M5Stack Cardputer V1.1
Factory Firmware and User Guide
Introduction
When the device encounters operational issues, you can try re-flashing the factory firmware to check for hardware malfunctions. Refer to the following tutorial. Use the M5Burner firmware flashing tool to flash the factory firmware onto the device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is my Cardputer v1.1 black screen/won't boot?
Solution: Flash the official factory firmware using M5Burner. Ensure you are using the "Cardputer User Demo" firmware.
Q2: Why is the working time only 3 hours? Why does it 100% charge in 1 minute, and turn off when the charging cable is removed?
Solution: This behavior may be caused by flashing unofficial firmware like "Bruce for Cardputer". Flashing unofficial firmware can void your warranty, cause instability, and expose your device to security risks. Please flash back to the official firmware.
Preparation and Firmware Flashing
1. Preparation:
- Download the M5Burner firmware flashing tool.
- Download the corresponding factory firmware for your device.
- Refer to the M5Burner tutorial: M5Burner Introduction ?
2. USB Driver Installation:
Install the correct USB driver for your operating system. For CH9102 versions, download the appropriate package (e.g., CH9102_VCP_Windows, CH9102_VCP_MacOS_v1.7.zip). Reinstalling drivers can help resolve timeout or "Failed to write to target RAM" errors.
Note for MacOS: When selecting a port, choose the one named 'wchusbserial' or similar, as there might be multiple options.
3. Port Selection:
Connect the device via USB. After driver installation, select the correct device port in M5Burner.
4. Burn:
Click the "Burn" button in M5Burner to start the firmware flashing process.
Product Details
Model: Cardputer v1.1
SKU: K132-V11
Update Time: 2025-07-25 ?
Description
The Cardputer v1.1 is a high-performance card computer engineered for professionals, offering significant improvements over its predecessor. It features the new StampS3A main controller with an optimized antenna and button design for enhanced system stability and user experience. The device includes a 56-key keyboard and a 1.14-inch TFT screen for efficient interaction and display. An onboard SPM1423 digital MEMS microphone supports recording and wake-up functions, with audio output via a cavity speaker. An infrared emitter allows for external infrared control. Expansion is facilitated by a built-in Grove interface and a Micro SD card slot. The power system comprises an internal 120mAh battery and a 1400mAh base battery, integrating charging and boost-buck circuits for extended battery life. The base is equipped with magnets for attachment and is compatible with LEGO expansion. Applications include rapid function verification for engineers, industrial control, and home automation.
Tutorials and Development Platforms
Tutorials:
- Arduino IDE: Program and control the Cardputer v1.1 using the Arduino IDE.
- UiFlow2: Control the Cardputer v1.1 through the UiFlow2 graphical programming platform.
Development Platforms:
- UiFlow2
- Arduino IDE
- ESP-IDF
- PlatformIO
Precautions ⚠️
LCD and RGB LED Usage: The RGB LED and LCD backlight share a power source. For proper RGB functionality, ensure the LCD backlight brightness is set to 100%.
Download Mode: To enter download mode, hold the 'GG00' button on the side of the Cardputer v1.1 before powering on, then release after power-on.
Charging: Ensure the power switch is set to "ON" when charging the Cardputer v1.1.
Disassembly: When removing the StampS3A module, handle the FPC cable and connector on the back with care to avoid damaging the screen connector. Refer to the operation video in the Cardputer Accessory Kit.
Key Features ✨
- StampS3A Microcontroller
- 56-key keyboard
- 1.14-inch TFT screen
- Cavity speaker and SPM1423 digital MEMS microphone
- Infrared emitter for infrared control interaction
- HY2.0-4P interface
- microSD card slot
- Built-in 120mAh battery and 1400mAh base battery
- Base with magnets and LEGO hole expansion compatibility
Applications ?
- Rapid function verification and prototyping
- Industrial control and automation
- Home control systems
- Data collection and sensor monitoring
- Embedded system development and learning
- Wireless communication and IoT projects
Specifications ?
| Specification | Parameter |
|---|---|
| SoC | ESP32-S3FN8 (Xtensa LX7), 8MB Flash, Wi-Fi, OTG, CDC |
| Flash | 8MB |
| Storage | SD Card |
| Keyboard | 56 keys (4 x 14) |
| Buttons | 1 x Reset button + 1 x User button |
| Grove | 1 x HY2.0-4P |
| Battery Capacity | 120mAh + 1400mAh (in base) |
| Screen | ST7789V2@1.14 Inch, 240 x 135px |
| Cavity Speaker | 8Ω@1W |
| Microphone | I2S@NS4168 MEMS Microphone@SPM1423 |
| Infrared Distance | 0°: 410cm, 45°: 170cm, 90°: 66cm (infrared emission distance) |
| Sleep Current | DC 4.2V@0.15uA |
| Working Current | IR emission mode: DC 4.2V/148.07mA; Keyboard mode: DC 4.2V/138.93mA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 ~ 40°C |
| Product Size | 84.0 x 54.0 x 19.7mm |
| Product Weight | 90.0g |
| Package Size | 145.7 x 95.0 x 20.7mm |
| Gross Weight | 106.8g |
Schematics and Pin Map ?
Schematics:
- Cardputer V1.1 Schematics PDF
- Cardputer V1.1 Base Schematics PDF
- Stamp-S3A Schematics PDF
Pin Map Description:
The Pin Map illustrates the connections between the ESP32-S3FN8 microcontroller and various peripherals:
- SPM1423 MIC: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G46 (DAT).
- microSD Socket: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G12 (CS).
- ST7789V2 & RGB LED: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G38 (DISP_BL), VDD, G33 (RST).
- Keyboard & Battery Detect: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G10 (ADC) for battery detection, and uses 74HC138 for keyboard matrix scanning (pins Y7~Y0, A2~A0).
- Speaker & IR: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G41 (BCLK) for speaker (NS4168), and an IR pin for infrared emission.
- HY2.0-4P: Connected to ESP32-S3FN8 via G43 (LRCLK), G42 (SDATA), G40 (CLK), G44 (TX). The port provides GND, 5V, G2, and G1 pins.
Datasheets, Software, and Videos ???
Datasheets:
- SPM1423
- NS4168
- ST7789V2
Software:
- Arduino: Cardputer v1.1 Arduino Quick Start, Cardputer v1.1 Arduino Driver Library
- UiFlow2: Cardputer v1.1 UiFlow2 Quick Start
- PlatformIO: Configuration example provided for ESPRESSIF32, esp32-s3-devkitc-1 board, Arduino framework.
- ESP-IDF: Cardputer v1.1 User Demo
- Easyloader: Cardputer v1.1 User Demo Easyloader
Video:
- Cardputer v1.1 Product Introduction and Case Demonstration
Product Comparison ⚖️
Comparison between Cardputer v1.1 and the original Cardputer:
| Comparison Item | Cardputer v1.1 | Cardputer |
|---|---|---|
| Core Module | StampS3A | StampS3 |
| RGB LED Control Logic | RGB LED shares power with screen backlight, optimized control logic. Power supplied when powered on. | Power supplied when powered on. |
| Antenna Design | Optimized antenna design for better signal reception | Standard antenna design |
| StampS3 module Boot button | Optimized button feel, buttons are 4.0 x 3.0 x 2.0mm | Button specifications 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.55mm |
| Power Consumption | Optimized for lower power consumption | Standard design |
