Title: GhostLink P1
Description: Owner's guide for the GhostLink P1 handheld: battery safety, charging, ports, flashing and maintenance.
URL: /v2.1/hardware/ghostlink-p1/
Version: v2.1
Section: Hardware
Keywords: GhostLink P1, CYD, 18650, IP5306, battery, charging, hardware
Search index: /search-index.json

# GhostLink P1

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

## On this page

- [Overview](#overview)
- [At a glance](#at-a-glance)
- [Ports](#ports)
- [Battery & charging](#battery--charging)
- [Charging](#charging)
- [Flashing firmware](#flashing-firmware)
- [SD card](#sd-card)
- [Maintenance & upgrades](#maintenance--upgrades)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [Related](#related)

---

## Overview
The GhostLink P1 is GhostESP’s own open-source handheld: an [ESP32-1732S019 “CYD” board](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011714988548.html) (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](https://ghostesp.net/hardware). Pre-assembled units are sold on [shop.ghostesp.net](https://shop.ghostesp.net), with the 18650 cell not included (lithium shipping rules).
## At a glance
Action |
How |
Power on |
Tap the button on the back of the shell |
Power off |
Hold the same button down |
Battery level |
4 red LEDs on the back: 25 / 50 / 75 / 100% |
Charge the battery |
Plug 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 18650 |
Positive (+) end to the dome contact, negative (-) to the spring |
Battery polarity |
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. |
## Ports
Port |
Location |
Does |
Aux radio USB-C |
Top edge, recessed panel-mount jack |
Charges the battery; flashes the peer firmware |
CYD USB-C |
Left edge, on the display board |
Flashes 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:
Radio |
Board |
Release build |
Main (display, core) |
ESP32-1732S019 (S3) |
GhostLink_P1_Core.zip |
Aux radio (peer) |
ESP32-C3 SuperMini |
GhostLink_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](/v2.1/getting-started/installation-guide/) and [Firmware Updates](/v2.1/getting-started/firmware-updates/).
- After both radios are flashed, they talk to each other over GhostLink; see [Dual Communication (GhostLink)](/v2.1/getting-started/dual-communication/) 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](/v2.1/getting-started/sd-card/) and [Storage Layout](/v2.1/getting-started/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](https://ghostesp.net/hardware/#parts-list-bom) 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](/v2.1/getting-started/dual-communication/).
## Related
- [Hardware page on ghostesp.net](https://ghostesp.net/hardware): STL downloads, parts list and shop
- [Installation Guide](/v2.1/getting-started/installation-guide/)
- [Dual Communication (GhostLink)](/v2.1/getting-started/dual-communication/)
- [SD Card storage](/v2.1/getting-started/sd-card/)