the BOOT button down.
2
Tap RESETWhile holding BOOT, tap RESET once.
3
Keep holding BOOTKeep holding BOOT for 1-2 seconds after tapping RESET.
4
Release BOOTThe LED matrix may go blank or freeze in bootloader mode.
5
Click Factory Reset + InstallUse Chrome or Edge on desktop with a USB-C data cable.
6
Choose the debug USB devicePick "debug" or "USB JTAG/serial debug unit". Do not choose Bluetooth or wlan.
Do not unplug the board while erase or write is running. After factory reset, reconnect the board on this page and use the normal WiFi setup flow.
MatrixPortal S3 hardware recovery
RESET and BOOT are hardware recovery buttons. They do not erase WiFi by themselves. Erase happens only when Chrome runs Factory Reset + Install.
Use these only if the normal Connect Device flow cannot talk to the board. If the board connects normally, use Clear Saved WiFi instead.
Hardware reboot: tap RESET once. This only restarts the board.
Adafruit bootloader: tap RESET once, then tap RESET again while the NeoPixel is purple. The board should appear as MATRXS3BOOT.
Chrome factory reinstall: hold BOOT, tap RESET, keep holding BOOT for 1-2 seconds, then release BOOT.
The matrix may stay blank or frozen in bootloader mode.
Click Factory Reset + Install.
Choose the debug USB device. Chrome will erase saved WiFi and board state, then reinstall stable firmware.
Recovery Log
Use Chrome or Edge on desktop for firmware recovery.Open setup.flighttrackerled.com over HTTPS for firmware recovery.
Setup Complete
Your Flight Tracker is connected to WiFi and ready to go. You can unplug from USB and close this page.
Device ID
-
WiFi Network
-
IP Address
-
Firmware
-
Bootstrap
-
Bootstrap Config
-
Bootstrap diagnostics will appear after the device reports status.
Remote Support
Start this only while Flight Tracker support is helping you. It sends live setup logs even before the board connects. Device commands only work after USB connection succeeds.
Start this before trying Connect Device if support is watching the session.
Advanced Diagnostics
This sends a diagnostic snapshot to Flight Tracker support. It includes browser, screen, USB permission, and setup-page state. It does not send WiFi passwords, browser cookies, or files from this computer.
Support will ask for the DBG code after this sends.