Flashing an LED badge with new firmware means replacing or updating the software embedded in the badge's microcontroller. Firmware is the low-level code that controls how the badge operates, such as displaying text, animations, or patterns on its LED screen. By flashing new firmware, you can unlock new features, fix bugs, or customize the badge’s functionality. In this session, you can try to flash your LED badge with an open source firmware developed by the FOSSASIA community.
What Happens When You Flash Firmware?
- Erases the Existing Code: The microcontroller's memory is wiped clean to make space for the new firmware.
- Uploads New Code: The new firmware is written (flashed) to the badge's memory.
- Changes the Badge's Behavior: The badge now follows the instructions defined by the new firmware, enabling additional or modified capabilities.
What You’ll Need
- Your LED badge (LEDs are also available for purchase at the assembly)
- A computer with USB or a compatible connection for your badge.
- Open source firmware files https://github.com/fossasia/badgemagic-firmware
- Flashing tool https://github.com/ch32-rs/wchisp?tab=readme-ov-file#installing
- USB cables
Assembly
location
Hall H, Critical Decentralisation Cluster