Hi -
I’m trying to update the firmware on a Notecard LoRa to the latest LTS release. I’m using STM32CubeProgrammer 2.17.0 on a Windows 11 laptop (this is my only route). I have confirmed that I can communicate with the Notecard via the browser terminal, and put it into bootloader mode. However, when I launch STM32CubeProgrammer on the laptop and select UART, I don’t see any device in the format “tty.usbserial-xxxxxx”, only COM3 (which is another external device). I’ve tried the refresh button a few times, but still no joy. Any suggestions for a way forward?
Hi Chris
On Windows, you wouldn’t see a device with the tty.usbserial-xxxxx format, that’s typical for Linux/macOS. Instead, the Notecard should appear as a COM port in Device Manager, similar to the COM3 device you mentioned.
Can you please confirm whether the LoRa Notecard shows up in Device Manager when it’s in bootloader mode? Also, just to double-check, are you following the steps in the guide linked below?
Out of curiosity, which firmware version is your LoRa Notecard currently running? If it’s on version 7.4.2 or later, you can update it directly using the in-browser terminal with the firmware install command. For example:
firmware install notecard-wl-8.2.1
If it’s on an earlier version, please share the firmware version and any other details so that I can try to reproduce the setup on my end.
Below are some links to what other users have tried already:-
Thanks
Youssif
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Hi Youssif -
Many thanks for the prompt response. I’ll try to address your points in order.
I was going by the instructions in “Updating Notecard Firmware”, specifically “Using the STM32CubeProgrammer (LoRa)” in the blues.io Docs. That’s where I saw the indication that the device would be in the format tty.usbserial-xxxxxx.
Contrary to my earlier post, it appears that COM3 is in fact the Notecard. in Device Manager, COM3 is listed as “Silicon Labs CP201x USB to UART Bridge”.
I am following the steps in the guide you linked above.
The firmware is currently wl-7.4.2.
I tried the firmware install command from the in-browser terminal (while in bootloader mode). After a while I got a message saying that the 8.2.1 firmware isn’t found (but I don’t know where it is looking). I will try to attach a screen capture.
B.T.W. I think I somehow bricked another of my Notecard LoRa units trying this. 
That unit says that it connects to the in-browser terminal, but doesn’t respond to any requests such as card.version. And the card itself gets very warm. I’m not asking for help with this. Just FYI
Cheers,
Chris
Hey Chris, thanks for the images and the detailed update.
Let’s set aside the in-browser terminal for now and try performing the upgrade directly using STM32CubeProgrammer. Since you’ve confirmed that COM3 corresponds to the correct LoRa Notecard, are you able to connect to it and proceed with the firmware upgrade from there?
As for the other Notecard that seems unresponsive, could you please try following the recovery steps in the link below to bring it back to a state where it can accept new firmware?
Let me know how you get on, and I’ll be happy to help with any next steps.
Thanks
Youssif
Hi Youssif -
My apologies. I’m clearly doing something wrong here. I have successfully completed a LoRa Notecard DFU using STM32CubeProgrammer before (though not for quite a while) and I guess I’m just not following all the steps?
I’m trying to follow the steps outlined in “DFU with STM32CubeProgrammer”, which are admirably clear, but I’m going wrong somewhere.
- I’ve downloaded the .bin to my laptop.
- I connect the Notecarrier to my laptop with a USB cable.
- I connect to the Notecard using the In-Browser Terminal
- I enter the “bootloader” command, and the Notecard responds by disconnecting from the In-Terminal emulator.
- (I don’t then reconnect the Notecard to the In-Browser Terminal, as this would just take it out of bootloader and also tie up the COM port, preventing STM32CubeProgrammer from connecting.
- I launch STM32CubeProgrammer and select USB from the dropdown.
- I select COM3 (definitely the Notecard) from the Port dropdown.
- I click Connect.
- I’m looking for “Data read successfully”, but instead I get the notification popup in the attached screenshot.
?
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Youssif -
Sometimes the old advice to “turn everything off, disconnect it, and start again” is still the best approach. 
Success, as shown in the attached screenshot.
I’ll have another go at unbricking the “bad” Notecard, but if you don’t hear from me, assume I was unsuccessful. I’m not confident - as I mentioned, that Notec
ard gets alarmingly warm when connected, which isn’t my usual experience.
As always, many thanks for your patience and support! I’ll close this ticket…
Best Regards,
Chris
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