Get started with ESP32 DoomsDay
This guide takes a new device from first power-on to a working SD card, Wi-Fi connection, firmware update, app installation, and optional accessory.
1. Prepare the microSD card
Use a reliable FAT32-formatted microSD card. Insert it while the physical power switch is off, then power on. Open Settings → Storage and confirm that the card is mounted.
The firmware creates its own system directories. Do not manually edit /apps, /appdata, or /system.
Recommended user folders:
/Offline-Map/map list/ Offline city and trail packages
/OTA-Firmware-Update/ Main firmware update image
/captures/ Authorized wireless evidence
/tracks/ Recorded GPS paths
2. Learn the controls
- The four directional buttons move through lists and pages.
- The center OK button opens or confirms.
- BACK returns to the previous screen.
- Hold BACK for two seconds to open Power. In soft-off, hold BACK again to wake.
The physical battery switch remains the only complete electrical disconnect.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi
Open Settings → Connectivity → Wi-Fi, scan, select a network, and enter its password. Saved networks can be managed or forgotten later under Saved networks.
When the device is connected, its Web Portal can run on that shared network. When it is not connected, the portal creates its own hotspot. The device screen shows the exact address.
4. Install an app
Download a .dtapp package from the App Store and copy it anywhere outside the protected /apps, /appdata, and /system folders.
On the device:
- Open File Manager.
- Select the
.dtappfile. - Review its identity, API version, and requested permissions.
- Choose Install.
Installed app payloads stay on the SD card. The firmware uses a disk-backed catalog, so there is no fixed installed-app count.
5. Update firmware safely
Use the main firmware .bin for ordinary SD updates. Copy it into /OTA-Firmware-Update/, then open Settings → Storage → Firmware update.
Keep the battery charged and do not use the physical switch until the update completes. See Firmware recovery before using factory or recovery images.
6. Add an accessory
Open Accessories, choose the module family, and follow the two-row pin guide before connecting power. UART GPS uses GPIO14 as ESP RX and GPIO15 as ESP TX. I²C modules need appropriate pull-ups. SPI modules share bus lines with the SD card and must use correct chip-select behavior.
Always power off before changing wiring.