How to Flash Firmware to Your Sensor

Sensors Troubleshooting
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This article will go over how to flash your sensor’s firmware and erase its memory. These are steps sometimes required for WiFi troubleshooting or other unique issues.

The Utility will only work on MacOS up to version 12.2.1

Flash Firmware

The utility is able to re-flash firmware onto your PurpleAir sensor.

  1. Select your sensor’s Serial port.
  2. Make sure you are not connected to your sensor. If you have already connected, click “Disconnect.”
  3. Click “Select a Flash Action,” and select “SensorFirmware6.02f.bin.”
  4. Press “Flash.”
  5. This may cause your sensor to disconnect from the WiFi. If your sensor has disconnected, follow the steps here to reconnect your device.
  6. Once you have confirmed that your sensor is online and reporting, you can disconnect the device from your computer.

If flashing the firmware has been unsuccessful, try the steps in Erase a Sensor’s Flash Memory below.

Erase a Sensor’s Flash Memory

WARNING: Following the steps below will cause your sensor will to be unable to communicate with PurpleAir and appear on the map. After erasing, you’ll need to send an email to contact@purpleair.com with your device ID asking us to share keys with your sensor.

With the utility, you can completely erase your sensor’s flash memory.

  1. Select your sensor’s Serial port.
  2. Make sure you are not connected to your sensor. If you have already connected, click “Disconnect.”
  3. Click “Select a Flash Action,” and select “Erase all memory”
  4. Press “Flash.”
  5. After all memory is erased, the sensor will attempt to reboot. Press “Disconnect” once erasing is complete and the sensor has rebooted.
  6. Follow the steps above for flashing firmware.
  7. Your sensor will have forgotten your WiFi network. You can follow the steps here to reconnect your device.
  8. Re-register your sensor at Register to place your sensor on the map | PurpleAir .
  9. Once you have confirmed that your sensor is online, registered, and reporting, you can disconnect the device from your computer.

Learn More

The PurpleAir Utility
Sensor Maintenance
SD Card Logging and Troubleshooting