Guide

MAKCU Troubleshooting

LED status guide and troubleshooting steps for MAKCU device issues.

LED

LED Status Guide

MAKCU uses LEDs on both sides to indicate system status and help you troubleshoot issues. The LEDs can be solid (on or off) or blinking.

Left Side (Device Side)

The left side LED shows the status of the USB device connection to your computer.

Solid ON (Green)

Meaning: USB device is connected and working correctly

Action: No action needed - everything is working

Solid OFF

Meaning: No USB device connected

Action: Check USB cable connection and ensure device is powered on

Slow Blink (500ms on, 500ms off)

Meaning: Warning - system is adjusting settings

When it occurs: Baud rate is being changed or system is reconfiguring

Action: Wait a few seconds - this should resolve automatically. If it persists, try restarting MAKCU.

Right Side (Host Side)

The right side LED shows the status of the USB host connection to your mouse/keyboard.

Solid ON (Green)

Meaning: USB host is connected and working correctly

Action: No action needed - everything is working

Solid OFF

Meaning: No USB device connected to host

Action: Connect a supported mouse or keyboard to the right side USB port

Slow Blink (500ms on, 500ms off)

Meaning: Warning - temporary issue detected

When it occurs: USB request is busy (normal during operation) or system is handling a temporary condition

Action: Usually resolves automatically. If it persists, check device connection.

Steps

Troubleshooting Steps

Slow Blink Persists

Problem:

LED keeps blinking slowly and doesn't resolve

Possible Causes:

System stuck in configuration state, baud rate change didn't complete, or warning condition not clearing

What to Do:

Wait 10 seconds - some operations take time, power cycle the affected side, check for any error messages in device manager, or reflash if problem continues

LED Not Responding

Problem:

LED doesn't turn on or change state at all

Possible Causes:

LED hardware issue, firmware not running, or power issue

What to Do:

Verify device is powered (check USB connection), check if device is recognized in device manager, try reflashing the firmware, or if still not working, there may be a hardware issue

Device Not Working Despite Green LED

Problem:

LED shows solid ON (green) but mouse/keyboard doesn't work

Possible Causes:

Device driver issue on computer, USB port problem, or device compatibility issue

What to Do:

Check device manager for any error icons, try a different USB port, verify CH343 driver is installed correctly, check if COM port number is below 10, or try a different mouse or keyboard to test

Baud Rate Mismatch / Software Not Connecting

Problem:

MAKCU is not changing baud rate or software is not connecting to MAKCU.

Symptoms:

  • Software cannot communicate with MAKCU
  • MAKCU not responding to commands
  • Connection timeouts
  • Device appears connected but no data exchange

Solution:

Open device manager and change the com port to be any number below 10 (you may force a com port number if all are in use). Ensure baud rate is matched to the software's expectations. The MAKCU.com website and the AIO tool expect MAKCU to be running at 115200 (1 flash mode). Users must ensure that baud rate 115200 is enabled to communicate with the website and tools.

  1. Check the baud rate indicator LED (left) when MAKCU starts - it should flash 1 time for 115200
  2. If baud rate is incorrect, press the left button 4 times fast to change it
  3. Ensure USB 1 + USB 2 are connected for MAKCU to have power to change baud rate
  4. Change COM port in your software settings to match MAKCU's
  5. Verify baud rate matches between MAKCU and your software
  6. If using MAKCU website or AIO tool, ensure baud rate is set to 115200

Important: USB 1 + USB 2 must be connected for MAKCU to take power. USB 2 does not provide power to MAKCU - this prevents back feeding to the main PC and 2nd PC from both USB ports.

Cannot Flash from Website - USB Disconnecting

Problem:

Cannot flash MAKCU from the website. Device Manager shows USB 1 or 3 disconnecting constantly.

Possible Causes:

MAKCU is not flashed - this is the default factory state of the ESP32-S3 chip.

What to Do:

This is normal for unflashed devices. Hold the button down correctly and insert the USB cable. The Device Manager will stop looping and you are ready to flash. After the first flash, this will not happen again.

Button Held Correctly But Still Boot Looping

Problem:

Holding the button down correctly and connecting the USB cable, but Device Manager is still boot looping.

Possible Causes:

MAKCU may be faulty, USB cables may be faulty, or your USB port may have issues supporting MAKCU.

What to Do:

Try another USB port, try another PC, try the other cable, replace the cable, or seek a replacement from your reseller.

Reference

Quick Reference

LED StateLeft Side MeaningRight Side MeaningAction
Solid ONDevice connectedHost connectedWorking - no action needed
Solid OFFNo deviceNo deviceConnect device
Slow BlinkWarning/AdjustingWarning/TemporaryWait, usually resolves
Help

Still Having Issues?

If you've tried all troubleshooting steps and the problem persists:

  • Verify Setup

    Ensure both sides are correctly flashed and configured

  • Check Connections

    Verify all USB cables and connections are secure

  • Driver Check

    Confirm CH343 driver is installed and COM port is below 10

  • Supported Device

    Ensure you're using a supported mouse or keyboard

  • Reflash

    Try reflashing both sides with the latest firmware

  • Hardware Check

    If LEDs don't respond at all, there may be a hardware issue

Remember: MAKCU supports both keyboard and mouse devices. However, not all mice and keyboards are compatible with MAKCU. If your mouse is not functional, please try another mouse.