M5STACK Chain Captain User Manual

M5STACK Chain Captain

Overview

Chain Captain is a wireless control terminal with a built-in 1.54-inch TFT display, audio, infrared, motion and magnet sensors, and support for 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy. It is powered via USB-C or an internal rechargeable battery and is intended for indoor desktop use.

Specifications

Description

Chain Captain is a wireless control terminal based on the ESP32-S3R8 SoC with a dual-core 32-bit processor running up to 240 MHz. It supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy communication and integrates 16 MB Flash and 8 MB PSRAM. The device includes a 1.54-inch TFT display, three user function keys, RGB indication, infrared transmission and reception, a microphone, speaker, BM1270 motion sensor, BMM150 magnetometer, and RX8130 real-time clock. USB-C, GROVE, CHAIN, and expansion-header interfaces provide programming, power, and peripheral expansion. An integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery and multi-stage pwer-management system low-power operation and extended battery runtime.

Quick Start

1. Preparation
   1. Install the ESP-IDF development environment by following the official tutorial: – ESP-IDF Version: `release/v5.5` https://docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/esp-idf_component.html
   2. Compile the Wi-Fi scan example and flash it to the device: https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf/tree/master/examples/wifi/scan
   3. View the Wi-Fi scan results via the serial port.

Intended Use and Operating Environment

1. Intended Use
   Chain Captain is a wireless control terminal intended for desktop use only. It is placed on a desk or other stable surface and is by ordinary persons for development, control and interactive applications that use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy.
2. Environment of Use
   The device is intended for indoor use in residential, commercial and light-industrial environments- Use the device only within the following conditions:
   • Relative humidity: up to 85%, non-condensing
   • Altitude: up to 2000 m above sea level
   • Ingress protection: IPXO. The device is not protected against water or dust; keep it dry and away from liquids.
   • Do not use the device outdoors, in explosive atmospheres, or close to strong sources of electromagnetic disturbance.
3. Radio-Frequency Exposure
   Operate the device on a desk or other stable surface at a distance of at least 20 cm from the human body.
4. Chain Ecosystem Modules
   Chain Captain is the head unit of the Chain ecosystem. Chain modules are connected to the head unit through the Chain interface and are recognised automatically (plug and play). The modules below are available in the ecosystem:

• HMI modules: Encoder, Key, Joystick, Switch, Angle, Pedal
• Output modules: Mono, RGBs, Buzzer, Relay (4-channel)
• Sensor modules: ENV, DLight, ToF, MIC, PIR

FCC Warning

FCC Caution:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

1. This device may not cause harmful interference,
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
2. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
3. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy.
4. If it is not installed and used according to the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
5. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment CäUSes harmful interference to radio or television reception, try one or more of the following measures:
   • Reorient or relæate the receiving antenna.
   • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
   • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
   • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Company Name: MSStack
Address: Blcck AID, Expo Bay South Coast, Fuhai Street. Bajan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong,China

Troubleshooting

• No or incorrect Wi‑Fi scan results: Confirm you compiled and flashed the Wi‑Fi scan example to the device, then check the serial output for scan logs.
• Wi‑Fi interference / radio reception issues (FCC guidance): Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna, increase separation between the equipment and receiver, or connect the equipment to a different circuit than the receiver.
• Operating conditions: Use the device indoors in non-condensing conditions (relative humidity up to 85%), keep it dry (IPX0), and place it on a desk or stable surface with at least 20 cm separation from the human body.