The document consists of the following major sections:
-`Getting Started`_: Provides an overview of ESP32-DevKitS(-R) and hardware/software setup instructions to get started.
-`Hardware Reference`_: Provides more detailed information about ESP32-DevKitS(-R)'s hardware.
-`Related Documents`_: Gives links to related documentation.
Getting Started
===============
This section describes how to get started with ESP32-DevKitS(-R). It begins with a few introductory sections about ESP32-DevKitS(-R), then Section `How to Flash a Board`_ provides instructions on how to mount a module onto ESP32-DevKitS(-R), get it ready, and flash firmware onto it.
Overview
--------
ESP32-DevKitS(-R) is Espressif's flashing board designed specifically for ESP32. It can be used to flash an ESP32 module without soldering the module to the power supply and signal lines. With a module mounted, ESP32-DevKitS(-R) can also be used as a mini development board like ESP32-DevKitC.
ESP32-DevKitS and ESP32-DevKitS-R boards vary only in layout of spring pins to fit the following ESP32 modules.
- Click the module in. The pins will fit into the module's castellated holes.
* - 2.54 mm Female Headers
- These female headers are connected to pins of the module mounted on this board. For description of female headers, please refer to `Header Blocks`_.
* - USB-to-UART Bridge
- Single-chip USB to UART bridge provides transfer rates of up to 3 Mbps.
* - LDO
- 5V-to-3.3V low-dropout voltage regulator (LDO).
* - Micro-USB Connector/Micro USB Port
- USB interface. Power supply for the board as well as the communication interface between a computer and the board.
* - EN Button
- Reset button.
* - Boot Button
- Download button. Holding down **Boot** and then pressing **EN** initiates Firmware Download mode for downloading firmware through the serial port.
* - Power On LED
- Turns on when the USB or power supply is connected to the board.
How to Flash a Board
--------------------
Before powering up your ESP32-DevKitS(-R), please make sure that it is in good condition with no obvious signs of damage.
Required Hardware
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
- An ESP32 module of your choice
- USB 2.0 cable (Standard-A to Micro-B)
- Computer running Windows, Linux, or macOS
Hardware Setup
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Please mount a module of your choice onto your ESP32-DevKitS(-R) according to the following steps:
- Gently put your module on the ESP32-DevKitS(-R) board. Make sure that castellated holes on your module are aligned with spring pins on the board.
- Press your module down into the board until it clicks.
- Check whether all spring pins are inserted into castellated holes. If there are some misaligned spring pins, place them into castellated holes with tweezers.
Software Setup
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Preferred Method
++++++++++++++++
The ESP-IDF development framework provides a preferred way of flashing binaries onto ESP32-DevKitS(-R). Please proceed to :doc:`../../get-started/index`, where Section :ref:`get-started-step-by-step` will quickly help you set up the development environment and then flash an application example onto your ESP32-DevKitS(-R).
Alternative Method
++++++++++++++++++
As an alternative, Windows users can flash binaries using the `Flash Download Tool <https://www.espressif.com/en/support/download/other-tools?keys=flash+download+tools>`_. Just download it, unzip it, and follow the instructions inside the *doc* folder.
..note::
1. To flash binary files, ESP32 should be set to Firmware Download mode. This can be done either by the flash tool automatically, or by holding down the Boot button and tapping the EN button.
2. After flashing binary files, the Flash Download Tool restarts your ESP32 module and boots the flashed application by default.
