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.

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:
    Ensure you have the ESP32-S3 board and a USB cable.
   
   
2. Power Data Y Cable
   
   
   
3. 5v USB Power Source
   

1. Binary File Link:
   SnowBear
2. Browser: Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (supports Web Serial) 
   ESPHome
   
   

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Steps

1. Download the Binary File

1. Open the GitHub link: TBA
2. Click on the download raw file icon to download 

   

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2. Open ESPHome Web

1. Go to 
   ESPHome Web
    in your Chrome or Edge browser.
   
   
2. Make sure your ESP32-S3 is connected to your computer using a USB cable.
   

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3. Connect the ESP32-S3

1. On the ESPHome Web page, click the Connect button.
   

   

   
   
2. A pop-up will appear with available devices. Select the port for your ESP32-S3 and click Connect.
   

   

   
   
   

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4. Install the Binary File

1. Once connected, click Install.
   

   

   
   
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.
   

   

4. Click Install to start the flashing process.

5. 

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5. Flash the Firmware

• ESPHome Web will erase the existing firmware and flash the BLE_host_v1.2z_Kaleido_SnowBear.bin  binary.
  

  

  
  
• The flashing process may take a few minutes. Wait for it to complete.
• After successful installation, a success message will appear.
  

  

  
  

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Direct Link to Binary File

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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!
  
  BIG Thank you to Bear of the Skywalker Community Discord and Will_Z for getting this option to work.