ESP8266 Community Forum

I tried to download this firmware: http://bbs.espressif.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=481
using this tutorial: https://www.ukhas.net/wiki/esp8266_firmware_update
for OS X
I downloaded the first bin file successfully, then it bricked my device.
I'm using an ESP-1 and the firmware version before was 0018000902-AI03.

I looked at the site that you referenced and I see a few concerns:

Connect your ESP8266 module as follows:

Vcc = 3.3V (needs around 300-400mA peak)
Gnd = -ve ground
CH_PD = Chip enable so always +ve
RST = Leave floating or ground to reset
GPIO0 = Normally floating but this needs to be grounded when you start the update.
UTXD = Tx data connect to Txd on FTDI/Serial interface
URXD = Rx data connect to Rx of FTDI/Serial interface

• UTXD should connect to Rx of the FTDI
• URXD should connect to Tx of the FTDI
• He mentions connecting CH_PD to +ve but for clarity he should say connect to Vcc
• He says to leave RST floating but I would pull it high just to be safe

You don't mention where you are getting 3.3V but many USB-to-TTL adapters don't always supply enough current. Many work but many do not work, especially when flashing firmware.

I don't think you can technically brick your module since it has ROM so double check your connections and try again.

what exactly are you flashing to your device? The binary AT firmware distribution that comes with the SDK?

So what should I be flashing to it?
What's the latest version?