> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mtoolstec.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mtoolstec.com/hardware/rfid-nfc-and-uhf-hardware/pn532killer/quickstart.md).

# Connect and Scan

Use USB to establish a reliable host connection before configuring emulator slots or Bluetooth.

## Prepare the Device

1. Connect a USB data cable and identify the serial port.
2. Install the CH343 driver if Windows does not list the device under Ports (COM & LPT).
3. With a display extension, select **Settings → Host Interface → USB**.
4. Close other software using the serial port.

## Install the Development CLI

The emulator-export and firmware-update workflows in these guides use the PN532 CLI `dev` channel. Install Python 3.9 or later, then:

```bash
git clone --branch dev https://github.com/whywilson/pn532-python.git
cd pn532-python
python3 -m venv .venv
```

Activate `.venv` using `source .venv/bin/activate` on Linux/macOS or `.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1` in Windows PowerShell, then run:

```bash
python -m pip install -r script/requirements.txt
python script/pn532_cli_main.py
```

Packaged beta builds are also available from the [CLI releases](https://github.com/whywilson/pn532-python/releases). The development channel changes over time; inspect command help when an option differs.

## Connect and Identify

Run these at the CLI prompt:

```
hw connect
hw version
hw mode r
hf 14a scan
```

If necessary, use `hw connect -p COM3` or replace COM3 with the local serial path. Confirm that the CLI identifies PN532Killer before using its extended commands.

For an ISO15693 tag:

```
hf 15 scan
hf 15 info
```

## Mobile Connections

MTools on Android uses direct USB host / OTG with Host Interface set to USB. MTools BLE requires the BLE extension and Host Interface set to BLE; scan for the device within the app. Neither app replaces the desktop firmware-update workflow.

If the interface is stuck in BLE mode, firmware supporting USB recovery allows holding Enter for about five seconds and releasing after the red LED flashes.

Continue with [Reader and Emulator Operations](/hardware/rfid-nfc-and-uhf-hardware/pn532killer/reader-and-emulator.md).