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Quick Start Guide

Get your MyStation E-Board up and running in 5 minutes!

Prerequisites Checklist​

  • ESP32-C3 Super Mini with e-paper display connected
  • PlatformIO development environment setup
  • API keys configured (Google, RMV)
  • Firmware compiled and uploaded

Understanding Device Boot Process​

First Boot (Fresh Device)​

When you power on the device for the first time:

  • Device automatically detects it has no saved configuration
  • Enters Configuration Mode and creates WiFi hotspot
  • Waits for user to complete initial setup
  • All settings are permanently saved to flash memory

Subsequent Boots​

After initial configuration:

  • Device loads saved settings from flash memory
  • Connects directly to your WiFi network
  • Starts normal operation (fetch data → display → sleep)
  • No manual intervention needed

Power Loss Recovery​

If battery dies or power is disconnected:

  • Configuration remains safely stored in flash memory
  • Device automatically resumes normal operation when powered on
  • No need to reconfigure WiFi or preferences

Step 1: First Boot​

Power On​

  1. Connect ESP32-C3 to power (USB-C or battery)
  2. Open serial monitor: pio device monitor
  3. Look for startup messages: 
    [MAIN] System starting...
    [MAIN] Fresh boot: Loaded config mode from NVS: true
    [MAIN] WiFiManager AP mode started
    [MAIN] AP SSID: MyStation-ABCD1234

Initial Configuration Mode​

The device starts in configuration mode on first boot and will:

  • Create a WiFi access point for setup
  • Wait for user configuration via web interface
  • Save all settings permanently to flash memory
  • Switch to operational mode after configuration

Step 2: WiFi Setup​

Connect to Configuration AP​

  1. Find WiFi network: MyStation-XXXXXXXX (unique ID)
  2. Connect with any device (phone, laptop)
  3. Open browser to http://10.0.1.1
  4. Configure WiFi:
    • Select your home WiFi network
    • Enter WiFi password
    • Click "Save"

Connection Success​

Device will:

  • Connect to your WiFi
  • Get IP address via DHCP
  • Start mDNS responder
  • Begin location detection

Step 3: Location & Transport Setup​

Automatic Location Detection​

The device will automatically:

  1. Detect location using Google Geolocation API
  2. Find nearby stops using RMV transport API
  3. Display found stops in configuration interface

Access Configuration Interface​

After WiFi setup, access via:

  • Local IP: http://192.168.1.XXX (check serial monitor)
  • mDNS: http://mystation.local (if supported)

Step 4: Configure Your Station​

Web Interface​

The configuration page allows you to:

1. Location Settings​

  • Current Location: Automatically detected
  • City: Auto-populated from coordinates
  • Manual Override: Enter custom coordinates if needed

2. Transport Selection​

  • Available Stops: List of nearby public transport stops
  • Select Primary Stop: Choose your main departure station
  • Transport Filters: Select transport types (RE, S-Bahn, Bus, etc.)

3. Display Options​

  • Update Interval: How often to refresh data (default: 5 minutes)
  • Sleep Schedule: Optional time-based sleep (e.g., 23:00 - 06:00)
  • Weather Display: Enable/disable weather information

4. Privacy Settings​

  • Data Storage: All data stays on device
  • API Usage: Only for data retrieval, no tracking
  • Local Processing: No data sent to third parties

Save Configuration​

  1. Review settings in the web interface
  2. Click "Save Configuration"
  3. Wait for confirmation message
  4. Device will restart in operational mode

Step 5: Configuration Complete & Transition​

What Happens After Saving​

When you save the configuration:

  1. Settings Stored Permanently: All preferences saved to flash memory (NVS)

    • WiFi credentials
    • Selected transport stop and filters
    • Update intervals and display preferences
    • Location coordinates and city name

  2. Device Restarts Automatically: Switches from configuration mode to operational mode

  3. Normal Operation Begins: Device will now:

    • Connect directly to your WiFi
    • Start fetching real-time data
    • Update the display
    • Enter power-saving deep sleep between updates

Future Boots​

From now on, every time the device powers on:

  • Loads saved configuration from permanent storage
  • Connects to WiFi automatically (no hotspot created)
  • Starts normal operation immediately (no configuration needed)
  • Runs indefinitely with your saved preferences

💡 Important: Configuration persists across power loss, battery changes, and firmware updates. The device only enters configuration mode again if explicitly reset or if configuration is corrupted.

Step 6: Normal Operation​

Operational Mode​

In normal operation, the device:

  1. Wakes up at configured intervals
  2. Fetches data: Transport departures + weather
  3. Updates display: Shows current information
  4. Enters deep sleep: Conserves battery power

Expected Behavior​

On Wake:​

[MAIN] Wakeup caused by timer
[MAIN] Current time: 2025-06-30 14:25:00
[RMV] Using stop: Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
[RMV] Found 8 departures in next 60 minutes
[DWD] Weather: 22°C, partly cloudy
[MAIN] Sleeping for 300 seconds until next interval

Display Updates:​

  • Departure times: Next 3-5 departures
  • Weather info: Current temperature and conditions
  • Status indicators: WiFi connection, battery level
  • Last updated: Timestamp of data refresh

Step 7: Verification​

Check Operation​

Monitor for 15-30 minutes to verify:

  • Regular wake/sleep cycles (every 5 minutes)
  • Successful data fetching
  • Display updates working
  • Deep sleep power consumption low

Serial Monitor Output​

Healthy operation shows:

[SLEEP] Wakeup caused by timer
[MAIN] Current time: 14:30:00
[RMV] Departures updated successfully
[DWD] Weather updated successfully
[SLEEP] Entering deep sleep for 300 seconds

Troubleshooting Quick Fixes​

Device Won't Start​

  • Check power supply (3.3V, sufficient current)
  • Verify serial connection (115200 baud)
  • Try factory reset: Hold user button during power-on

WiFi Connection Issues​

  • Reset WiFi settings: Uncomment wm.resetSettings() in code
  • Check signal strength: Move closer to router
  • Verify credentials: Re-enter WiFi password

No Transport Data​

  • Check location: Verify you're in RMV coverage area (Hesse, Germany)
  • Verify API keys: Check RMV API key validity
  • Test with known stop: Try Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (ID: 3006907)

Configuration Interface Not Loading​

  • Check IP address: Look in serial monitor for correct IP
  • Try mDNS: http://mystation.local
  • Clear browser cache: Force refresh (Ctrl+F5)

Display Not Updating​

  • Check e-paper connections: Verify all 8 pins connected
  • Monitor SPI signals: Use oscilloscope if available
  • Test with simple display: Draw basic shapes/text

Support​

Getting Help​

  • Serial monitor: Most issues show up in debug output
  • Documentation: Check specific guides for detailed help
  • Community: Share experiences and solutions

Common Success Indicators​

✅ WiFi connected and stable ✅ Location detected correctly ✅ Transport stops found ✅ Regular data updates ✅ Deep sleep working ✅ Display showing current information

Congratulations! Your MyStation E-Board is now operational. 🎉