Focus – HID support in new firmware update version 5.83-13

Focus – HID support in new firmware update version 5.83-13

Problem

A Focus gen 5 user wishes to know more about the new HID Braille Display support in a recent firmware update.

Applies to

  1. Focus gen 5


Alert
Update
11/11/2025:  All current stock units from this date are updated to the last firmware featuring HID support.  

Resolution

Freedom Scientific have developed a firmware update version 5.83-13 for Focus fifth generation displays that adds HID Braille support, making this a significant update for Focus users.

Firmware download

Please use the link below to download Focus 5.83-13 firmware:  
  1. https://vfogroupint.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/firmware/Focus/V/Focus5_FW__Update-v5.83-13.exe.zip

Firmware Installation

  1. Plug the braille display into a free USB port, then wait for the unit to power on.  If the Found New Hardware dialog box appears, follow the messages to locate the driver.
  2. Run the downloaded firmware application file (EXE) for your unit and follow the messages to update the firmware.  IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the unit during the update process.
  3. When the update is finished, you may receive a message telling you to close and restart your screen reader before using your braille display.
  4. Verify that the update was successful by pressing the Menu button (press twice if the USB connection is active) and then the top of the left or right Rocker bar to display the firmware version.

Connect using HID support

The Focus Blue now supports USB and Bluetooth connections using the Braille HID (Human Interface Device) or Serial protocol. Products using HID technology are automatically recognized by the computer or mobile device's operating system, enabling plug and play functionality for input and output, similar to connecting and immediately being able to use a standard keyboard. If your screen reading software supports HID Braille displays, use the following procedures to change the Focus to use HID.

USB

  1. Make sure the Focus is currently not connected.
  2. Press the Menu button to access the display configuration menu.
  3. Use the Rocker bars to navigate to USB and press DOT 8.
  4. Use the Rocker bars to make a selection and press DOT 8 to return to the main menu. Available choices are USB Serial (selected by default) and USB HID.
  5. Press the Right Selector to exit the main menu.

Bluetooth

  1. Make sure the Focus is currently not connected.
  2. Press the Menu button to access the display configuration menu.
  3. Use the Rocker bars to navigate to Bluetooth and press DOT 8.
  4. Use the Rocker bars to make a selection and press DOT 8 to return to the main menu. Available choices are Bluetooth Serial (selected by default), Bluetooth HID, and Bluetooth Both. Selecting Bluetooth Both allows you to connect over Bluetooth to a device using the Serial protocol and connect to another device that supports Braille HID.
  5. Press the Right Selector to exit the main menu.


Notes
Notes
  • The first time you connect over Bluetooth to a device over HID, you must first press the Menu button along with DOT 7 to place the Focus into Pairing mode. To confirm HID Pairing Mode is active, dots 2-3-4-5-7-8 followed by dots 1-2-5-6-7-8 is included on the status line near the right end of the display.
  • It is not possible to simultaneously connect over HID and Serial to the same host device.
  • USB Serial must be active in order to transfer files between a computer and the Focus SD card for use in Scratchpad. USB Serial is also required when installing firmware updates.





Further information

 



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