Steps to Flash Corne BLE Keyboard Firmware

Steps to Flash Corne BLE Keyboard Firmware

Steps to Flash Corne Keyboard Firmware

Prerequisites

  • Cable: A USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C cable with data transfer capability (not charge-only).  

Flashing Steps

  1. Connect the Keyboard:
    • Plug one half of the Corne keyboard into your computer using the USB cable. Start with the left half unless specified otherwise.
  2. Enter Bootloader Mode:
    • Locate the reset button 
    • Quickly double-click the reset button.
    • A virtual USB drive named nicenano should appear on your computer.
    • Troubleshooting:
      • If nicenano doesn’t appear:
        • Double-click may be too slow; try again faster.
        • Check the USB cable and port:
          • Swap the cable or try a different USB port.
          • For USB-C to USB-C cables, flip the cable direction.
          • Ensure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging.
  3. Flash the Settings Reset Firmware:
    • Copy the reset file to the nicenano drive.
    • The drive will eject automatically once the copy is complete.
      • Note: On macOS, an error may appear; ignore it—the copy is still successful.
    • Repeat this step for the other half (e.g. right side) by connecting it and double-clicking its reset button.
  4. Flash the Firmware:
    • Re-enter bootloader mode on the left half (double-click reset again; nicenano reappears).
    • Copy the left-hand firmware file (e.g., containing left) to the nicenano drive. It will eject after flashing.
    • Connect the right half, enter bootloader mode, and copy the right-hand firmware file (e.g., containing right) to the nicenano drive.
    • Important:
      • Flash only one .uf2 file at a time; multiple files will cause errors.
      • The firmware is converted into executable code during flashing and isn’t stored on the keyboard.
  5. Verify and Troubleshoot:
    • Left Half Issues:
      • If the left half won’t connect to the computer:
        • Remove the keyboard from your computer’s BLE settings.
        • Type bt-clear-all on the keyboard (if functional) to clear its connection records, then reconnect.
    • Right Half Issues:
      • If the right half shows an “X” or Wi-Fi icon but doesn’t input: 
        • Press the reset button once on the right half.
        • If unresolved, reflash both halves:
          • Flash reset file to both sides to clear pairing data.
          • Flash the correct left and right firmware files again.
    • Pairing Problems:
      • If the left half shows a gear icon (not a wireless icon) or the PC connection toggles between “Connected” and “Paired”:
        • Remove the keyboard from your computer’s BLE settings.
        • Type bt-clear-all on the keyboard to reset connections, then pair again.

Build your own firmware:

Additional Notes

  • Order Matters: Always flash reset file first for each half before flashing the side-specific firmware.
  • BLE Channels: The keyboard supports five BLE channels (e.g., bt-sel-0 to bt-sel-4). Ensure you’re on the correct channel for your device. Refer to the keymap or additional documentation for channel-switching keycodes.
  • Firmware Purpose: Flashing reset file clears pairing and settings, while the left and right files configure the respective halves for operation.

 

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