GhostLink P1

Owner's guide for the GhostLink P1 handheld: battery safety, charging, ports, flashing and maintenance.

Overview

The GhostLink P1 is GhostESP’s own open-source handheld: an ESP32-1732S019 “CYD” board (1.9" display, ESP32-S3) as the main unit, an optional ESP32-C3 SuperMini as a second GhostLink radio, an IP5306 charge/boost board, a microSD slot, a 5-way nav pad and a user-replaceable 18650 cell, all in a 3D-printed shell you can reprint or reskin.

Open files, parts list and build instructions live on ghostesp.net/hardware. Pre-assembled units are sold on shop.ghostesp.net, with the 18650 cell not included (lithium shipping rules).

At a glance

ActionHow
Power onTap the button on the back of the shell
Power offHold the same button down
Battery level4 red LEDs on the back: 25 / 50 / 75 / 100%
Charge the batteryPlug into the top USB-C jack; this is the only charging port
Flash main firmware (core)CYD USB-C port on the left edge
Flash aux radio firmware (peer)Top USB-C jack
Install the 18650Positive (+) end to the dome contact, negative (-) to the spring
Battery polarityDanger: never install the cell backwards. Reverse polarity has no protection on the IP5306 charge board or the aux radio; a backwards cell can burn both out, and a hard short is a fire hazard.

Ports

PortLocationDoes
Aux radio USB-CTop edge, recessed panel-mount jackCharges the battery; flashes the peer firmware
CYD USB-CLeft edge, on the display boardFlashes the core firmware, serial console, USB power; does not charge the battery

A cable in the left (CYD) port keeps the device running but never puts charge into the cell.

Battery & charging

The P1 runs on a single user-replaceable 18650 cell in a spring-loaded cradle at the bottom of the shell.

Danger: Never install the cell backwards. Reverse polarity has no protection on the IP5306 charge board or the aux radio; a backwards cell can burn both out, and a hard short is a fire hazard.

  • Orientation: the positive (+) terminal goes to the dome contact, the negative (-) flat end to the spring contact.
  • Identifying the ends: the negative end is completely flat; the positive end is a small raised terminal, sometimes with a visible pip or button (button-top cells). Both ends are round and the cell will sit either way, so trust the + / - markings on the wrapper, not shape alone.
  • Cell quality: use a quality, undamaged cell (Samsung, LG, Molicel, Sony, …). A flat-top cell fits the cradle best; longer protected cells may not fit. Never use cells that are dented, rusted, punctured or swollen.

Charging

Important: Only the top USB-C jack charges the battery. The CYD's left-edge USB port is data-only.

  • Charger: any standard 5V USB source of 1A or more; a phone charger works.
  • Cable: USB-A to USB-C cables are the most reliable. Some USB-C to USB-C cables (laptop chargers, power banks) won’t work because the device doesn’t negotiate power; if nothing happens, try a USB-A to USB-C cable.
  • While charging: the device can be used normally. With the typical ~1A charge current, a 2500-3000 mAh cell takes roughly 3 hours from flat.
  • Don’t overdo it: don’t leave the cell charging unattended for days, and stop using it if it gets hot or swollen.

Flashing firmware

The P1 is a two-radio GhostLink setup; each radio runs its own build:

RadioBoardRelease build
Main (display, core)ESP32-1732S019 (S3)GhostLink_P1_Core.zip
Aux radio (peer)ESP32-C3 SuperMiniGhostLink_P1_Peer.zip
  • Core build flashes through the CYD USB-C port (left edge).
  • Peer build flashes through the top USB-C jack (the aux radio’s own port).
  • Both flash with the same tools as any other board; see the Installation Guide and Firmware Updates.
  • After both radios are flashed, they talk to each other over GhostLink; see Dual Communication (GhostLink) for pairing.

SD card

The microSD module sits on the right of the mid band under a screwed retainer: insert the card pins-first until it clicks. GhostESP uses it for storage, scripts, asset packs and data logging; see SD Card and Storage Layout.

Maintenance & upgrades

Nothing is glued or locked down, so any module can be swapped:

  • Aux radio: held by a 3-screw retainer. Replace it in minutes, or swap in an S3-Zero / ESP32-C5 module if it fits the socket (pinout permitting).
  • microSD board / IP5306: each held by its own 2-screw retainer.
  • Shell: front and back halves close with 4 × M2 screws into heat-set inserts; reprint it whenever you like (STLs are CC BY-NC-SA licensed).
  • Display: the 1.9" glass is exposed on the front; don’t press hard on it, the 5-way nav handles the buttons.

Faulty module? Replace just that part; every component is off-the-shelf and the parts list on the hardware page has the exact links.

Troubleshooting

  • Left port plugged in, battery never charges: expected; only the top port charges. Swap cables.
  • Nothing happens when a USB-C to USB-C cable is plugged in: try a USB-A to USB-C cable; many USB-C to USB-C cables won’t power or charge these boards.
  • Device won’t power on: tap the back button, then confirm the cell is seated the right way round.
  • Battery won’t charge: check the cell orientation (positive against the dome contact) and that the charger is in the top USB-C jack.
  • No display, but the device runs: re-check the CYD board’s four M2 screws and its connector seating.
  • GhostLink shows no peer: flash both radios (GhostLink_P1_Core + GhostLink_P1_Peer) and re-pair per the GhostLink guide.