Update Procedure from 2.7.xx to 2.8.xx

Update Firmware Via Python Script

Follow these steps when there is an update with a change in the second version number (i.e. from 2.7.xx to 2.8.xx).

You need

• a PC or Mac
• Python installed: download python
• Python module installed: esptool
• The Whale Ticker connected to the PC via an USB data cable
• Typically under windows, the correct USB drivers will be installed automatically. If not, you need to install the USB drivers, you can find the right ones here under downloads: https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers

Open CMD

C:\

Check if python installed.

> python --version

Should return something like Python 3.9.4

This is how to install esptool

> pip install esptool

Is the esptool installed?

> python -m esptool version

Should return something like

esptool.py v3.0
3.0

Is the Whale Ticker connected correctly?

> python -m esptool --no-stub chip_id

Should return something like

esptool.py v3.0
Serial port COM3
Connecting....
Detecting chip type... ESP8266
Chip is ESP8266EX
Features: WiFi
Crystal is 26MHz
MAC: 50:02:91:58:03:37
Enabling default SPI flash mode...
Chip ID: 0x00580337
Hard resetting via RTS pin...

Download the SPIFFS file e.g. whaleticker_spiffs_v2.8.0.bin and execute

python -m esptool --before default_reset --after hard_reset --chip esp8266 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x200000 <path_to_download>/whaleticker_spiffs_v2.8.0.bin

After this was successful, you have to install the matching firmware itself.

Download the firmware e.g. whaleticker_v2.8.0.bin and execute

python -m esptool --before default_reset --after hard_reset --chip esp8266 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x0 <path_to_download>/whaleticker_v2.8.0.bin

Or both together

python -m esptool --before default_reset --after hard_reset --chip esp8266 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x0 <path_to_download>/whaleticker_v2.8.0.bin 0x200000 <path_to_download>/whaleticker_spiffs_v2.8.0.bin

That’s all.
After a reboot, the Whale Ticker starts with the new version – enjoy!

If the Whale Ticker does not startup after update attempts

You can erase the Whale Ticker completely (you cannot damage it).

After that, install the firmware again, as described above.

Unfortunately, after this a new setup ist necessary.

python -m esptool erase_flash

Update Firmware Via Browser (Setting Page)

• download one of the firmware binary files below
• from the settings page, go to about (link in the footer)
• click on Update, then on Really?
• Whale Ticker reboots in update mode
• the page changes to http:://<ip>/update (corresponding to the shown QR code)
• select the downloaded firmware file and click on update button
• Whale Ticker reboots and shows its update message
• that’s it – enjoy :-)