Controller Flashing Guide
(For ProMicros, BitCs and EliteCs)
Last updated
(For ProMicros, BitCs and EliteCs)
Last updated
Congratulations! You’ve just gotten yourself a shiny new keyboard kit, we’re here to show you how to flash your controller, the process of uploading the software for you keyboard to the controller! It can be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, but it really is simple!
Download and install QMK Toolbox.
Go to QMK’s release page to download and run the latest version of QMK available by clicking on the qmk_toolbox_install.exe.
Once QMK Toolbox has launched you will be prompted to download drivers, select yes, and in a few moments, you should see a window that looks something like this:
Find and download the firmware for your keyboard.
The best place to get the firmware for your keyboard is from VIA; providing your keyboard is supported, it will enable you to test all the keys on your board and even remap them to get your dream layout! If this isn’t the case the next best place to look would be on the build guide for your specific kit/keyboard.
Once you’ve got your firmware, go back to QMK and select ATmega32U4 from the MCU list in the top right.
Next, select the ‘Open’ button next to the MCU drop down and select your downloaded keyboard firmware. Once you’ve done this, select the Auto-Flash button and your QMK Toolbox window should now look roughly like this:
Now you can finally plug in your controller! If you’re using an EliteC or BitC it should begin flashing automatically, if it doesn’t (or you’re using a ProMicro), read the next paragraph.
Once plugged in there should be a red light on the front of the controller, nothing will change within QMK at this point. You will then have to bridge a connection between the two points on the controller that have been marked on the image to the right, this can be done with anything conductive that has two points such as metal tweezers or a paperclip/staple.
And that should be it! To double check that it’s worked, go to the devices and printers section of windows control panel and see if your device is listed:
Selecting your controller and loading the firmware in QMK.
Flashing the controller.
As soon as you tap these two points you should hear a disconnect and reconnect sound from windows. QMK will then proceed to install the firmware onto your controller, once complete, QMK will look something like this:
