Firmware Update

The NanoVNA-H firmware can be updated via USB using DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode. This allows you to install new features, bug fixes, or specialized firmware versions.

Danger

Firmware update can brick your device if done incorrectly. Read this entire guide before proceeding. Have a backup plan and ensure your computer doesn’t sleep during the update.

Before You Begin

Requirements

• NanoVNA-H device
• USB cable (data-capable)
• Computer with dfu-util installed
• Firmware binary file (.bin)

Backup Your Settings

Before updating, save your calibrations and settings:

# Note your calibration slots
# Export S-parameter data if needed
# Record any custom settings

Download Firmware

1. Go to the NanoVNA-H GitHub repository
2. Navigate to Releases
3. Download the appropriate .bin file:
   • H.bin for NanoVNA-H (STM32F072)
   • H4.bin for NanoVNA-H4 (STM32F303)

Caution

Use the correct firmware for your hardware. Using F303 firmware on F072 hardware (or vice versa) will not work.

Enter DFU Mode

Method 1: Via Menu

1. Power on the NanoVNA-H normally
2. Go to CONFIG
3. Tap DFU (or ->DFU)
4. Device enters DFU mode (screen may go blank)

Method 2: Hardware Boot

1. Power off the device
2. Locate the BOOT0 jumper or button
3. Connect BOOT0 to VCC (or hold BOOT button)
4. Connect USB cable
5. Release BOOT0 after a few seconds

Method 3: Via Shell

reset dfu

Verify DFU Mode

On Linux:

lsusb | grep DFU
# Should show: STMicroelectronics STM Device in DFU Mode

On Windows:

• Device Manager shows “STM32 BOOTLOADER” or similar

Install dfu-util

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

sudo apt install dfu-util

Linux (Arch)

sudo pacman -S dfu-util

macOS

brew install dfu-util

Windows

Download from dfu-util.sourceforge.net or use zadig to install WinUSB driver.

Flash Firmware

For NanoVNA-H (STM32F072)

dfu-util -d 0483:df11 -a 0 -s 0x08000000:leave -D H.bin

For NanoVNA-H4 (STM32F303)

dfu-util -d 0483:df11 -a 0 -s 0x08000000:leave -D H4.bin

Note

The :leave suffix tells the device to exit DFU mode after flashing.

Flash Process

1. Run the dfu-util command
2. Wait for “Downloading” progress to complete
3. Device should automatically restart
4. If screen stays blank, power cycle manually

Expected output:

dfu-util 0.11
Opening DFU capable USB device...
Device ID 0483:df11
Downloading to address = 0x08000000, size = 65536
Download [=========================] 100%

Verify Update

After restarting:

1. Check firmware version in menu or via version command
2. Test basic functionality
3. Recalibrate if needed

version

Post-Update Steps

1. Perform touch calibration if needed
2. Run clearconfig if experiencing issues (resets all settings)
3. Perform RF calibration (SOLT)
4. Verify TCXO setting

Troubleshooting

Device Not Detected in DFU Mode

• Try a different USB cable
• Try a different USB port
• On Windows, install correct drivers
• Verify BOOT0 is connected properly

Flash Fails with Error

# Try with sudo on Linux
sudo dfu-util -d 0483:df11 -a 0 -s 0x08000000:leave -D H.bin

Device Won’t Boot After Update

1. Enter DFU mode via hardware method
2. Flash known-good firmware
3. If persistent, the device may need recovery

Wrong Firmware Flashed

1. Enter DFU mode via hardware
2. Flash the correct firmware file

Building From Source

For custom builds:

# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/hugen79/NanoVNA-H.git
cd NanoVNA-H

# Extract ChibiOS
7z x ChibiOS.7z

# Build for NanoVNA-H
make

# Build for NanoVNA-H4
make TARGET=F303

# Output files in build/

Tip

Use gcc-arm-none-eabi version 8. Other versions may cause runtime issues.

Emergency Recovery

If the device is completely unresponsive:

1. Disconnect all power
2. Short BOOT0 to VCC
3. Connect USB
4. Flash firmware via dfu-util
5. Power cycle

If the above doesn’t work, the bootloader may be corrupted, requiring JTAG/SWD recovery.