Inkplate 10 won't connect to serial - missing power switch

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Inkplate
1

Customer:

I’m having trouble connecting to my Inkplate 10 board. When trying to upload code, I get this error:

Sketch uses 673517 bytes (21%) of program storage space. Maximum is 3145728 bytes.
Global variables use 47864 bytes (14%) of dynamic memory, leaving 279816 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 327680 bytes.
esptool.py v4.5.1
Serial port /dev/cu.usbserial-210
Connecting………………………………...
A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to ESP32: No serial data received.

I can see the battery charging LED is on, but the ON light is not lit.

Originally submitted via email support on 31 December 2024. Migrated to the forum for community visibility.

2

Soldered Support:

Try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Make sure you pressed the power on button - it’s next to the USB port and should be indicated with a blue light when the device is ON. The on-off switch can enable and disable the blue light, but leave it at ON.
  2. Lower the code upload speed in the Tools menu (on Mac, set it to 115200, which is lower but has been proven to work stable).
  3. Try a different USB cable and port.
  4. Try carefully disconnecting the battery and then powering exclusively via USB. Be careful when removing the battery as pulling it can disconnect the battery wire from the connector - it needs to be gently taken in and out.
3

Customer:

I am missing the power switch – could this be an issue?

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4

Soldered Support:

Yes, it appears the power switch is missing. Check the shipping box to see if it broke off during shipping.

As a temporary workaround, if you have a piece of wire or something metal, you can short the power switch contacts to turn on the board while it’s plugged in.

If you have a soldering iron and solder, you can also repair this by connecting a jumper on the board to bypass the need for a power switch.

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5

Customer:

The board came with the welcome screen and I was able to flash my own code onto it a few times. I don’t remember hitting a power switch, but it’s possible there was one. Would I have been able to use the device without the power switch? I’ll try the shorting trick this week and let you know if it works. Do you have information on how to set up the jumper?

6

Soldered Support:

If you were able to flash code onto it, the power switch must have been there. On Inkplate 10, there is an ‘always on’ jumper. If you short this, the need for a power switch is no longer required. This should fix the issue.

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7

Customer:

Is there a part number for a switch I can solder on?

8

Soldered Support:

Yes, the part number is K2-1114SA-A4SW-06, which can be found on LCSC.

9

Customer:

I will order that part and solder it on. Regarding the jumper - if I just make a solder connection between the two contacts you circled, would that work?

10

Soldered Support:

Yes, the jumper will keep the board on. Technically speaking, it’s a 0 ohm resistor which is marked as “DO NOT PLACE” but it can be easily soldered together with just some solder.