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Hackshroom Chamber — First Flash & Setup Guide

For production chambers with ESP32-WROOM module (UART only).

Most people don't need this. The easiest way to install Hackshroom is over Bluetooth — no wires, about 5 minutes, from Chrome, Edge, or Android. Sign up on the firmware page, verify your email, and you'll get an Install over Bluetooth button. This guide is the wired (cable) install, for advanced users and fresh chips.

What you’ll need

Hardware

Software

Step 1: Access the internal PCB (disassembly)

Unplug chamber power first. You must remove internal components before cable connectors are accessible.

  1. Remove top plate: lift up and away from the post.

    2. Disassembly step 1: remove top plate by lifting up and away from center post

  2. Remove reservoir: lift from the outer edge/notch, clear center hub, then pull away from wand side.

    3. Disassembly step 2: remove reservoir after top plate removal

  3. Remove well base: gently lift and angle assembly out; water-level sensor wiring prevents straight-up removal.

    4. Disassembly step 3: remove well base at an angle with wire and sensor clearance

  4. Watch connector clearance: there is a small connector that can snag while lifting/tilting the well base.

    5. Close-up connector caution during disassembly

  5. Before disconnecting anything: take a clear photo of PCB + all connections for reassembly reference.

    6. PCB connection reference photo to capture before disconnecting cables

Step 2: Hardware connection

Critical: set adapter to 3.3V logic. ESP32 is not 5V tolerant.

Do not connect VCC/+5V from adapter if chamber has its own power supply.

Hackshroom programming header pinout (user-confirmed)

Hackshroom chamber board with annotated 7-pin programming header

Header Pin Board Signal SH-U09C5 Pin Notes
Pin 1+5VNot connectedLeave floating for UART flashing.
Pin 2IO0DTRBoot mode control.
Pin 3ENRTSReset control.
Pin 4RX0TXDCrossed UART.
Pin 5TX0RXDCrossed UART.
Pin 6GNDGNDCommon ground.
Pin 71Not connectedLeave unconnected (label as provided).

DSD TECH SH-U09C5 pin labels and DTR/RTS breakout mapping

  1. Power off chamber.
  2. Set SH-U09C5 jumper to 3.3V.
  3. Connect pins: 6→GND, 5→RXD, 4→TXD, 3→RTS, 2→DTR.
  4. Leave pins 1 and 7 unconnected.
  5. Plug adapter into computer and power on chamber.

Step 3: Flash firmware (Portable ESPTool)

Download and setup

  1. Download standalone ESPTool:
  2. Extract:
    • Windows: C:\esptool\
    • Mac/Linux: /esptool/
  3. Place your firmware file in the same folder (example: hackshroom-1.0.2g-merged.bin).

Find serial port

Windows: Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT), note COM number.

Mac:

ls /dev/cu.usbserial*

Linux:

ls /dev/ttyUSB*

Run flash command

Windows:

cd C:\esptool
esptool.exe --chip esp32 --port COM12 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x0 hackshroom-1.0.2g-merged.bin

Mac:

cd /esptool
./esptool --chip esp32 --port /dev/cu.usbserial-XXXX --baud 460800 write_flash 0x0 hackshroom-1.0.2g-merged.bin

Linux:

cd /esptool
./esptool --chip esp32 --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --baud 460800 write_flash 0x0 hackshroom-1.0.2g-merged.bin

If flash fails

Step 4: Post-flash setup

  1. Power off chamber.
  2. Remove UART wiring.
  3. Power on chamber normally.

Step 5: First dashboard access

  1. Look for Wi-Fi SSID Hackshroom Setup.
  2. When prompted, use password: growhack.
  3. Connect and complete setup wizard to join your normal Wi-Fi.
  4. Find chamber IP in router/network scanner.
  5. Open http://<chamber-ip>.

Complete initial setup

  1. Go to Maintenance → Basic Configuration.
  2. Set timezone.
  3. Optional Telegram notifications.
  4. Choose telemetry level: Never / Send Once / Periodic.

Troubleshooting quick hits

Support

Current firmware version: v1.0.2g · Last updated: April 2026