Flashing Firmware in ATS Mini Radio: A Simple Firmware Update Guide

Your ATS Mini DSP Radio is an amazing piece of tech, but did you know you can unlock even more potential from it? A firmware update is like giving your radio a brain upgrade! It can bring exciting new features, fix annoying bugs, and significantly improve how your radio performs. The best part? It’s much easier than you might think. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, using simple language you can understand.

Flashing Firmware in ATS Mini refers to the process of installing or updating firmware on the ATS Mini DSP Radio. The ATS Mini is a pocket-sized digital signal processing (DSP) radio designed by a Chinese engineer nicknamed Sunnygold, who open-sourced both the hardware and software.

The ATS Mini is built around the Espressif ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 module, which provides dual-core LX7 processors operating at up to 240 MHz, 16 MB Flash memory for firmware storage, and 8 MB PSRAM for smooth operation. The flashing process essentially replaces the radio’s operating system with a new version, similar to installing a new operating system on a computer but at a much lower level.

The firmware archive contains several files including a bootloader, partition table, and the main firmware, which can be flashed either separately at specific addresses or as a single merged file.

Why Give Your Radio a Firmware Refresh?

Think of firmware as the core software that makes your ats mini radio run. Updating it is crucial for several reasons:

• Unlock New Features: Imagine gaining access to more radio bands, a clearer display, or even automatic time synchronisation via Wi-Fi! Firmware updates often add functionalities that weren’t there before.
• Squash Annoying Bugs: Is your radio occasionally crashing or acting strangely? New firmware often includes bug fixes that resolve these pesky issues, making your radio more stable.
• Boost Performance: Experience clearer audio, stronger signal reception, or faster tuning. Updates can optimise the radio’s internal processes for a smoother experience.
• Enhanced User Experience: Newer firmware might introduce a refreshed interface, making your radio easier and more enjoyable to navigate. Stay up-to-date to get the best out of your device!

What You’ll Need Before You BeginFlashing Firmware in ATS Mini?

Before you dive into the update process, gather these essential items. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and quick:

1. Your ATS Mini DSP Radio: Ensure it’s fully charged to avoid any power interruptions during the update.
2. A Computer: You can use a Windows PC, a Mac, or even a Linux machine.
3. A Quality USB-C Cable: This cable connects your radio to your computer. Make sure it’s a data transfer cable, not just a charging-only cable.
4. The Latest Firmware Files: This is the most important part! You’ll need to download the correct firmware for your specific ATS Mini DSP Radio model. Always look for official sources or well-known community GitHub pages. Often, you’ll find a single “merged” .bin file, which is the easiest to use.
5. A Firmware Flashing Tool:
   • Web-based Flasher: This is often the simplest and recommended method, working directly in your web browser (like Google Chrome).
   • ESP-IDF Flash Download Tool: A more powerful option, especially for Windows users, offering more control.
   • esptool.py: A command-line tool for all operating systems, best suited for users comfortable with text commands.

Latest ATS Mini Firmware Versions

Current Latest Version: v2.28

The most recent firmware for ATS Mini DSP radios is version 2.28, available from the official GitHub repository. The releases show a progression from v2.13 through v2.27, with the latest versions released in May 2025 How to Update the Firmware on Your ATS-25 Radio: A Step-by-Step Guide – Ham Radio Reviews and Events.

Recent Version History

Version 2.27Clear RSSI, SNR, and station name when doing normal Seek. #146. Fix backwards EiBi seek from 30000kHz.

Version 2.26 (Released May 2025) This version includes the EiBiSpace feature ATS Mini documentation, which adds enhanced scheduling capabilities for monitoring broadcast stations.

Version 2.25 (May 31, 2025)

• Removed EEPROM backup/restore option on settings web page
• Fixed blinking RDS and static frequency name issues

Version 2.24 (May 30, 2025)

• Added EiBi schedule support for monitoring broadcast schedules
• Fixed squelch issues after waking from CPU sleep mode

Version 2.23 (May 26, 2025)

• Added FM de-emphasis setting selection based on region
• MAC address display on receiver status web page
• ALL-CT RDS options for precise time synchronization
• EEPROM backup/restore via web interface
• New optional UI layout with large S-meter and S/N-meter

Key Features in Latest Versions

The recent firmware updates have introduced several significant improvements:

1. EiBi Schedule Support– Integration with broadcast schedule databases
2. Wi-Fi Connectivity– Web interface for remote control and monitoring
3. Enhanced User Interface – Improved display layouts and navigation
4. Power Management– CPU sleep mode for reduced power consumption
5. Direct Frequency Input – More intuitive frequency entry methods
6. Automatic Squelch – RSSI-based noise suppression

The firmware releases are available on GitHub. You’ll need either OSPI or QSPI variant depending on the ESP32-S3 PSRAM type, see the following table:

Where to Download

The official firmware releases are available on the GitHub repository at https://github.com/esp32-si4732/ats-mini/releases. Each release includes both OSPI and QSPI variants depending on your specific ESP32-S3 PSRAM type.

Important Notes

• Always verify your hardware revision before flashing firmware
• The firmware supports both separate file flashing and merged binary options
• Some versions may reset receiver settings during the update process
• Web browser-based flashing is supported through compatible browsers with Web Serial API

The development appears to be quite active, with regular updates and feature additions throughout 2025.

Flashing Firmware in ATS Mini with the Web Browser

This method is generally the most straightforward and user-friendly for most ATS Mini DSP Radio owners.

1. Download Your Firmware: Get the latest firmware file (it will typically be a .bin file, often named merged.bin) from a trusted source. Save it somewhere easy to find, like your desktop.
2. Open the Web Flasher: Launch your Google Chrome browser and navigate to a web-based ESP flasher tool. Links to these tools are usually found on the same websites where you download the firmware.
3. Connect Your Radio to Your Computer: Use your USB-C cable to link your ATS Mini DSP Radio to your computer. Make sure your radio is powered on.
4. Connect in the Flasher: In the web flasher tool, click the “Connect” button. A small pop-up window will appear. Select the serial port that corresponds to your radio. On Windows, this might be something like COM3 or COM4. On Linux, it could be /dev/ttyACM0 or /dev/ttyUSB0.
5. Load the Firmware File(s):
   • If you downloaded a single “merged” .bin file, select it and ensure the starting address is set to 0x0. This is the easiest scenario.
   • If you have separate files (like a bootloader, partition table, and the main firmware), you’ll need to load each one at its specific address (e.g., bootloader at 0x0, partition table at 0x8000, and the main firmware at 0x10000). Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your firmware files.
6. Start the Flashing Process: Once your file(s) are loaded correctly, click the “Program” or “Start” button within the web flasher.
7. Be Patient: The update process will take a few minutes. It’s crucial not to disconnect your radio or close your browser during this time. You’ll see progress messages in a log window.
8. Complete the Flash: When you see a message like “Hard resetting via RTS pin” or “flash finish,” the process is complete! You can now safely disconnect your radio.
9. Restart Your Radio: Power off your ATS Mini DSP Radio completely, then power it back on.
10. Verify the Update: Navigate to your radio’s “About” or “Settings” menu to confirm that the new firmware version is now installed. Enjoy your updated radio!

Flashing Firmware in ATS Mini with ESP-IDF Flash Download Tool (Windows)

This dedicated tool from Espressif (the makers of the ESP32 chip in your radio) offers a bit more control and can be useful if the web flasher runs into issues.

1. Download the Tool: Download the “ESP-IDF Flash Download Tool” from Espressif’s official website (search for “Espressif download tools”). It’s typically a .zip file.
2. Extract and Run:Unzip the downloaded file and run the executable (usually named flash_download_tool_xxxx.exe).
3. Select Chip Type:In the tool, select the correct chip type for your ATS Mini DSP Radio. It’s likely an ESP32-S3. Also, set the WorkMode to Develop and LoadMode to UART.
4. Load Firmware Files:
   • In the “Download Path Config” section, you’ll see rows to add files.
   • For a “merged” .bin file, click the ... button, select your merged.bin file, and set the address next to it to 0x0. Make sure the checkbox next to the file path is ticked.
   • If you have separate files (bootloader, partitions, firmware), add each one to a separate row, ensuring the correct address for each (e.g., bootloader at 0x0, partitions at 0x8000, main firmware at 0x10000). Tick the checkboxes for all files.
5. Configure Serial Port:
   • In the “COM” dropdown, select the serial port connected to your radio (e.g., COM3).
   • Set the “BAUD” rate. A common value is 460800 or 921600. Higher is faster, but lower might be more reliable if you encounter errors.
6. Start Flashing:
   • Ensure your radio is connected via USB-C and powered on.
   • Click the “START” button.
   • The tool will show progress. Wait until it indicates “FINISH” or a similar success message.
7. Restart and Verify: Once complete, disconnect your radio, power it off, then power it back on. Check the “About” menu to confirm the new firmware.

Flashing Firmware in ATS Mini –Common Troubleshooting Tips

Encountered a snag? Don’t worry, here are some solutions to common issues:

1. Radio Not Detected by Computer?
   • Try using a different USB-C cable. Some cables are only for charging and don’t support data transfer.
   • Make sure your radio is powered on.
   • Try a different USB port on your computer.
   • On Linux, you might need to adjust user permissions for serial ports (e.g., by adding your user to the dialout group).
2. Flashing Errors Occurring?
   • Double-check that you selected the correct serial port in the flasher.
   • Ensure the firmware file is not corrupted. Try downloading it again from the source.
   • If using separate firmware files, verify that their starting addresses are correct.
   • Some radios might require you to hold a specific “BOOT” or “RESET” button while connecting or powering on to enter flashing mode. Refer to your radio’s specific documentation or community guides if you face persistent errors.
3. “Bricked” Radio (It won’t turn on or respond)?
   • In very rare cases, a failed flash can make your radio seem unusable. Don’t panic!
   • Search online for recovery guides specific to the ATS Mini DSP Radio. Often, using the ESP-IDF Flash Download Tool or the command-line esptool.py with specific commands can help revive a “bricked” device. These methods offer deeper control over the flashing process.

You have successfully completed the firmware update process for your ATS Mini Radio. This guide has walked you through each critical step, from preparing your device and downloading the correct firmware files to executing the flash process and verifying the installation.