Re: ESP32-S3 UNO : USB Connector detached - SOLVED

[AcmeUK]

Is it possible to program a ESP32-S3 via the Rx &Tx pins?

I have a ESP32-S3 UNO and the USB connector has come off!

I have tried to reattach it, but to no avail.

The reason it became detached is due to the poorly designed mechanical fixing of the USB-C connector.

It is soldered to the board, BUT the fixing pin depth is less than the PCB thickness.

I suspect that this will be a problem with all of the USB-C board connectors.

So, any tips as how to program this board without using the USB port?

Thanks

[Sprite]

Is that the one shown here?

If so, maybe? The ESP32 can be programmed using TxD/RxD, it's what that board does via the CH340 USB-to-parallel converter. The fly in the ointment could be that that chip 'fights' any external signal you may apply to those pins; in that case, desoldering or cutting it off may help. To be fair, I'd fix it in a different way: that CH340 is big enough to solder wires to; I'd just get a cheap USB breakout board and solder GND/VCC/D+/D- to that chip directly.

[AcmeUK]

Hi @Sprite

Yes, my board is like the that one, but with a 16 pin CH340.

I implemented your second fix of soldering directly to the CH340.

Fortunately I had a USB breakout board in my 'goodie box'.

I did however, find soldering difficult; it was so easy to create a solder short between adjacent pins, even with using a fine point iron.

Many thanks for your response.