• Serial CLI
  • Beginner
  • 3 min
  • Serial CLI

Recipe · Beginner · Serial CLI

How to make the first serial connection

Connect to the ESP32 Bit Pirate CLI from a browser or desktop serial terminal and verify the welcome prompt.

Terminal shell showing a command prompt.
The serial prompt is the entry point for every firmware mode.
Step 1

Workflow

  1. Open the Web Serial Terminal or a desktop serial terminal.
  2. Select the USB CDC or USB serial port.
  3. Use 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.
  4. Press any key if no banner appears, then run a small command.

Result

What it means

If the command returns the expected output, the firmware and terminal session are ready for the next workflow.

Troubleshooting

  • Check that you are connected to the correct serial port.
  • Use 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.
  • Send a key if the welcome banner is not visible.

Next steps

  • Try the same workflow on a known safe pin or target.
  • Save the useful command as a note or alias.
  • Move to the protocol-specific recipe once the basics work.

First serial connection FAQ

Why start with a serial connection before testing Wi-Fi CLI?

The serial prompt proves that the board, USB driver, terminal settings and firmware are responding. Once the CLI is stable, other issues are much easier to separate from connection problems.

What should I expect after the first connection?

A good first connection should show the firmware banner or prompt, then accept simple global commands such as help, system or mode selection before you wire any external target.

What does it mean if the banner appears but commands do not echo correctly?

That usually points to the wrong port, an unstable USB cable, a terminal line-ending issue, or another program already holding the serial device. Reconnect cleanly and test with a simple discovery command before moving on.

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