Skip to main content

CHESTER Quick Start Guide

Thank you for choosing the CHESTER device.

Follow these steps to set it up and start viewing your live data in the HARDWARIO Cloud.

For more detailed information, you can also download the CHESTER Manual (EN/CZ) in PDF format.

Step 1: Create a HARDWARIO Cloud Account​

  1. Go to https://hardwario.cloud
  2. Click SIGN UP
  3. Create an account using:
    • Google or Microsoft account
    • Email and password (don’t forget to verify your email)
  4. Once verified, log in.
info

For improved security, we recommend authenticating via Google or Microsoft, as these identity providers use verified credentials and advanced account protection mechanisms.

Step 2: Create Your Space​

  1. In the top-right corner, click SPACES → NEW SPACE
  2. Name your space (for example: my-home, office-sensors, warehouse)
  3. This is where your CHESTER devices will live.
caution

Please follow our Naming Conventions when creating your space.

Step 3: Add a Device​

  1. Select your Space

  2. Go to DEVICES → +NEW DEVICE

  3. Enter the information about your CHESTER — you can choose one of the following options:

    Option 1 – Scan the QR Code:
    Use the ⛶ SCAN DEVICE feature in the HARDWARIO Cloud to scan the QR code on your CHESTER — all the information will be filled in automatically!

    Option 2 – Manually:
    You can add a device manually by filling in the following fields:

    • Name
    • HARDWARIO Serial Number (HSN)
    • Claim Token
info

The Claim Token is unique for each device — you can obtain it by scanning the QR code on the device with any QR code reader, or by using the info show command when the device is connected via J-Link.

  1. Save it — your CHESTER is now registered in the Cloud!
tip

Need more details?
You can find more in-depth information about the HARDWARIO Cloud here:
👉 https://docs.hardwario.com/cloud/

Or check out our video tutorial on how to add your CHESTER device to the Cloud:
👉 https://docs.hardwario.com/chester/getting-started/videos-chester/chester-cloud

Step 4: Power Up Your CHESTER​

caution

Important: Add the device to the Cloud before powering it up.
Otherwise, it might take longer (up to several hours) to connect.

  • Insert the batteries or connect an external power source

  • Wait a few minutes while your device connects to the HARDWARIO Cloud — the device will blink the green LED once it’s successfully connected
    (See LED behavior explained below in Step 5: Check the Status LED)

  • If you are using an older CHESTER-M model with supercapacitors, wait about 30 seconds after inserting the batteries — the capacitors need to charge before the LED starts blinking.

  • If it doesn’t connect, try one of these quick actions:

    🔹 Press the button four times → reboots the device
    🔹 Remove and reinsert the batteries
    🔹 For CHESTER-M (with blue supercapacitors):

    • Hold the button or press it five times until the white LED turns on — this discharges the capacitors (takes ≈ 30 s)

Step 5: Check the Status LED​

  • Blinking green every 5 seconds → Connected to HARDWARIO Cloud ✅
  • No blinking / other colors → Still connecting or an error occurred — check SIM, network coverage, or power
info

For details about all LED color states and meanings, see the LED Behaviour documentation.

Step 6: See Your Data in the Cloud​

  1. In HARDWARIO Cloud, open DEVICES
  2. Click the chat icon next to your device
  3. You’ll see messages and live data sent from CHESTER 🎉

Step 7: Configure Your Device​

Once connected, you can:

Step 8: Check and Update CHESTER Firmware​

It’s always a good idea to make sure your CHESTER is running the latest firmware version.

Check Firmware Version​

You can check it in two ways:

  1. Using HARDWARIO Manager (mobile app)

    • Open the app and connect to your CHESTER via Bluetooth
    • The firmware version will be displayed automatically

  2. Using HARDWARIO Monitor (desktop app)

    • Connect CHESTER via USB or BLE
    • Run the command: 
      info show
    • You’ll see firmware and application details in the console

Download the Latest Firmware​

You can always find the newest firmware builds here:
👉 Available Application Firmware Builds

info

The firmware table is organized by CHESTER type, so make sure to select the correct one for your device.

Update Firmware​

If a newer version is available, you can update it using one of these methods:

  1. Update via HARDWARIO Manager (mobile app)

  2. Update Firmware from the Cloud (FOTA)

    • You can also update your CHESTER remotely via the cloud.

    • For full technical details, see this guide: 👉 FOTA documentation.

  3. Manual Update via J-Link (over USB)

✅ That’s it!
Your CHESTER is now connected, configured, and up to date — ready to collect and send data to the cloud.

Step 9: Explore Applications and Integrations​

Your CHESTER can do much more than just send data!
You can extend its functionality using HARDWARIO Applications — ready-made modules and tools that help you:

  • 📊 Visualize your data using dashboards and charts
  • 🌐 Integrate CHESTER into existing LoRaWAN networks or other IoT systems
  • ⚙️ Build automations and analytics for your specific use case

All applications are easy to deploy and can transform your CHESTER into a complete IoT solution.

info

👉 Learn more and explore available applications here:
https://docs.hardwario.com/apps/