Skip to main content

Firmware Upload (PlatformIO)

To upload the firmware for the ESP32 1.8" Photo Frame Gift, follow this guide using PlatformIO. PlatformIO provides a modern, scalable, and professional workflow with better library management and multi-board support.

1. Clone the Repository​

Start by cloning or downloading the firmware source code:

git clone https://github.com/javierrayhan/esp32-1.8inch-photo-frame-gift.git

Navigate to the PlatformIO project directory:

cd esp32-1.8inch-photo-frame-gift/platformio/

This folder contains all necessary files: platformio.ini, src/, lib/, etc.

2. Configure PlatformIO Project​

Open the platformio.ini file and confirm the environment matches your ESP32 board. This project is tested with esp32dev (ESP32-WROOM), but you can change it to suit your variant.

Example config:

[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
lib_deps = 
	adafruit/Adafruit GFX Library@^1.11.11
	adafruit/Adafruit ST7735 and ST7789 Library@^1.10.4
	arduino-libraries/NTPClient@^3.2.1
	yoprogramo/QRcodeDisplay @ ^2.1.0
	ricmoo/QRCode@^0.0.1
	fastled/FastLED@^3.9.7
upload_port = COM[X] 
monitor_speed = 115200
  • On Windows, check the port via Device Manager under Ports (COM & LPT).
  • On macOS/Linux, you can run ls /dev/tty.* or dmesg | grep tty to find the active port.

To find your exact board name, run:

pio boards

You can also browse supported boards here.

3. Connect the ESP32​

  1. Plug your ESP32 board via USB.
  2. Open PlatformIO (VS Code IDE or CLI).
  3. Make sure the correct COM port is detected.
  4. Some boards may require you to hold the BOOT button during upload.

4. Upload the Firmware​

To build and upload the firmware:

  • Click the Upload (checkmark) button in the PlatformIO sidebar, or
  • Run the following command:
platformio run --target upload

5. After Upload​

If everything goes well, your ESP32 should:

  • Display images from the SD card on the 1.8" TFT LCD
  • Sync and display current time via Wi-Fi (NTP)
  • Run colorful LED animations (WS2812B)
  • Show Wi-Fi status using the buzzer and LEDs
  • Use auto or fixed brightness for the display

Resources​