I recently broke my USB port on ESP 32 …
… so I need somehow program it. I have this FTDI programmer. …
I tried to flash it (I pushed boot and EN button together and when Arduino IDE finished compilation and started flashing, I released EN and then boot button.)
Connection:
ESP 32 VIN … VCC programmer (3.3 V)
ESP 32 GND … GND programmer
ESP 32 TX … RX programmer
ESP 32 RX … TX programmer
After this attempt I get this error:
I tried to use this programmer to program Arduino nano and it works.
Do you have any sugesstions about programming this ESP 32 without USB port?
Best Answer
It's unclear from the image if you have set the FTDI adapter to the correct voltage 5.0V or 3.3V (it should be 3.3V).
I have experience programming bare ESP32 modules in this manner, but never a break-out board like this.
Looking at your log and reading through esptool.py is seems clear that you have communication in both directions, otherwise it should have failed earlier - BUT I would verify this by disconnecting one wire (TX, RX) at a time and try a download, just make sure that the download behavior does indeed change.
How are you powering the ESP32? It looks like you are taking VCC from the FTDI adapter. The ESP32 is a bit power hungrier than many other controllers, are you sure your FTDI adapter is able to power it adequately?
Removing the USB/TTL bridge should not be necessary as it should be passive with no USB connected, and most ESP32 breakout boards include a resistor on the bridge TX output to make sure you can "override" the signal externally, like you are doing now. However, if you keep being unable to program I would remove it or cut the relevant traces just to be sure.