Arduino: esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: invalid head of packet(0xf0)

Created on 1 Mar 2020 · 19Comments · Source: esp8266/Arduino

Basic Info

[ ] This issue complies with the issue POLICY doc.
[ ] I have read the documentation at readthedocs and the issue is not addressed there.
[ ] I have tested that the issue is present in current master branch (aka latest git).
[ ] I have searched the issue tracker for a similar issue.
[ ] If there is a stack dump, I have decoded it.
[ ] I have filled out all fields below.

Platform

Hardware: [ESP-12|ESP-01|ESP-07|ESP8285 device|other]
Core Version: [latest git hash or date]
Development Env: [Arduino IDE|Platformio|Make|other]
Operating System: [Windows|Ubuntu|MacOS]

Settings in IDE

Module: [Generic ESP8266 Module|Wemos D1 mini r2|Nodemcu|other]
Flash Mode: [qio|dio|other]
Flash Size: [4MB/1MB]
lwip Variant: [v1.4|v2 Lower Memory|Higher Bandwidth]
Reset Method: [ck|nodemcu]
Flash Frequency: [40Mhz]
CPU Frequency: [80Mhz|160MHz]
Upload Using: [OTA|SERIAL]
Upload Speed: [115200|other] (serial upload only)

Problem Description

i have an uno board, esp, breadboard, jump wires....and installed esp libraries in arduino ide.
But when i upload the code while selecting tools->Board->generic ESP8266.. it gives me the error ->esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)

MY SKETCH.....

void setup() {

}

void loop() {

}

```

Debug Messages

Executable segment sizes:

IROM : 227372 - code in flash (default or ICACHE_FLASH_ATTR)

IRAM : 26368 / 32768 - code in IRAM (ICACHE_RAM_ATTR, ISRs...)

DATA : 1252 ) - initialized variables (global, static) in RAM/HEAP

RODATA : 672 ) / 81920 - constants (global, static) in RAM/HEAP

BSS : 24848 ) - zeroed variables (global, static) in RAM/HEAP

Sketch uses 255664 bytes (26%) of program storage space. Maximum is 958448 bytes.
Global variables use 26772 bytes (32%) of dynamic memory, leaving 55148 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 81920 bytes.
esptool.py v2.8
Serial port COM11
Connecting........_____....._____....._____....._____....._____....._____.....____Traceback (most recent call last):
File "C:UsersRajat SainiDocumentsArduinoDatapackagesesp8266hardwareesp82662.6.3/tools/upload.py", line 65, in
esptool.main(cmdline)
File "C:/Users/Rajat Saini/Documents/ArduinoData/packages/esp8266/hardware/esp8266/2.6.3/tools/esptoolesptool.py", line 2890, in main
esp.connect(args.before)
File "C:/Users/Rajat Saini/Documents/ArduinoData/packages/esp8266/hardware/esp8266/2.6.3/tools/esptoolesptool.py", line 483, in connect
raise FatalError('Failed to connect to %s: %s' % (self.CHIP_NAME, last_error))
esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)
esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)

Source

rajatsaini736

Most helpful comment

For the the Problem was caused because I didn't have the reset pin connected to ground the Arduino uno board. Once you connect that the Arduino knows that it just needs to pass through the code.

Hope it helps!

On 30. Apr 2020, at 20:28, Theodore Schmiechen notifications@github.com wrote:

I had the same error. Anyone get this to work?

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Badeshka1 on 1 May 2020

🎉4

All 19 comments

I tried this error 1000 times on google but no-one gives me the best solution.

rajatsaini736 on 1 Mar 2020

This isn't a problem with the core, it's a problem between (IDE settings) >> (driver for the module) >> (your module) for whatever kind of module you have. The IDE can't talk to the ESP8266 module. You probably shouldn't use the 'generic' module unless you know what settings you need for that specific module. You'll have better luck asking that question over at http://esp8266.com

You've completely ignored the template, so there's not enough information to figure out what you've done incorrectly.

Tech-TX on 1 Mar 2020

Previous comment is correct. This is an issue tracker meant for tracking issues in the core. For general support questions please refer to a community forum like esp8266.com or stackoverflow.
Closing due to not compliant.

devyte on 1 Mar 2020

Basic Info

[ ] This issue complies with the issue POLICY doc.

[ ] I have read the documentation at readthedocs and the issue is not addressed there.

[ ] I have tested that the issue is present in current master branch (aka latest git).

[ ] I have searched the issue tracker for a similar issue.

[ ] If there is a stack dump, I have decoded it.

[ ] I have filled out all fields below.

Platform

Hardware: [ESP-12|ESP-01|ESP-07|ESP8285 device|other]

Core Version: [latest git hash or date]

Development Env: [Arduino IDE|Platformio|Make|other]

Operating System: [Windows|Ubuntu|MacOS]

Settings in IDE

Module: [Generic ESP8266 Module|Wemos D1 mini r2|Nodemcu|other]

Flash Mode: [qio|dio|other]

Flash Size: [4MB/1MB]

lwip Variant: [v1.4|v2 Lower Memory|Higher Bandwidth]

Reset Method: [ck|nodemcu]

Flash Frequency: [40Mhz]

CPU Frequency: [80Mhz|160MHz]

Upload Using: [OTA|SERIAL]

Upload Speed: [115200|other] (serial upload only)

Problem Description

i have an uno board, esp, breadboard, jump wires....and installed esp libraries in arduino ide.
But when i upload the code while selecting tools->Board->generic ESP8266.. it gives me the error ->esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)

MY SKETCH.....

void setup() {

}

void loop() {

}
### Debug Messages
Executable segment sizes:


IROM   : 227372          - code in flash         (default or ICACHE_FLASH_ATTR) 


IRAM   : 26368   / 32768 - code in IRAM          (ICACHE_RAM_ATTR, ISRs...) 


DATA   : 1252  )         - initialized variables (global, static) in RAM/HEAP 


RODATA : 672   ) / 81920 - constants             (global, static) in RAM/HEAP 


BSS    : 24848 )         - zeroed variables      (global, static) in RAM/HEAP 


Sketch uses 255664 bytes (26%) of program storage space. Maximum is 958448 bytes.
Global variables use 26772 bytes (32%) of dynamic memory, leaving 55148 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 81920 bytes.
esptool.py v2.8
Serial port COM11
Connecting........_____....._____....._____....._____....._____....._____.....____Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "C:\Users\Rajat Saini\Documents\ArduinoData\packages\esp8266\hardware\esp8266\2.6.3/tools/upload.py", line 65, in <module>
    esptool.main(cmdline)
  File "C:/Users/Rajat Saini/Documents/ArduinoData/packages/esp8266/hardware/esp8266/2.6.3/tools/esptool\esptool.py", line 2890, in main
    esp.connect(args.before)
  File "C:/Users/Rajat Saini/Documents/ArduinoData/packages/esp8266/hardware/esp8266/2.6.3/tools/esptool\esptool.py", line 483, in connect
    raise FatalError('Failed to connect to %s: %s' % (self.CHIP_NAME, last_error))
esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)
esptool.FatalError: Failed to connect to ESP8266: Invalid head of packet (0xF0)

I have the exact same Problem. Have you found a solution?

Badeshka1 on 25 Apr 2020

Check the onboard components of the esp module there might be a possibility of minor short circuit it happens when we usually jump it with the UNO board due the voltage parameters

Rahuldakuri on 25 Apr 2020

Hmm Im using a voltage reducer regulator to step down the 5V from the Arduino Uno to the 3.3V it needs.

Im also getting the Same Error but with a (0x08) and not the (0xF0) anymore. Do you know what the difference between these two is?

Thanks for the quick reply!

Badeshka1 on 25 Apr 2020

Also all the AT+ commands work. I can connect to my wifi network and get the IP ETC. I just cant upload code...?

Badeshka1 on 25 Apr 2020

hi guys, please i have this same error of invalid head of packet (0x90). i am using an ESP-12F module on an arduino UNO. i removed the AtMEga I.C from the arduino and connected tx to tx from the esp to UNO. all i see when i open serial monitor is a lot of rubbish. and the blue LED on the ESP keeps blinking fast..... SOMEBODY HELPPP!!!

nitrame on 25 Apr 2020

This is an issue tracker, meant for tracking issues in the core. It's not meant for general support or help requests. Please seek such help at a community forum like esp8266.com or stackoverflow.

devyte on 26 Apr 2020

Well this might sound sarcastic but did you check the port declaration on the ide before uploading the code I just had the doubt

Rahuldakuri on 28 Apr 2020

I had the same error. Anyone get this to work?

tedhts on 30 Apr 2020

For the the Problem was caused because I didn't have the reset pin connected to ground the Arduino uno board. Once you connect that the Arduino knows that it just needs to pass through the code.

Hope it helps!

On 30. Apr 2020, at 20:28, Theodore Schmiechen notifications@github.com wrote:

I had the same error. Anyone get this to work?

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You are receiving this because you commented.
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Badeshka1 on 1 May 2020

🎉4

Wow, thank you! That's exactly what I needed. I uploaded the code with no problem.

tedhts on 1 May 2020

For the the Problem was caused because I didn't have the reset pin connected to ground the Arduino uno board. Once you connect that the Arduino knows that it just needs to pass through the code.

Hope it helps!

On 30. Apr 2020, at 20:28, Theodore Schmiechen notifications@github.com wrote:

I had the same error. Anyone get this to work?

—
You are receiving this because you commented.
Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.

Hi, I am trying to understand this comment but i'm failing to yet it seems like the solution lies here. Can you reach out please. Thanks

teenkevo on 3 Jun 2020

The reason I was having the problem is because I didn't have the reset pin on the Arduino uno connected to ground

Sent from my iPhone

On 3. Jun 2020, at 17:08, teenkevo notifications@github.com wrote:

For the the Problem was caused because I didn't have the reset pin connected to ground the Arduino uno board. Once you connect that the Arduino knows that it just needs to pass through the code.

Hope it helps!

On 30. Apr 2020, at 20:28, Theodore Schmiechen [email protected] wrote:

I had the same error. Anyone get this to work?

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You are receiving this because you commented.
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Hi, I am trying to understand this comment but i'm failing to yet it seems like the solution lies here. Can you reach out please. Thanks

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Badeshka1 on 3 Jun 2020

@Badeshka1 Can you share the PIN configuration you used while uploading the code for generic ESP8266 module ? I am still facing issues.

25b3nk on 1 Aug 2020

@Badeshka1 Can you share the PIN configuration you used while uploading the code for generic ESP8266 module ? I am still facing issues.

GND -> GND
TX -> TX
RX -> RX
VCC -> VC

It's counterintuitive because you'd assume TX would go to RX on the other side. It doesn't. Also, be very sure that you're only applying 3.3V - not 5V. If you're using Adafruit FTDI Friend, there are solder points on the back to send 3.3V on VCC.

tedhts on 1 Aug 2020

👍1

All the pins you posted are correct. maybe try swapping the TX and RX. Most
importantly you need to have the reset port on the arduino connected to the
Ground on the Arduino. This tells the Arduino to just send the Code on to
the ESP.

Hope it helps

On Sat, Aug 1, 2020 at 6:35 PM Theodore Schmiechen notifications@github.com
wrote:

@Badeshka1 https://github.com/Badeshka1 Can you share the PIN
configuration you used while uploading the code for generic ESP8266 module
? I am still facing issues.

GND -> GND

TX -> TX

RX -> RX

VCC -> VC

It's counterintuitive because you'd assume TX would go to RX on the other
side. It doesn't. Also, be very sure that you're only applying 3.3V - not
5V. If you're using Adafruit FTDI Friend, there are solder points on the
back to send 3.3V on VCC.

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Badeshka1 on 2 Aug 2020

👍2 🎉1

Reset of Arduino connected to ground,
Rx arduino -> Rx esp
Tx arduino -> Tx esp
gnd arduino -> gnd esp
3.3v arduino -> vcc esp
3.3 v arduino ->chpd esp
gnd arduino -> GPIO 0

while upload the program from Arduino to Eps on UART, you need connect to 3.3 RESET esp for one second and GPIO 0 to ground, after that, disconnect the reset pin from 3.3 and wait the program finish upload. After that disconnect and reconnect the vcc.

For me it works.