EsMini Tool v3.1 – User Manual

The EsMini Tool is a multi-functional hardware diagnostic device designed primarily for TV repair technicians and electronics hobbyists. It combines UART communication, IR remote emulation and learning, and TCON PMIC adjustment into a single portable unit.

This manual focuses on how to operate the v3.1 firmware – it does not cover low-level board-specific pin mapping, which may vary between builds.

2. Keypad & Navigation

The 3×3 keypad is used consistently across all modes:

	Col 1	Col 2	Col 3
Row 1	MENU	UP	BACK
Row 2	LEFT	OK	RIGHT
Row 3	SOURCE	DOWN	POWER

Long press BACK (≈2s): instantly returns to Home Screen.
Long press MENU (≈2s): context menu or special action depending on active mode.

3. SD Card Setup

The SD card must be formatted FAT32. The firmware can create folders on first run, but it is recommended to prepare the structure yourself:

/RC             # Store IR Remote definition files (.txt)
/SM             # Store Service Mode sequences (.txt)
/ESMINI/CMD     # Store UART command lists (only cmd.txt is read)
/ESMINI/TCON    # Destination for saved PMIC dumps

Keep filenames simple (letters, digits, underscore) to avoid compatibility issues.

4. Main Menu Features

4.A UART Terminal

A comprehensive serial terminal for debugging TV mainboards.

Select baud rate from low (4800) up to 1 000 000 baud.
Terminal view shows incoming text from the target device.
Loopback Test: hold OK to perform a TX↔RX self-test.

Sending Commands:

Chip Presets: Press SOURCE to open preset recovery commands for common chipsets.
SD Commands: Press POWER to load commands from /ESMINI/CMD/cmd.txt.
Special Keys: Press MENU to send ENTER, SPACE, ESC or CTRL+C.
Custom Entry: Type any command using the keypad (Up/Down changes character, Left/Right moves cursor).

4.B IR Remote

Emulates TV remotes using definition files stored in /RC.

Choose Use Remote from the main menu, then browse the SD card.
Once a profile is loaded, keypad buttons act as remote keys (arrows, OK, Menu, Source, Power, etc.).
Short presses send standard commands; long presses may send secondary functions.

4.C TV Service (Service Mode)

Sends prepared IR sequences to enter hidden factory/service menus on TVs.

Select TV Service from the main menu.
Choose a brand or a service script; point EsMini at the TV and press MENU for 3 sec.
The firmware sends a sequence such as Menu → 1 → 1 → 4 → 7.
After sending, EsMini switches into navigation mode for the service menu.

4.D TCON V-Adj (PMIC Tool)

Adjusts voltages on TCON PMICs over I2C and lets you backup/restore their configuration.

Select the PMIC from a list of supported chips.
Read: Press OK to read current register values.
Modify: Use Left/Right to adjust key voltages (VGH, VGL, etc.).
Save to NVM: Press POWER to burn new settings into PMIC non-volatile memory.
Dump / Restore Menu (MENU key):
- Dump PMIC → SD: Saves an encrypted backup into /ESMINI/TCON.
- Write SD → PMIC: Restores a saved dump back to the TCON chip.

4.E IR Decoder

Analyzes incoming IR signals and shows:

Protocol (NEC, Samsung, Sony, etc.).
Address and command values.
Raw hex or timing data, depending on firmware build.

4.F Add Remote (Learning Mode inside v3.1)

The v3.1 firmware includes an integrated “Add Remote” function mirroring the dedicated learner firmware behavior.

Enter the Brand and Model using keypad text entry.
Follow prompts to learn keys such as POWER, VOL+, VOL−, etc.
Each key is captured twice to verify stability; mismatches trigger a retry prompt.
When finished, choose a folder under /RC and save the profile.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 SD Card Error / “No items found”

Ensure the card is formatted FAT32.
Check that /RC, /SM, /ESMINI/CMD and /ESMINI/TCON exist.
Test with a different SD card if issues persist.

5.2 I2C/PMIC Read Fail

Make sure the TCON board is powered on.
Ensure ground (GND) between EsMini and the TCON board is common.
Verify your wiring and connectors according to your hardware documentation.

5.3 IR Learning Fails

Hold the remote 2–5 cm from the receiver.
Avoid strong ambient IR sources (sunlight, powerful lamps).
Press keys briefly rather than holding them continuously.

5.4 UART Loopback Fail

If the loopback test (hold OK in Terminal) fails, check TX↔RX wiring or jumper.
Look for broken wires or accidental short circuits.