Table of contents

Node Card Basics Quickstart

Introduction

This Quickstart gets your Node Card powered, flashed, and successfully running its automatic startup tests. In just a few minutes you will confirm:

• The ESP32 is alive
• The Node Card is receiving power
• 3.3 V / 5 V / 12 V rails are correct
• CAN bus auto-termination is correct
• I²C buses (A and B) respond correctly
• The Node Card is healthy and ready for use

This is the fastest, simplest, “first-time success” test for every new Node Card.

What You Need

• Node Card (partially or fully assembled)
• USB-C cable for firmware flashing and optional power
• A computer running Chrome or Edge
• Node Card firmware installed using the Firmware Installation Guide
• A serial monitor program, such as:
  • YAT
  • Arduino IDE Serial Monitor
  • or any WebSerial-enabled tool
• Power for the Node Card
  • ​ To run the self-test, the Node Card must be powered from one of the following sources
  • CAN Network Cable (RJ45)
    • Power supplied through the CAN bus from another device, hub, or layout accessory bu
    • Recommended if your bench setup already has a powered CAN chain
  • ATX / Accessory Bus Input (J2)
    • 12–20 V power provided through the ATX 5557 connector
    • Ideal for layout accessory bus supplies or a lab bench power supply
  • USB-C Power Input (J1)
    • 14V+ USB-C power adapter (laptop charger, etc.)

💡 You may also flash firmware using USB-C and simultaneously power the card through the CAN cable or ATX connector — the Node Card automatically selects the correct source and applies reverse-current protection.

Prepare the ESP32 Before Mounting It on the Node Card

To avoid damaging components and to make firmware installation easier, you should flash the ESP32 before inserting it into the Node Card.

Step A — Connect the ESP32 DevKit-C by USB

1. Take the ESP32 DevKit-C module (not mounted on the Node Card yet).
2. Plug a USB-C cable into the ESP32 module.
3. Plug the other end into your Windows laptop.
   • Windows may install the USB-serial driver automatically (CP2102 or CH340).

Step B — Install the Node Card Firmware

Follow the Firmware Installation Guide to install the correct firmware onto the ESP32. This uses your web browser and should take less than 15 seconds.

Step C — Disconnect the USB Cable

Once the firmware installation completes:

• Unplug the USB-C cable from the ESP32.
• Set the ESP32 aside for mounting.

Mount the ESP32 on the Unpowered Node Card

Now that the ESP32 has firmware installed, you can safely plug it into the Node Card.

Step A — Orient the ESP32 Correctly

• Use the Node Card’s silkscreen markings to align the ESP32:

• The USB connector on the ESP32 should point toward the side of the Node Card labeled for it (usually the right edge).
• The antenna end aligns with the side of the silkscreen showing the antenna outline.

⚠️ Important: Incorrect orientation can damage the module or the Node Card. Align the pins carefully before pressing down.

Step B — Insert the ESP32 into the Female Headers

• Line up all pins with the two 19-pin headers.
• Press down evenly until the module seats fully.

Ensure the Node Card is still unpowered at this stage.

Reconnect USB for Serial Monitoring

Now that the ESP32 is mounted:

1. Plug the USB-C cable back into the ESP32
2. Plug the other end into your Windows laptop
3. Open your serial monitor program:
   • YAT (recommended)
   • Arduino IDE Serial Monitor
   • or WebSerial
4. Select the ESP32’s COM port
5. Set the baud rate to: 115200
6. Click Connect

The serial monitor is now ready to display the Node Card’s self-test messages as soon as power is applied.

Watch the Node Card Startup Messages

Once power is applied (with your serial monitor already connected), the Node Card prints one or more startup messages. These appear automatically and indicate that the ESP32 and firmware have started correctly.

Expected Startup Messages

What to Look For

• Seeing “LCC Node: Started…” confirms that the ESP32 booted normally and the firmware is valid for this card.
• Any additional lines appear only if those features (Wi-Fi, WebSerial, Bluetooth) are enabled in your firmware build.
• If you miss these messages, tap the EN (reset) button on the ESP32 to restart the boot sequence.

This completes the basic startup verification.