# Kaleido HiBean BLE Firmware # SnowBear Firmware Installation Kaleido currently uses Classic Bluetooth to talk to HiBean a dated standard that, importantly, isn't supported on iOS at all. This project is a workaround that finally brings Kaleido connectivity to iPhones and iPads. It also pairs nicely with Bear's bridge for connecting devices over BLE Serial, which sidesteps the long-standing issues Classic Bluetooth SPP has on macOS, especially on Apple Silicon. Brought to you by Bear of the Skywalker community, with support from Will\_Z at HiBean. [![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-05/scaled-1680-/hD8image.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-05/hD8image.png) **Machines Confirmed Kaleido Roasters that work: M1 Lite M1 Pro M2 LEGACY (Unsealed)** ### **Requirements** **This is still in Beta and code is still being worked on. Please report any issues you have to our Community Discord.** 1.
[**ESP32-S3**:](https://www.amazon.com/Waveshare-Development-ESP32-S3FH4R2-Dual-Core-Processor/dp/B0CHYHGYRH/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=r9sWT&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=5B6XB3S76AN41GG53BPF&pd_rd_wg=jrSyV&pd_rd_r=0c2acad7-cc3f-40c5-8e89-116521cb0165&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d)
Ensure you have the ESP32-S3 board
[![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/9Edimage.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/9Edimage.png)
2. USB A Male to USB C Male Cable (UART) [![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/scaled-1680-/ifzimage.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/ifzimage.png) or [C Splitter Dual (CP210x)](https://www.amazon.com/Cablecc-Type-C-USB-C-Power-Laptop/dp/B07VVX257H/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=1023POZXOBD5H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vC_z1K13EDIArR4bDN70N1dNcZrkJRQTIHwLSQvwYgFk3a_SXs52HCV0zMPOzZnPvHU3_tHiCr11XI4PJEcN-O5xEnGvZ3gY2ITc8omLOFV373DJ_J9f3zjK6IS85ihyHhImGk1QEmqC-JHvKDkTd_wlMRmYaf0IsdZUjBpZgHKgupKxBy_Yqm97Bnb0-vW9g-mDtZkA6e9DUcQOE5byMfFjkLqO9WxqjWXnk_WeUww.dvicPWvbyii2YXPwild8J2GNplxeY9hNkFY79hE6gJ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=usb%2BC%2Bsplit&qid=1781209057&sprefix=usb%2Bc%2Bspl%2Caps%2C277&sr=8-1&th=1) [![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/scaled-1680-/DgGimage.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/DgGimage.png) 3. **Binary File Link**: [SnowBear UART (Kaleido Top USB Port Tablet)](https://github.com/galangl/kaleido_sniper/blob/main/SnowBear/snowbear.bin) [SnowBear USB CP210x (Bottom USB port Artisan)](https://github.com/galangl/kaleido_sniper/blob/main/SnowBear/BLE_host_v1.2z_Kaleido%20M1%20Lite.bin) 4. **Browser**:Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (supports Web Serial) [ESPHome](https://web.esphome.io/) --- ### **Steps** #### **1. Download the Binary File** 1. Open the [GitHub link](https://github.com/galangl/kaleido_sniper/blob/main/SnowBear/snowbear.bin) 2. Click on the download raw file icon to download ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-12/scaled-1680-/TJ8image.png) --- #### **2. Open ESPHome Web** 1. Go to
[ESPHome Web](https://web.esphome.io/)
in your Chrome or Edge browser. 2. Make sure your ESP32-S3 is connected to your computer using a USB cable. --- #### **3. Connect the ESP32-S3** 1. On the ESPHome Web page, click the **Connect** button. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/CAdimage.png) 2. A pop-up will appear with available devices. Select the port for your ESP32-S3 and click **Connect**. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/IV2image.png) --- #### **4. Install the Binary File** 1. Once connected, click **Install**. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/We7image.png) 2. Choose **File** when prompted 3. In the file selection dialog, locate and select the BLE\_host\_v1.2z\_Kaleido\_SnowBear.bin bin file you downloaded earlier. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/xjHimage.png) 4. Click **Install** to start the flashing process. 5. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/m2iimage.png) --- #### **5. Flash the Firmware** 1. ESPHome Web will erase the existing firmware and flash the BLE\_host\_v1.2z\_Kaleido\_SnowBear.bin binary. ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/E4rimage.png) 2. The flashing process may take a few minutes. Wait for it to complete. 3. After successful installation, a success message will appear. #### ![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2025-01/scaled-1680-/JDKimage.png) #### 6. Plug into Kaleido Tablet USB Port. (Top USB port not the bottom) [![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/scaled-1680-/DMZimage.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/DMZimage.png) [![image.png](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/scaled-1680-/image.png)](https://skywiki.coffee/uploads/images/gallery/2026-06/image.png) --- ### **Direct Link to Binary File** --- ### **Troubleshooting** - **Device Not Recognized**: Ensure your USB cable supports data transfer. - **Flashing Errors** - **Hold BOOT and press RESET (recommended method):** 1. Hold down the **BOOT** button. 2. While holding BOOT, press and release the **RESET** button. 3. Continue holding BOOT for a second, then release it. 1. 1. **Unplug and replug while holding the BOOT button:** 1. Disconnect the ESP32-S3 from power (USB). 2. Press and hold the **BOOT** button. 3. While holding BOOT, plug the USB back in. 4. Once connected, release the BOOT button. - Let me know if you encounter issues or need further help! - Not all wires are the same ensure your wire has Data Wires not a 2 strand charging wire. BIG Thank you to Bear of the Skywalker Community Discord and Will\_Z for getting this option to work.