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LilyGo T-Beam Setup Guide

⚠ ANTENNA SAFETY — ALL DEVICES: Always connect an antenna before powering on any LoRa device. Even a brief transmission without an antenna connected risks permanent damage to the LoRa radio chip.

LilyGo T-Beam — Setup Guide

The T-Beam is a compact ESP32-based node with built-in GPS and a holder for a standard 18650 lithium cell. It is important to verify the radio variant (SX1262 vs SX1276) before purchasing, as this affects firmware compatibility.

Specifications

AttributeValue
MCUESP32
RadioSX1262 (v1.2+, current) or SX1276 (older)
GPSBuilt-in
Battery18650 holder (cell not included)
Power ManagementAXP192 or AXP2101 chip
Price$35–45
StrengthsCompact with GPS, familiar form factor, replaceable 18650
⚠ CRITICAL — Verify Radio Variant Before Purchasing:
The T-Beam is sold with two different radio chips:
  • SX1262 — Current standard. Full firmware support for both MeshCore and Meshtastic.
  • SX1276 — Older chip. Limited firmware support. Avoid for new purchases.
Selecting the wrong firmware variant during flashing will result in a blank/non-functional screen. Confirm your hardware version before flashing.

Driver Installation

  • Windows: CP210x USB-to-UART driver required. Download from the Silicon Labs website.
  • macOS & Linux: Built-in — no driver needed.

Entering Bootloader / DFU Mode

Method 1 — From powered-off state:

  1. Hold the BOOT button (labeled “IO0” on some hardware versions).
  2. Plug in the USB cable while holding BOOT.
  3. Release BOOT after ~2 seconds.

Method 2 — From powered-on state:

  1. Hold the BOOT button.
  2. Briefly press and release the RST button.
  3. Release the BOOT button.

Firmware Flashing

  1. Enter bootloader mode.
  2. Open Chrome or Edge and navigate to:
  3. Select the T-Beam variant that matches your radio chip:
    • T-Beam (SX1262) for v1.2+ hardware
    • T-Beam (SX1276) for older hardware
  4. Click Flash. Do not disconnect during the process.

Post-Flash Configuration

  1. GPS initializes and begins acquiring satellites automatically.
  2. Set region to US via the Bluetooth app.
  3. The AXP192/AXP2101 power management chip handles battery charging automatically.
  4. Use protected 18650 cells only. Unprotected cells risk over-discharge.

Known Quirks

  • SX1262 vs SX1276 variant selection is critical — wrong firmware = non-functional device.
  • On some hardware versions the GPS antenna is located under the screen — avoid placing metal objects directly on the display area.
  • The BOOT button may be labeled “IO0” on older PCB revisions.
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