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First Time Firmware Installation Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing firmware on a Raspberry Pico using the gatas-rpxxxx.uf2 file.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the Firmware File

  • Visit the GA/TAS Releases page to download the appropriate firmware file (gatas-rpxxxx.uf2).
  • Ensure you download the correct version for your Raspberry Pico model:
  • RP2040 or RP2350.

2. Set GA/TAS in boot mode via the UI

  1. In the UI on the 'aircraft' page select the button [Update/Upload Firmware]
  2. Confirm the pop-up dialog with [YES]

Update Firmware

3. Access USB Mass Storage Mode

  • The Pico will appear as a USB mass storage device on your computer:
  • On Windows, it will appear as a removable drive.
  • On macOS and Linux, it will appear as an external drive labeled RPI-RP2.

4. Flash the Firmware

  1. Open the RPI-RP2 drive on your computer.
  2. Drag and drop or copy and paste the gatas-rpxxxx.uf2 file into the Pico's drive.
  3. Do not attempt to open or modify the .uf2 file.

5. Automatic Reboot

  • Once the file is copied, the Pico will automatically reboot and begin running the new firmware.
  • The Pico will disappear from your list of drives, indicating the flashing process is complete.

6. Verify Installation

  • After rebooting, the Pico will start running the newly installed firmware.
  • A green LED on the Pico will flash once per second, confirming successful installation.

Summary of Steps

  1. Download the gatas-rpxxxx.uf2 file from the GA/TAS Releases page.
  2. Set GA/TAS in boot mode via the UI
  3. Release the BOOTSEL button once connected.
  4. Copy the gatas-rpxxxx.uf2 file to the Pico's mass storage drive.
  5. The Pico will reboot automatically and run the new firmware.
  6. Verify the installation by checking the green flashing LED.

For additional support, join the GA/TAS Discord Community.