Re-Flashing the ShawLED Controller.

Re-Flashing the ShawLED Controller.

Re-Flashing the ShawLED Controller

This guide walks you through re-flashing firmware on your ShawLED Controller safely and correctly.

What You Will Need

  • USB-C or USB-A to USB-C cable πŸ”Œ
    ⚠️ Must be a data cable (charging-only cables will not work)

  • Laptop or desktop computer πŸ’»
    With an available USB-A or USB-C port

  • ShawLED Control Hat
    This is the small controller board that plugs into and sits above the Power Distribution Board

  • Internet access

Firmware Selection

  1. Visit: πŸŒ
    https://shawlabs.org 
    (Google account required for access)

  2. Select Firmware Version πŸ“Œ

    • If you are experiencing flashing LEDs, instability, or unusual behavior, select WLED 0.14.4
      β†’ This is the last known stable release

  3. Select Controller Voltage βš‘

    • 12mm lights β†’ 12V

    • 30mm lights β†’ 24V

⚠️ WARNING: Selecting the incorrect voltage firmware can damage your hardware.

Driver Installation (Required)

Windows

  1. Download the CP210x USB driver:
    https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/software/CP210x_Windows_Drivers.zip

  2. Unzip the file

  3. Run the installer and complete the installation

macOS

Download and install the Mac driver from:
https://www.silabs.com/software-and-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads

Flashing Steps

Step 1 – Connect the Controller

  • Plug the ShawLED Control Hat directly into your computer using the USB-C port on the hat

  • Do not connect external power during flashing βŒ

Step 2 – Verify Settings

  • Confirm:

    • Firmware version

    • Voltage selection
      match what you intend to install

Step 3 – Connect to the Device

  1. Click Connect

  2. Select the available COM port that represents your controller

    • If no port appears:

      • Recheck the USB cable

      • Verify the CP210x driver installed correctly

Step 4 – Install Firmware

  1. Click Install

  2. Follow the on-screen prompts until installation completes

  3. At the end of the setup, it will give you an option to

    • Enter your πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi network name

    • Enter your πŸ”‘ Wi-Fi password

This allows the controller to reconnect to Wi-Fi automatically after flashing, without repeating first-time setup.


Reinstalling the Control Hat

⚠️ IMPORTANT – Pin Alignment

Correct orientation of the ShawLED Control Hat

1.png

Power Distribution Board showing the two header rows where the Control Hat installs
2.png

❌ Incorrect alignment (off by one pin)
This will permanently damage the Control Hat
3.png

Before powering on:

  • Double-check pin alignment

  • Ensure the hat is facing the correct direction

  • Never force the board into place

Need Help?

If you experience issues or have concerns during flashing:

πŸ“§ 
Support@ShawTechLighting.com

If a Control Hat is damaged, we can help replace it.

Just reach out β€” we’re happy to assist.