Mini Hemm Tree Connection Guide

Setup Mode

When you plug your tree in for the first time, it will go in to setup mode as shown above. It will also enter setup mode any time it can't find the saved WiFi network. To connect your tree to your WiFi, ensure it's in setup mode, then...

1.  On your phone or computer connect to the WiFi network "HemmTree - [MAC address]". (write down the MAC address if your network requires MAC registration like Gonzaga's does).

2. If the page doesn't automatically load, open a web browser and go to http://192.168.4.1. Then click "Configure Wifi", select your WiFi network, enter the password and press Save.

3. Wait for up to 60 seconds. If you entered the correct WIFI information, your tree will reboot and sync up to all the other HemmTrees (as indicated by it displaying whatever the current mode is). You can now control it with the QR code on the back. Note that it may immediately begin downloading an update (see below) which will require you to wait a minute before using it. If it shows the "Internet Inaccessible" pattern, see the section below. 

Downloading Update

Your HemmTree will periodically receive software updates that add new modes and features! Each time you plug it in it will check for a new update, and it will listen for new updates while running too. If at either of these times it detects a new update, it will display 1/5th of the lights white as shown above. It may stay like this for 1-2 minutes. Be paitient, it is downloading a new copy of the program in the background. When it is done, it will reboot with the new code and go back to displaying the expected light mode.

Internet Inaccessible

When indicating orange as shown above, this means your tree was able to connect to WiFi, but cannot access the internet. This could mean two things:

1) Something is wrong with your WiFi network and no devices on it can connect to the internet

2) The WiFi network you are trying to use has a captive portal page where users have to log in before accessing the internet

In case two, you will be unable to use this WiFi network as you cannot load captive portal pages on the HemmTree. One exception is if the portal can be bypassed by registering your device's MAC address (like at Gonzaga). If so, write down the MAC address shown in the WiFi network name while in Setup Mode, register that, and then reboot your tree to connect. If you need to re-enter Setup Mode to get the MAC address, you'll have to reboot your tree while out of range of the saved WiFi network.

Changing the Brightness

There is a small switch near the power plug on the tree which controls the brightness. It has three settings -- Bright, Medium and Dim. Note that a new brightness setting will only take effect once the lights change color. An important note on charger compatibility is below!

Bright -- up to 2 Amps

Medium -- up to 1 Amp

Dim -- up to 0.3 Amps

Therefore,  if you are using the tree at maximum brightness, be sure your charger is rated for at least 2 Amps! Using a tree at max brightness with a charger rated for less than 2A will cause glitches, reboots, and may overheat your charger. If you're unsure of your charger's capabilities, try setting your tree to max brightness and the color white. If it remains white and allows you to change back to a different mode, your charger is likely capable of providing at least 2A. If it reboots or starts flickering, your charger is not capable of delivering enough current and you should leave your tree at a lower brightness.

Next to the switch there are two pads labeled "Short for 1A limit". If they are connected, your tree will be limited to medium brightness even if the switch is set to "bright".