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ZeroTrace AirLeak Pro

Board

The AirLeak Pro board at a glance, its two processors, two radios, antennas, status light and USB-C.

Board

AirLeak Pro is a two-processor design. One processor is the brain, it runs Bluetooth and all the app logic, and it manages GPS, storage and power. A second, dedicated processor is a pure Wi-Fi radio, covering both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The two work in parallel so neither has to wait on the other. For why the design is split this way, see Why two processors.

Processors
Main processorESP32-S3 (dual-core) — Bluetooth LE and all app logic, plus GPS, storage and power management
Main memory16 MB storage / 8 MB working memory
Wi-Fi processorESP32-C5 — dedicated dual-band Wi-Fi radio
Wi-Fi processor memory8 MB storage / 8 MB working memory
Radios
BluetoothBluetooth LE (on the main processor)
Wi-FiDual-band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (on the Wi-Fi processor)
AntennasExternal antennas on each radio module
Location & storage
GPSOptional ATGM336H GNSS module (not fitted by default)
Memory cardmicroSD slot, card user-supplied
Power & interface
Battery1x 18650 rechargeable cell, on-board holder, user-supplied
ChargingUSB-C, on-board, runs while charging
ControlZeroTrace mobile app over Bluetooth LE
Local controls1 RGB status light, slide power switch

Antennas

Each radio module carries its own external antenna connection, one for the Bluetooth and main-processor radio, one for the dual-band Wi-Fi radio. Keeping them separate is part of what lets both radios run at full strength at once.

Status light and switch

A single colour status light shows power, activity and charge state. A slide switch cuts power fully when you are done, there is no soft standby to drain the cell.

USB-C

The USB-C port charges the cell and, when needed, reaches both processors for a factory flash. Day to day you never need it for control, everything runs over Bluetooth from the app.

Programming & debug headers

Each processor has its own 6-pin programming header (2×03, 2.54 mm) with an auto-reset circuit, so a USB-serial adapter can flash it in one click. You only need these for firmware recovery or development — normal use is entirely over the app.

J2 · ESP32-S3 programming & debug header
The main processor's header. 2×03, 2.54 mm, with RTS/DTR auto-reset.
RTSRXD012+3V3TXD034GNDDTR56
ControlRX / inPowerTX / outGround
J3 · ESP32-C5 programming & debug header
The Wi-Fi processor's header. Same layout as J2, on the Wi-Fi radio's UART.
RTSRXD112+3V3TXD134GNDDTR56
ControlRX / inPowerTX / outGround
Header presence varies by batch

The debug headers are for development and recovery. Some production batches ship them unpopulated. The AirLeak Mini omits them entirely.

MCU-select switch (older batches)

Older AirLeak Pro batches carried a small 2-way DIP switch to choose which processor is active. Set both actuators the same way:

SW · MCU selector
ON ↑12
Both UP → ESP32-S3
ON ↑12
Both DOWN → ESP32-C5

Current batches select the processor in firmware and do not carry this switch.

No display, no cellular

AirLeak Pro has no screen (the status light is the only on-device indicator) and no cellular or long-range radio. All results are viewed in the app or read back from the memory card.

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...