Firmware Updates
If you are ready to update the firmware on your KIBO, you have come to the right place! When we say “firmware,” we are referring to the program that makes KIBO’s circuit boards work the way we designed them.
We’ve released the following firmware updates since we started selling KIBOs:
- In April 2017, version 2.28 added support for the Sound Record and Playback Module and made right/left turns closer to 90-degrees.
- In June 2018, version 2.39 added support for the Free Throw Extension Set and fixed a bug that could sometimes cause KIBO to “lock up”.
- In September 2019, version 3.01 added support for the Advanced Coding Extension Set.
- In November 2019, version 3.20 improved sensor performance in IF and REPEAT statements.
- In December 2020, version 3.30 fixed a bug affecting the IF NOT block in the Advanced Coding Extension Set.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to update your KIBO, you will need either a Mac or Windows computer (Windows 7 or later).
To install your firmware update, choose and click on the appropriate link (Mac or Windows) below.
Note: if you are running anti-virus software, you may need to explicitly allow the firmware updater to run, or you may need to temporarily disable your anti-virus software. The procedure for this will depend on which anti-virus software you use.
- Make sure your computer is on, and your KIBO has 4 working AA batteries installed.
- Plug your KIBO into your computer using the USB-A-to-B cable provided. If you do not have your cable, you can purchase one from us or from another supplier.
- Download the update file. The file is called KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30.dmg. Save it somewhere on your computer where you can find it again.
- Go to where you saved the update and double click on it. It will open up the KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30 window.
- Double-click the KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30.app icon.You may get a security warning that says “KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30 can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer”. If so, you need to temporarily change your security settings as follows.Open up your System Preferences (under the Apple logo menu at the top left of your screen) > Security & Privacy. Depending on which version of Mac OS you are running, you may see different options here. You may have an option to allow the firmware updater app to run specifically. If so, choose that. Otherwise, you may see a general option to “Allow apps downloaded from:”. Choose “Anywhere”. (You should return this to its original setting once you are done with the update.)
- After you have changed your security settings, double-click on the KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30.app icon again
- You may see another a security warning. Click “Open” or “Open Anyway” (depending on your version of Mac OS.)
- This will open the actual firmware updater. Click “Update Firmware”.
- When the updater is finished, you will see a message at the bottom of the window telling you to (a) disconnect the cable, and then (b) remove and re-insert one of the batteries. (It says “remove and replace” but you can really just remove and re-insert one battery.)
You have successfully updated your KIBO — congratulations!
Note: if you are running anti-virus software, you may need to explicitly allow the firmware updater to run, or you may need to temporarily disable your anti-virus software. The procedure for this will depend on which anti-virus software you use.
- Make sure your computer is on, and your KIBO has 4 working AA batteries installed.
- Plug your KIBO into your computer using the USB-A-to-B cable provided. If you do not have your cable, you can purchase one from us or from another supplier.
- Download the update file. The file is called KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30_32bit.exe. Save it somewhere on your computer where you can find it again.
- Go to where you saved the update. Double-click the file called KIBOFirmwareUpdate_v3_30_32bit.exe.You might get a security warning, saying that the publisher could not be verified. Click “Run” or “Run Anyway.” (In Windows 10, you may need to click a “More Info” link first, before you can click “Run”.)
- The KIBO Firmware Updater (v3.30) will open. Click the “Update Firmware” button.
- When it’s finished, unplug the USB cable, and reset your KIBO by removing and re-inserting one of the batteries. (It says “remove and replace” but you can really just remove and re-insert one battery.)
You have successfully updated your KIBO — congratulations!