Getting Started with IronOS
This guide will help you install IronOS firmware on your device and understand the basics of operation.Installation
Download the firmware
Visit the releases page and download the firmware file for your device model with your preferred language support.
Pay attention to the language code in the file name. Currently 31 languages are supported.
Enter DFU/Bootloader mode
Put your device into DFU (Device Firmware Update) or bootloader mode:
- Hold down the +/A button (the button near the front/tip)
- While holding the button, connect the device to a power source
- Keep holding until the device powers on in bootloader mode
Device-Specific Flashing Guides
For detailed installation notes specific to your device, please refer to the appropriate flashing guide:MHP30
Mini Hot Plate flashing guide
Pinecil V1
Pine64 Pinecil V1 flashing guide
Pinecil V2
Pine64 Pinecil V2 flashing guide
TS80 / TS80P
Miniware TS80/TS80P flashing guide
TS100
Miniware TS100 flashing guide
TS101
Miniware TS101 (uses TS100 method)
TS101, S60, S60P, and T55: These devices use the same DFU bootloader flashing method as TS100/TS80P. Follow the TS100 or TS80P guide respectively.
Update Recommendation: It is recommended to update to the newest stable release when you first receive your device to ensure you are up to date.
First Power On
When you first power on your device after flashing IronOS: If you receive warnings about the accelerometer or USB-PD not being detected, please see the hardware issues documentation.The Home Screen
The home screen (also called the idle screen) is the landing page of the firmware. From here you can access two main functions:
Screen Elements
- Soldering iron icon: Appears near the tip, indicating that pressing the front button (+/A) enters soldering mode
- Settings icon: Slider controls or spanner icon near the rear, indicating that pressing the rear button (-/B) enters settings
- Power indicator: Shows at the right side of the screen:
- Voltage display for DC power
- Battery icon (if battery mode is enabled)
- Power plug icon for AC adapters
Screen Rotation
The screen may be drawn mirrored depending on the orientation setting. IronOS supports automatic LCD rotation based on how you hold the device.Burn-in Protection
The OLED screen features automatic burn-in protection. If no buttons or movement are detected for a while, the screen will automatically blank. Any movement or button press will wake the screen.Hidden Actions
Two additional actions are available on the home screen:Temperature Adjustment (Long press +/A)
Temperature Adjustment (Long press +/A)
On devices without profile mode, pressing and holding the front button (+/A) enters the temperature adjustment screen. This allows you to adjust the set temperature before the tip starts to heat.
Debug Menu (Long press -/B)
Debug Menu (Long press -/B)
Soldering Mode
When you press the front button to enter soldering mode, the iron will instantly start heating the tip.The firmware defaults to 320°C as the set point for soldering mode.
Controls in Soldering Mode
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| Short press +/A or -/B | Adjust temperature up or down |
| Long press +/A | Enter Boost mode (temporary temperature override) |
| Long press -/B | Exit to home screen (stop heating) |
| Press both buttons | Exit to home screen (compatibility mode) |
| Hold both buttons | Enter locked mode (prevent accidental button presses) |
Boost Mode
Boost mode allows a temporary override of the set temperature to a higher (or lower) value. This is useful for:- Driving more wattage into large joints
- Compensating for poor thermal connection
- Quick temperature adjustments without changing your base setting
Locked Mode
To prevent accidental button presses during soldering:- Press and hold both buttons simultaneously
- The display will indicate locked mode
- Buttons will be disabled (except optionally boost mode, if enabled in settings)
- Repeat to unlock
Idle Sleep
If the iron detects a period without significant movement, it will automatically enter sleep mode.Sleep Mode Behavior
- Temperature automatically lowers to 150°C (default, customizable)
- Screen displays “Zzzz” graphic or text in detailed mode
- Reduces oxidation and tip damage
- Extends tip longevity
Waking from Sleep
- Pick up or move the iron (motion detection)
- Press any button
Tip Longevity: When not using the iron, unplug it or let it sleep to increase the longevity of replaceable tips.
Hall Effect Sensor (Pinecil Only)
Pinecil has an optional hall effect sensor feature:- Unpopulated footprint (U14) for Si7210-B-00-IV hall effect sensor
- Place a neodymium magnet on your holder stand
- Iron automatically sleeps when placed in stand
- 10 user-defined sensitivity settings (0=off, 1=lowest, 9=highest)
- Installation details
Idle Shutdown
If the iron remains in sleep mode without movement for an extended period (default: 10 minutes), it will automatically shut down and return to the home screen.Profile Mode
MHP30 Only: Profile mode is currently only available on the MHP30 mini hot plate device.
Preheat phase
Device raises temperature to configured preheat temperature at the configured preheat speed.
Phase execution
Temperature gradually moves through each configured phase with specified durations and end temperatures.
Settings Menu
The settings menu provides access to all firmware configuration options.Navigation
- -/B button: Enter menu and scroll down through options
- +/A button: Enter and change the current option
- Long press: Change through options faster with acceleration
- Wait a few seconds: See scrolling description of the current option
Menu Structure
The menu consists of:- Main menu: Categories of settings
- Sub-menus: Individual parameters within each category
- Scrollbar: Small dot on the right edge indicates position in list
- Blink indicator: Scrollbar blinks rapidly when at the last value in a range
Every menu option has an on-screen description - just wait a few seconds and it will scroll across the screen.
Exploring Settings
Take a few minutes to go through all options in the menu. Almost every aspect of the internal system is adjustable:- Temperature settings (soldering, boost, sleep)
- Power management
- Motion sensitivity
- Display options
- Sleep and shutdown timers
- Advanced features
Reset to Defaults
To restore default settings:- Navigate to Advanced settings
- Select Restore default settings
- Confirm using the front (+/A) button
Additional Resources
Menu Information
Detailed documentation of all menu options
Debug Menu
Learn about debugging and diagnostics
Hardware Issues
Troubleshooting hardware problems
Power Management
Understanding power management
Next Steps
Supported Hardware
Learn about all devices that run IronOS and their capabilities