bridge & app :: support

1. Download the flowtoys connect app: If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to download the “flowtoys connect” app from the iOS or Android app stores.
2. Register your app account: When you open the app, you will be prompted to register an account - this is not your flowtoys.com account. You can use the app as a guest, but you’ll need an account to save custom modes, access playlists, create shows, and share with your friends. All your lists, prop names etc. are automatically saved and can be accessed on any device by logging in to your account.
3. Update your prop firmware: Your prop firmware must be up-to-date for the app to work correctly. The app will be in beta for some time as we fix bugs, refine and add features. 
4. Group your props: The app talks to group IDs, not individual lights. Even if you have just 1 light, you will need to group. To group: from off, hold the button down until the lights flash or turn white (~10 seconds), let go and you are done.
5. Using the bridge: The button does nothing (though we may add some features that use it in the future). 

Pocket bridge with power bank:

• Insert the bridge in the 3D-printed case onto the power bank
• The USB jack in the power bank can rotate, so there is no way to align it consistently, just twist as you push until the USB fit in to power the bridge. 
• When your bridge is on, you'll see a red light.
• To turn it off: pull the power bank out of the case. Tip: do not pull it out all the way, so it's easier to push back in and transport. 

USB bridge:

• Simply plug/unplug in any USB power source.
• You can also leave it plugged in like a wifi hub at home, so your props can always connect to your app. Bluetooth does not penetrate walls well like wifi does, so you will probably need it in the same room as your 

Go to the flowtoys connect app on your mobile device to find and connect to your bridge, connect to your props, and enjoy the app!

Find out more about how to use the app and bridge here.

The bridge can only connect to one phone at a time, but you can easily switch phones by turning Bluetooth off on the currently connected phone until the second phone can see/connect to the bridge. 

The "flowtoys connect" app allows you to connect an almost infinite number of props ... but you have to put them into "groups".

The app/bridge talks to groups, not individual props. Each “group” has a unique radio ID, which every prop in that group shares. Even if you are just controlling 1 prop, you’ll need to give it a group. You can do this with the “quick group” method by holding down the button, from off, for ~10 seconds until it turns or flashes white. 

> Click here for full instructions.

Flowtoys connect props require a hardware “bridge” that speaks BLE and our custom “flowtoys connect” radio protocol, which can run on most nrf24 compatible radios. The bridge translates between flowtoys connect and bluetooth radio protocols to talk to your mobile device.

It is possible to make your own, and there are a variety of radio devices that could work. If you are an EE comfortable working on embedded systems, this might be something you’d want to do. If not, it probably isn’t.

> Click here for more info.

There is no on/off button on the bridge - you simply plug it into power and your bridge should turn on automatically, displaying a dim, solid red light. Power can come fromusb/wall power or the power pack in the pocket bridge.

To turn the bridge off, unplug it from the power source (wall outlet/mobile power pack).

> Click here for potential bridge issues and fixes.

> Click here for potential issues & fixes.