Settings screen
The settings screen can be opened by holding down the blue home button for 2 seconds.
On this screen, you can find the serial number and configuration details of your Bento Lab 1. If your Bento Lab has Wifi, you can configure Wifi connectivity 2. If not, your Bento Lab has Bluetooth connectivity instead.
You can also restart the user tutorial 3.
Installing Software Updates (Bento Lab with Wifi)
This section applies to Bento Lab with Wifi.
In order to find and install software updates, Bento Lab must be connected to a Wifi network with internet connectivity. If you are not already connected to Wifi, connect the lab to Wifi, then restart Bento Lab.
If a software update is available, a popup will appear within the first minute of powering Bento Lab.
To install, select the confirm button 1 and follow the instructions. To install the update at a later time, select the cancel icon 2. The software is available to install via the settings page later.
Connecting to Wifi
Wifi is disabled by default. To turn on Wifi, open the settings page by holding the blue home button for 2 seconds.
The power icon on the Wifi button 1 indicates that Wifi is currently turned off. Select the Wifi button and confirm to turn on Wifi.
It takes a few seconds for Wifi to activate and scan for available hotspots.
The icon on the Wifi button changes to indicate that Wifi is turned on, but no Wifi is connected 1.
Click the Wifi button to see a list of available networks. Scroll to the network and click to enter authentication details 2. If you want to turn off Wifi, use the button at the top of the list 1.
Enter the Wifi key and click confirm. The password field shows the last character you entered, with previous characters masked. To delete the last character or go back, use the green back button.
Issues with older firmware
If you are running an early release of the firmware, there can be issues with Wifi and software updates on certain networks. If Wifi does not connect right away, restart the device – the Wifi might connect automatically after a restart.
If the software update does not work automatically, please contact us for assistance.
Installing Software Updates (Bento Lab with Bluetooth)
This section applies to Bento Lab with hardware models 1.4, using Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
For Bento Lab with Bluetooth, we are releasing an app that will allow you to upgrade the software directly from your phone, making updates quicker and easier. The app is currently in beta testing, and if you would like to take part, please get in touch with us.
Update Bento Lab – for software version v1.17 or v1.4.17
If the Bento Lab software is v1.17 or v1.4.17, follow these steps. You can find your software version number at the bottom of the Settings screen.
If your Bento Lab is running version 1.17 or 1.4.17, you’ll need to update Bento Lab manually using the steps below. This update will bring your device to version 1.4.18, which is compatible with the app and will allow you to run future software updates via the app.
1. Restart Bento Lab in update mode:
- Turn off your Bento Lab.
- Hold down all three front buttons (green, blue and orange).
- While holding down the buttons, switch on the power at the back.
- Keep holding for a few seconds until the update screen with the URL of this page appears. You can release the buttons once you see a screen that says “Software Update”.
- The Bento Lab is now in update mode, and you can open the app to update the Bento Lab.
2. Run the update from the app:
- Open the Bento Lab app on your phone/tablet.
- Tap More devices.
- You should see Bento Lab Updater listed.
- Tap it and then select Upgrade Device.
3. Wait for the update to finish:
The process will take about a minute. You’ll see a message: Firmware update successful.
4. Restart Bento Lab and enable Bluetooth
Turn the Bento Lab off and back on again. It will return to the main menu.
To use the app, check if Bluetooth is enabled: look for the grey link icon in the top-left corner of the main screen.
- If it’s visible, you’re ready to connect.
- If not, press down on the blue home button to open Settings. Select the left phone icon and turn Bluetooth on. Return to the main screen. The grey link icon should now appear, and you will be ready to connect to the app.
Settings menu showing the bluetooth icon on the left side (Bento Lab model 1.4)
Update Bento Lab – for software version 1.18
If the Bento Lab software is v1.18 or above, follow these steps. You can find your software version number at the bottom of the Settings screen.
- Open the Bento Lab app on your phone or tablet.
- Select your Bento Lab device in the app.
- If a new update is available, you’ll see Software Update Available at the top.
- Tap Update.
- The app will show Update in progress, and once complete, your software is up to date.