TopMacro - macros for Bloody, Logitech, Razer mice

Makcu ESP32 S3 board: firmware installation, connection, and setup

A beginner-friendly walkthrough with real screenshots from the official Medius Dashboard

Makcu ESP32 S3 board for macro configuration

What is the Makcu ESP32 S3?

Makcu ESP32 S3 is a small hardware board based on the ESP32-S3 that acts as an intermediate device between the mouse and the computer.

The most practical setup today uses the Makcu board with an Android phone running our macro app. This lets you continue playing comfortably with recoil compensation. The Makcu board can also be used in a two-PC setup. If you do not have an Android phone or a second computer, a single-PC connection option is available. All supported connection setups are described in detail later in this article.

Example of a Makcu board with an Android phone

Below, we explain what to check before buying, how to flash the board, and how to connect and configure it correctly.

Where to buy a Makcu board

In online marketplace listings, Makcu is sold as ESP32-S3 Arduino Development Board or MAKCU Development Board. You can find it on AliExpress, Taobao, Temu, in local electronics stores, on eBay, and in specialized DMA/KMBOX shops. Prices vary widely: some sellers list it at around 20–30 USD, while others charge more because of bundled cables, shipping, or local stock.

Where to look What to pay attention to
AliExpress / Taobao / Temu The most common source. Check how many USB cables are included, photos of the specific board revision, reviews with real pictures, and the buyer protection period.
Online stores in your country Convenient if fast delivery and a clear product page matter to you.
eBay and local sellers Suitable if you need local stock. Check the listing status: some offers may already be inactive, and the price can be higher than on marketplaces.
TopMacro bundle

Ready-to-use Makcu board in a branded enclosure

If you do not yet have a Makcu board, you can choose the ready-to-use TopMacro-branded kit: the board is pre-flashed, installed in a protective enclosure, and fully prepared for connection. The package includes two USB cables and a complimentary 30-day subscription to our macro software. The higher price of the branded kit reflects the protective enclosure, preconfiguration, and delivery-related costs. If keeping the price lower is your priority, you can purchase a board without an enclosure from another marketplace: once flashed and connected, it will provide the same functionality and is usually considerably cheaper.

Buy in Ukraine Buy with delivery to your country

Before buying, check the following: if the kit includes only one USB-to-USB cable, you will need to buy a second identical one separately. The board must have three USB ports and two BOOT buttons on the sides:

Example of a Makcu board with three USB ports and two BOOT buttons

Attention: connecting to an Android phone

If you plan to use Makcu with an Android phone, buy a Type-C OTG-to-USB-A adapter in advance: the Type-C plug goes into the phone, and the USB-A port is used to connect the Makcu board. The product title or description must explicitly mention OTG support. Models such as the Philips OTG Type-C to USB 3.0 Adapter or similar alternatives will work, but always check the description before you buy. The photo below shows an example of the correct type of adapter. IMPORTANT! A regular Type-C-to-USB cable will not work. To connect Makcu to your phone, you must buy and use this type of adapter; without it, your phone will not be able to detect connected devices. If you are not sure whether you picked the right one, message us on Telegram.

Example of a Type-C-to-USB-A OTG adapter for an Android phone

Makcu firmware

Choose the correct procedure first

If Device already says Connected and shows a firmware version, Medius is installed. Do not repeat first-time setup; use the Update tab for normal updates.

The current firmware is installed directly through the official Medius website. You do not need a separate Makcu program, EXE, or BIN files: the site downloads the latest stable release and guides you through each step.

Open Medius Dashboard Official documentation
Medius Dashboard start screen with the Connect button and USB1 USB2 USB3 wiring diagram
This screenshot shows the Medius Dashboard on this PC. Use Connect for a normal connection.

What you need

  • A Windows PC with the latest version of Google Chrome. The dashboard uses Web Serial; Firefox and embedded browsers may not show the device.
  • Known-good USB data cables. A charge-only cable will not work.
  • Close TopMacro, the old Makcu flasher, terminals, and other Medius tabs. Only one program can hold the COM port.
  • Find the USB1, USB2, and USB3 labels and the two BOOT buttons next to the outer ports.

Critical wiring rule

Do not connect USB1 and USB3 to the same computer. In normal use, USB1 goes to the gaming PC, USB2 to a second PC or an Android device running the control software, and USB3 only to the mouse. Connecting USB3 to a computer incorrectly can cause reverse power flow and an emergency shutdown.

First-time Medius installation (once)

Use these steps for a new board, the stock Makcu firmware, or an older version that does not connect as Medius.

  1. Unplug all three USB cables from the board.
  2. Open the official Dashboard and select Set up on the left.
  3. Hold the BOOT button next to USB1. While holding it, plug USB1 into the PC running Chrome, then release the button.
    Step one of the official Medius setup wizard showing USB1 and the Install button
    Step 1 of 5: the site asks for only USB1 to be connected in BOOT mode.
  4. Click Install. If Chrome shows a port list, choose USB-Enhanced-SERIAL CH343, CH343, or USB Serial. Do not unplug the cable or close the page until the process is complete.
  5. When the first stage finishes, unplug USB1 and click Done.
  6. Hold the BOOT button next to USB3, plug USB3 into the same computer, release the button, and click Install again.
  7. Wait for completion, unplug USB3, and click Done.
  8. Reconnect for normal use: USB1 to the game PC, USB2 to the device running TopMacro, and USB3 to the mouse. Click Connect and select CH343.
    Medius Dashboard showing Connected and firmware version v3.2.1
    Example of a successful connection. Your displayed version may be newer.

Update an existing Medius installation

  1. Connect the board in its normal operating configuration and open Device.
  2. Click Connect, choose CH343, and wait until Connected appears.
  3. Open Update. If it says up to date, no flashing is needed.
  4. When a newer release is available, click Update both chips and wait. Do not unplug the board or close the tab. Reconnect after it restarts.
Medius Dashboard Update tab with the Update both chips button
Use Update both chips for normal updates. Main only and Mouse-side only are diagnostic options.

Set Makcu to 1000 Hz

The correct unit is 1000 Hz, not 1000 GHz. Wire rate changes the USB clone's advertised rate and the device's polling behavior. It does not overclock the physical mouse or generate reports that the mouse itself does not send.

  1. On Device, scroll to Options.
  2. Under Imperfect clone, click Allow imperfect. A forced wire rate requires this setting. The board may briefly restart.
  3. Under Emit rate, leave Learned selected so program-generated movement remains synchronized with the mouse's actual reporting rate.
  4. Under Wire rate, select Forced, enter 1000 in Wire rate (Hz), and click Apply.
  5. Wait a few seconds, reconnect with Connect, and verify Forced · 1000 Hz at the bottom.
  6. If the cursor drifts, stutters, or skips movements, restore Device's own and click Apply. Forced 1000 Hz is not suitable for every mouse or receiver.
Medius Dashboard with Wire rate set to Forced 1000 Hz before clicking Apply
The screenshot shows Forced 1000 Hz configured but not yet applied; not applied yet means you still need to click Apply.

A low-speed USB device is limited to roughly 100 Hz, so Medius cannot obtain a true 1000 Hz rate from it. Changing Wire rate re-clones the device, so the COM port may disappear for a few seconds.

Troubleshooting

ProblemWhat to do
No Connect button or the site cannot access SerialOpen the address over HTTPS in the latest version of Google Chrome.
CH343 is missing from the listConnect USB2 to this computer and use a USB data cable.
The port is busy or disconnects immediatelyClose TopMacro, the old flasher, terminals, and other Dashboard tabs.
Box is not answeringCheck the normal USB1 and USB2 wiring. If Medius is not installed, return to Set up.
The mouse does not work after flashingCheck the order: USB1 to the game PC, USB2 to the control device, USB3 to the mouse. In normal operating mode, never connect USB3 to a computer.
Cursor movement becomes worse at 1000 HzRestore Device's own and check the mouse's polling rate in the manufacturer's software.

Before testing the normal wiring

Before testing the board in TopMacro, click Disconnect in Medius Dashboard or close the Dashboard tab completely so that the website releases the board and its COM port. Then connect the board using the normal wiring and start the check in the application. While Medius Dashboard remains connected to the board, TopMacro cannot detect it.

How to confirm it is ready

  • The Device page shows Connected and a firmware version.
  • At least Host link, Mouse attached, and Clone configured are green in Status.
  • TopMacro detects Medius, and normal mouse movements and button presses pass through without lag or stutter.

Connection after flashing

PC + Phone 2 PCs 1 PC

For PC + Phone

This option is suitable if the game runs on the main PC and the Android macro app runs on the phone.

  1. Connect the left USB port of Makcu to the main gaming PC.
  2. Connect the middle USB port of Makcu to the phone where our Android macro app will run.
  3. Connect the mouse to the right USB port of Makcu. Makcu connection diagram for a PC and a phone

For 2 PCs

Use this setup if the game runs on one PC and the macro program runs on a second PC or laptop.

  1. Connect the left USB port of Makcu to the main gaming PC.
  2. Connect the middle USB port of Makcu to the second PC or laptop where the macro program will run.
  3. Connect the mouse to the right USB port of Makcu. Makcu connection diagram for two PCs

Auto-detection on the second PC: to detect weapons and attachments, the game feed must be visible on the second PC. Open the detailed OBS, capture card, Parsec, and Discord guide.

For 1 PC

This option is needed if both the game and the macro program run on the same main PC. In 1 PC mode, macros and aim assist will work in Rust and CS-Faceit, but there are risks because the program is running on the main PC.

  1. Connect the left USB port of Makcu to the main PC.
  2. Connect the middle USB port of Makcu to the same main PC with a second USB cable.
  3. Connect the mouse to the right USB port of Makcu. Makcu connection diagram for one PC

If the mouse does not move after flashing or the software does not detect the board, first check the port order. Correct port routing is just as important as the firmware: verify where the left, middle, and right USB ports are connected.

Setting up macros after flashing

After successful flashing and connection using the 1 PC, 2 PCs, or PC + phone setup, create an account or sign in to your personal account, activate your subscription, then download and run the macro program on the device connected to the Makcu board's USB2 port. When you choose the input mode in the program settings, a message should appear confirming that Makcu is ready.

  1. Check the connection. Make sure the program can see the board. Example of connecting to the program
  2. Configure the program. Set sensitivity, FOV, and ADS so that they match your in-game settings.
  3. Test in training mode. Before playing normally, test cursor movement as well as enabling and disabling the macro.