Firmware Upload
Uploading Firmware to Kato Macro Keyboard
This guide walks you through how to upload the firmware to your Kato Macro Keyboard using both Arduino IDE and PlatformIO.
Before we start, make sure you've downloaded the project repo:
Clone or Download the Repo: https://github.com/javierrayhan/kato-macro-esp32.git
Navigate to:
kato-macro-esp32/
├── source code/
│ ├── firmware/ ← 📂 Main Program Files
│ └── lib/ ← 📂 Custom Library Folder
Arduino IDE
1. Install the ESP32 Board Package
Follow the official guide: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/installing.html
2. Install Required Libraries
Use the Library Manager to install (if not using PlatformIO):
BleKeyboard
by T-vKAdafruit_NeoPixel
Preferences
Keypad
Alternatively, just copy the
lib/
folder contents to your Arduino libraries folder.
3. Open the Firmware
Go to source code/firmware/
and open the .ino
file using Arduino IDE.
4. Select the Board
- Board:
ESP32 Dev Module
- Port: Choose your ESP32 COM port
5. Upload the Code
Click the ✅ check to compile, then 🔼 upload.
PlatformIO (VS Code)
1. Install PlatformIO Extension
https://platformio.org/install
2. Open the Folder
Open source code/firmware/
as a project folder.
3. Project Structure
Make sure the folder contains:
src/
→ contains main firmware filelib/
→ for local librariesplatformio.ini
→ board configuration and dependencies
4. Modify platformio.ini
if Needed
Example:
[env:esp32dev]
platform = espressif32
board = esp32dev
framework = arduino
monitor_speed = 115200
5. Build & Upload
Use the bottom bar or shortcuts:
- Build:
Ctrl + Alt + B
- pload:
Ctrl + Alt + U
- Serial Monitor:
Ctrl + Alt + S