# Download And Flash Releases

EastMesh release assets are published on:

- <https://github.com/xJARiD/MeshCore-EastMesh/releases>

There are currently two release tracks in this repo:

- `companion-wifi`
- `repeater-mqtt`

## Pick The Right Asset

Download the asset that matches your board and firmware type.

Examples:

- `heltec_v4_companion_radio_wifi-v1.14.1-abcdef.bin`
- `heltec_v4_repeater_mqtt-v1.14.1-eastmesh-v1.0.1-abcdef.bin`
- `heltec_v4_repeater_mqtt-v1.14.1-eastmesh-v1.0.1-abcdef-merged.bin`

The important part is the board/env prefix:

- `*_companion_radio_wifi`
- `*_repeater_mqtt`

## Which File To Flash

Use the standard `.bin` file when you are updating an existing device with the same target and partition layout.

Use the `-merged.bin` file when you want a clean install after erasing flash. This is the full ESP32 image and is intended to be flashed from address `0x0`.

Practical rule:

- `.bin` = incremental update
- `-merged.bin` = erase and clean flash

## Flashing Flow

1. Open the release page and download the file for your board.
2. Confirm the board name in the filename matches your hardware.
3. Choose one of the following:
   - update existing firmware with the normal `.bin`
   - erase the device first, then flash the `-merged.bin`
4. Reboot the device and complete any post-flash setup such as WiFi, MQTT, or radio settings.

## Recommended Flasher

For custom firmware files, use:

- <https://flasher.meshcore.io/>

Recommended usage:

- use the normal `.bin` there when you are updating an existing device
- use the `-merged.bin` there after an erase when you want a clean flash

## Repeater MQTT Notes

`repeater_mqtt` builds include the EastMesh MQTT additions. Depending on the board, they may also include the local web panel.

Typical first steps after flashing:

- set `wifi.ssid`
- set `wifi.pwd`
- set `mqtt.iata`
- confirm `get mqtt.status`
- optionally set `mqtt.owner` and `mqtt.email`
- optionally enable `letsmesh-eu` or `letsmesh-us`

## Companion WiFi Notes

`companion_radio_wifi` builds are for companion devices that expose the app interface over WiFi instead of BLE or USB.

Typical first steps after flashing:

- set WiFi credentials
- confirm `get wifi.status`
- connect your client app to the companion over WiFi