Your CommandKit
now speaks Matter

There are two ways to do the first install. Check the outlet’s firmware and settings on its factory update page, http://outlet-ip/upload.htm, then pick one.

What method B needs

• A CMNDKT-004 outlet (RTL8196E with a GD25Q64 8 MiB flash chip)
• A CH341A programmer set to 3.3 V and a SOIC-8 test clip
• A Mac or Linux computer with Python 3.11 or newer
• flashrom v1.8.0 and squashfs-tools with LZMA support
• matter-8m-region.bin and .json from the release
• A private folder for backups (they contain data unique to your outlet, so keep them to yourself)

git clone https://github.com/lee98064/incipio-commandkit.git
cd incipio-commandkit
python3 -m pip install -r tools/requirements.txt

Put matter-8m-region.bin and matter-8m-region.json in artifacts/releases/. To build flashrom, see the build guide.

Follow the method you picked in chapter 1. Both keep the bootloader, MAC address, radio calibration, original HomeKit data and the factory firmware in the second slot.

1. Download the first-install file

   Get commandkit-matter-v0.3.1-public-first-install.bin. It’s a shared public file with no device keys; each outlet creates its own identity and Matter code the first time it starts.

   Download first-install file
2. Open the factory update page and check

   Close the case, plug the outlet in, and leave nothing plugged into it. Find its IP in your router’s device list and open http://outlet-ip/upload.htm. Check it shows 10219-1531, Active Bank 2 and Enable Dual Firmware ticked. Don’t change the dual-firmware setting.

3. Upload

   At the top of the page, click Select File, choose the first-install file, then click Upload.

4. Wait for the restart

   Wait for the countdown and restart, and keep the outlet powered. Don’t click “Reboot Form Backup Bank Now”. The first start creates the device identity, so it can take a little longer.

5. Set it up

   When the CommandKit-Setup-XXXXXX hotspot appears, continue with chapter 3.

The tool reads two full backups and compares them byte by byte, builds an image made for your outlet from that backup, then writes only the first-slot file system. If the chip, the backups or any check doesn’t match, it stops.

1. Unplug and connect the programmer

   Unplug the outlet, open the case, clip onto the GD25Q64 (mind pin 1) and connect the CH341A.

2. Read two backups

   python3 tools/flash.py backup --session private/read-01 \
     --mains-disconnected --voltage-3v3 --no-other-supply

   The three flags say you have checked that mains is disconnected, the voltage is 3.3 V and nothing else is powering the board. The tool cannot measure this for you. Backups go to private/read-01/; keep them safe.

3. Build the image for this outlet

   python3 tools/flash.py prepare \
     --backup1 private/read-01/before-1.bin --backup2 private/read-01/before-2.bin \
     --release artifacts/releases/matter-8m-region.bin \
     --manifest artifacts/releases/matter-8m-region.json \
     --profile private/outlet-a --output private/matter-target.bin

   This step doesn’t touch the hardware. The --profile folder holds this outlet’s identity. Reuse it if you ever reinstall the same outlet, so its Matter code stays the same.

4. Write the first slot only

   python3 tools/flash.py write \
     --image private/matter-target.bin --record private/matter-target.bin.json \
     --session private/write-01 \
     --mains-disconnected --voltage-3v3 --no-other-supply

   Only 0x130000–0x3BFFFF is written. The tool then reads the whole chip back and compares it. write_verified_not_boot_tested means the write was verified.

5. Remove the programmer and close the case

   Take off the clip and every wire, put the case back together, then plug the outlet in.

Plug the outlet in. It opens a setup hotspot, and the LED blinks every half second while it waits.

1. Join the setup hotspot

   On your phone, pick the Wi-Fi network CommandKit-Setup-XXXXXX. There is no password. It has no internet access, and that is normal.

2. Open the setup page

   If it doesn’t pop up on its own, open http://192.168.1.254/ in your browser.

3. Choose your home Wi-Fi

   Tap a 2.4 GHz network and enter its password, or type the name of a hidden network. 5 GHz and WPA3-only networks are not supported.

4. Create an admin password

   At least 8 characters. You’ll use it to sign in to the dashboard. If you forget it, the only way back is a factory reset.

5. Save the Matter code

   The page shows this outlet’s own QR code and 11-digit setup code. Take a photo. The code stays the same after restarts and updates.

The outlet uses Matter by default.

1. Switch your phone back to home Wi-Fi

   The phone and the outlet need to be on the same network.

2. Add an accessory in your home app

   Open Apple Home, Google Home or Home Assistant and choose “Add accessory” or “Add device”.

3. Scan the QR code or type the code

   Use the QR code or 11-digit code you saved in chapter 3 and follow the app.

Using HomeKit instead

Sign in to the dashboard, pick HomeKit on the Pairing tab and save; the outlet restarts. HomeKit uses the code on the outlet’s original label. In HomeKit mode the dashboard pauses live readings and kWh counting.

Online updates

1. Open the dashboard

   It checks for new versions on its own. When one is out, the overview page says so.

2. Sign in and open the Update tab

   Sign in as admin and tap “Download and update” (下載並更新).

3. Wait for it to finish

   You’ll see download, upload and verify, install and restart. It takes about 1 to 4 minutes. Keep the outlet powered, then sign in again.

No internet? Download matter.ota on a computer and pick or drop it under “Manual update”. Normal updates keep the device identity, Wi-Fi, admin password, home pairings and energy total.

A factory reset keeps the MAC address, radio calibration, original HomeKit data and this outlet’s Matter identity.