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Beta Channel
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.. warning::
This is the **beta channel** — firmware here is built from the ``staging`` branch
or from ``feature-test/*`` branches and may contain unfinished features or
regressions. Use the `Stable Channel <10_stable_channel.html>`_ for production use.
Flash **pre-release firmware** and **SD card image** to your TBD-16 directly from
the browser — no card reader, no terminal commands, no opening the device.
Use the **channel selector** below to choose between the latest staging build
or any active feature-test branch build.
.. dropdown:: How it Works
**Path A — Quick Update** (recommended):
1. You update the WebUI from the device (before flashing firmware)
2. Flashes the selected P4 firmware to the ESP32-P4
3. Flashes the RP2350 co-processor firmware
**Path B — Full SD Card Deploy** (fresh install / corrupted SD card):
1. Flashes the USB Mass Storage firmware (mounts the SD card via USB)
2. Downloads and extracts the SD card image directly onto the device
3. Switches the device back to normal operation
4. Flashes the P4 firmware
5. Flashes the RP2350 co-processor firmware
**Hardware setup:**
- **Front JTAG port** (USB-C #3) → serial communication (Steps 1, 3, 4 / Path A Step 1)
- **Back USB-C Port #1** → SD card drive + power (Steps 1, 2 / always connected)
- **Back USB-C Port #2** → RP2350 BOOTSEL flash (Step 5 / Path A Step 2)
**Browser:** Chrome, Edge or Opera required (WebSerial + WebUSB).
**Time:** 5–10 minutes
.. raw:: html
▼ Select Channel
Choose a pre-release channel. Staging is the default.
Feature-test channels appear when engineers push to feature-test/* branches.
Discovering available channels…
? Choose Your Update Method
⚡ Quick Update Recommended
Update the WebUI first, then flash P4 + Pico firmware.
No SD card erase, no MSC mode — fast & easy.
🗄️ Full SD Card Deploy
Flash P4 + Pico firmware and re-write the entire SD card image.
Use for fresh installs, recovery, or if your SD card data is corrupted.
⚠️ This erases ALL data on the SD card — samples, macros, presets,
and any custom files will be permanently deleted.
Choose an update method above to continue.
1 Check & Update WebUI
Check the SD card files before flashing new firmware — some releases require
updated WebUI files to boot correctly.
Open http://192.168.4.1/webui-update.html.
The updater checks your version automatically — click Install if an update is available.
If the page says "✓ WebUI is up to date", that's normal — not every firmware
release changes the WebUI. Skip this step and continue to Step 2.
After the WebUI update completes (or if already up to date), continue to Step 2.
2 Flash ESP32-P4 Firmware
Connect the front JTAG port (USB-C #3) and keep back Port #1 connected for power.
Click Connect and select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit" in the port picker,
then flash dada-tbd.bin to the ESP32-P4.
0 %
Loading flash tool…
3 Flash RP2350 (Pico Firmware)
Disconnect all cables. Hold the BOOTSEL button (left of the front JTAG port),
plug back USB-C Port #2 (closest to the edge) while holding, then release BOOTSEL.
A drive "RP2350" or "RPI-RP2" should appear. Click Connect.
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Disconnect all cables. Hold BOOTSEL → plug Port #2 → release. Then click Connect.
✓ Quick Update Complete
Your TBD-16 has the latest beta firmware.
Open http://192.168.4.1 to use the device.
1 Flash MSC Firmware & Mount SD Card
Connect both USB-C cables: front JTAG port (serial) and back Port #1 (SD card drive).
This step flashes the USB Mass Storage firmware via the front port. After reboot the
SD card will appear as a removable drive on the back port.
📌 In the port picker, select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit" (not "Debug Probe").
Port not showing? Hold BOOT (between Port #1 and #2) → press Reset → release BOOT → press Reset again.
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Loading flash tool…
2 Write SD Card Image
The SD card should now be mounted via back Port #1 (look for a "NO NAME" drive).
Select the mounted drive below.
⚠️ All data on the SD card will be permanently erased —
including your samples, macro definitions, sound presets, and any custom files.
The factory SD card image will be written in their place.
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Select the "NO NAME" SD card drive.
3 Switch Back to Normal Mode
Safely eject the SD card drive from your computer before proceeding.
Keep back Port #1 connected for power, and the front JTAG port connected for serial.
Click Connect and select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit" in the port picker.
Click Connect and select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit".
4 Flash ESP32-P4 Firmware
Press the Reset button on the back (next to Port #1) to restart the device.
Then click Connect and select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit" in the port picker.
📌 Port not showing? Hold BOOT (between Port #1 and #2) → press Reset → release BOOT → press Reset again.
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Press Reset on the back, then click Connect and select "USB JTAG/serial debug unit".
5 Flash RP2350 (Pico Firmware)
Disconnect all cables. Hold the BOOTSEL button (left of the front JTAG port),
plug back USB-C Port #2 (closest to the edge) while holding, then release BOOTSEL.
A drive "RP2350" or "RPI-RP2" should appear. Click Connect.
0 %
Disconnect all cables. Hold BOOTSEL → plug Port #2 → release. Then click Connect.
✓ Pre-release Firmware Setup Complete
Your TBD-16 has the SD card image and selected pre-release firmware. Disconnect ALL USB cables, wait 5 seconds, reconnect ONLY back Port #1,
then open http://192.168.4.1.
Having trouble? See the `Troubleshooting <50_troubleshooting.html>`_ page.