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Getting Started

Field Guide 01 · 12 min read

Learn about the M1 controls, navigate through menus, enter text, and understand common screen labels.

Before you begin​

Charge the M1 before a long session. Insert a compatible microSD card if you plan to save captures, credentials, card images, BLE records, or infrared data.

Authorized use

Use read, transmit, emulate, write, capture, network, USB, and GPIO functions only on equipment you own or are explicitly authorized to test.

Physical controls​

ControlIn menusInside a function
UpPrevious item.Move through lists or change the selected value when shown.
DownNext item.Move through lists, change a value, or use the action shown at the bottom of the screen.
LeftChange a value where arrows appear.Previous page/value, rescan, or the labeled lower-left action.
RightChange a value where arrows appear.Next page/value, confirm, or the labeled lower-right action.
CenterOpen the highlighted item.Start, stop, select, save, send, or run the labeled action.
BackReturn one menu level.Cancel, stop safely, or return to the preceding screen.

Press Center from the home screen to open the nine-item main menu.

OrderCategoryFunctions
1Sub-GHzScan, Record, Replay, Frequency Reader, Remap Tx pin
2RFIDRead, Saved, Add, Utilities
3NFCRead, Saved, Add, Extract Keys, Tools
4InfraredUniversal Remotes, Learn, Replay, Remap Tx pin
5USBUSB Drive
6GPIOGPIO Control, 3.3V power, 5V power, USB-UART bridge
7Wi-FiNetworks, Deauth Client, MonstaShark, Handshake, Beacon, Channel Survey
8BluetoothScan Devices, Signal Meter, GATT Explorer, Saved
9SettingsStorage, Power, Firmware update, ESP32 update, About

Use the virtual keyboard​

  1. Use the directional buttons to move the cursor.
  2. Press Center to enter the highlighted character.
  3. Use the on-screen delete control to remove the previous character.
  4. Choose Save only after checking the complete name or hexadecimal value.
  5. Press Back to cancel without applying the entry.
Hexadecimal fields

Keys, passwords, UIDs, and GATT values require exact byte lengths. Use only 0–9 and A–F; an odd number of characters is not a complete byte.

Use the file browser​

  1. Press Left on the home screen.
  2. Use Up and Down to select a folder or file.
  3. Press Center to open it.
  4. For a supported file, choose the available Run, Rename, or Delete action.
  5. Check the filename before renaming or deleting it. Press Back to leave without changing the file.
Do not interrupt writes

Do not remove the microSD card, disconnect USB, or power off during save, rename, delete, format, capture, or update operations.

Read the screen​

ElementMeaning
Highlighted rowCenter opens this item.
Left/right arrowsThe value or page can be changed.
Black action barShows the physical button and available action.
Progress or countersThe function is active; use its displayed Stop or Back behavior.
Saved / CompleteThe operation ended; verify the file or result.
Failed / ErrorStop and use that guide’s troubleshooting section before retrying.

Visual guide​

MonstaTek M1 boot screen

Need help? Email support@monstatek.com and include the firmware version and screen name.