SoundTouch Device Initial Setup Variants

Based on community research from the SoundCork and ÜberBöse API projects, as well as analysis of the Stockholm firmware (firmware/Stockholm/.../setup/), this document outlines the methods used for the “out-of-the-box” setup of SoundTouch devices.

Setup Overview

Initial setup is the process of connecting a new or factory-reset device to a local Wi-Fi network and a Bose (or custom) account. This is distinct from the “Migration” process (handled by soundtouch-service), which redirects an already-configured device to a new server.

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1. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Setup

Used by most modern SoundTouch devices (ST-10, ST-20/30 Series III, SoundTouch 300).

• Mechanism: The SoundTouch app communicates with the device over BLE to exchange Wi-Fi credentials.
• Protocol: Internal research refers to this as the Gabbo protocol (see gabbo_setup_bco.js in firmware).
• Process:
  1. Put the device in setup mode (usually by holding the ‘2’ and ‘-‘ buttons).
  2. The app discovers the device via BLE.
  3. The app sends the Wi-Fi SSID and Password to the device.
  4. The device connects to Wi-Fi and disables BLE setup.

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2. Access Point (AP) Mode / Web Setup

The classic “failover” or “alternate” setup method.

• Mechanism: The device creates its own Wi-Fi network (SSID: Bose SoundTouch ... or Bose Home Speaker ...).
• IP Address: Typically 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 (device-side).
• Web Interface: The device hosts a web server on port 80.
• Process:
  1. Connect a PC/Phone to the device’s Wi-Fi.
  2. Open a browser to http://192.168.1.1.
  3. The device serves setup.html, which redirects to a setup wizard (setup/index.html).
  4. Use the gabbo_wifi form to select a network and enter credentials.

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3. Wireless Accessory Configuration (WAC)

Specific to Apple iOS devices.

• Mechanism: Uses Apple’s MFi/WAC protocol to pass Wi-Fi settings from an iPhone/iPad directly to the device without manual password entry.
• Status: Detected automatically by iOS when a new SoundTouch device is in setup mode.

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4. USB Setup (Legacy)

Primarily used for older SoundTouch Series I and II devices or as a last resort.

• Mechanism: Physical connection via Micro-USB to a computer running the SoundTouch Setup application.
• Process:
  1. Connect USB cable.
  2. The desktop app communicates via a proprietary HID or Serial-over-USB protocol.
  3. The app pushes Wi-Fi credentials.
  4. References to this exist in the firmware as lost_USB_connection and connect_device (see setup_wizard.xml).

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Technical Details: The “Gabbo” Protocol

The Stockholm firmware contains references to a communication layer called Gabbo.

• File: setup/js/gabbo_setup_bco.js
• Function: Handles the state machine for Wi-Fi connection, account pairing, and error handling during setup.
• Relationship: It appears to be an internal wrapper for the messages sent between the setup client (App or Browser) and the device firmware.

Redirection during Setup

While the soundtouch-service focuses on migrating existing devices, a truly “clean” setup to a custom service would require:

1. Intercepting the initial account pairing request.
2. Providing a mock “Marge” service that accepts any credentials.
3. Patching the SoundTouchSdkPrivateCfg.xml during or immediately after the Wi-Fi connection phase.

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Comparison: Initial Setup vs. Migration

Feature	Initial Setup	Migration (soundtouch-service)
Connectivity	BLE, AP Mode, USB, WAC	Ethernet/Wi-Fi (existing)
Credentials	Required (SSID/Pass)	Not required (uses existing)
Access	Web UI / App protocol	SSH (root)
Primary File	setup/index.html	SoundTouchSdkPrivateCfg.xml
Use Case	Out-of-the-box / Reset	Redirecting active devices