The init() badge

Install the firmware

Update your init() badge, put the firmware back after flashing your own code, or turn a new StopWatch into an init() badge, all from your browser.

Install from your browser

Use Chrome or Edge on a computer and a USB-C cable that carries data. Close anything else connected to the badge, like a serial monitor.

  1. 01Connect your StopWatch.
  2. 02Choose its USB port when the browser asks.
  3. 03Keep it connected until the clock and storage checks finish.

Updating an init() badge keeps your profile and settings. A new StopWatch first saves a recovery copy to your computer, then replaces the factory software and storage. Both check the badge before writing anything.

Already an init() badge

Install this release and keep your saved profile and settings.

New StopWatch

Back up the factory software, then make it an init() badge. Allow several minutes.

Idle

Ready when you are. Installation stays between this browser and your badge.

What’s on it

  • 1init()

    Clock, battery, and a pulsing ring

  • 2Schedule

    The day’s talks, with On now

  • 3After Dark

    Developers After Dark, soon

  • 4Badge

    Name, photo, and QR code

  • 5Hack your badge

    Where to start tinkering

  • 6Settings

    Set up Wi-Fi and preferences

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stay off in normal use. To personalize it, join the badge’s temporary setup Wi-Fi. If the setup page doesn’t open on its own, go to 192.168.4.1.

Help

Trouble installing?

Try another USB-C cable (some only charge), close any serial monitor, and reconnect the badge. If the browser can’t connect, keep USB plugged in, hold the power button for about two seconds until the green light comes on, then try again. A failed clock check doesn’t undo a finished install.

First install only supports the M5Stack factory storage layout. Your recovery copy stays on your computer; don’t attach it to issue reports.

Finish an interrupted first install

Keep your recovery copy. Try Set clock & check badge first. If the firmware write was interrupted, use Update badge to finish it. If the firmware is installed but storage still needs preparing, this checks the badge and prepares storage only when it can’t be opened.

Report an issue

Build details list the release and the badge checks, never your profile, photos, or Wi-Fi passwords.

Release files

Flash it your own way

Everything this page writes, at its flash offset, and the manifest it checks against, for when you’d rather use your own tools.

Get yours at init()

October 7, 2026 · SFJAZZ Center