VirtualBox

This is a generic guide to installing CUBE OS on VirtualBox, the host can be an old PC, or a MCU.

1. Preparation:

1

Download the CUBE OS image

Visit this repo to download the latest .vdi image. Please extract the image after downloading.

2

Install Virtual Machine

Download and install a virtual machine manager, with VirtualBox being recommended.

Have other virtual machine managers? The following steps can theoretically be used as well.

Unfamiliar with virtual machines and owning a Raspberry Pi? You can choose to install CUBE OS on a Raspberry Pi.

If none of these options are viable, you can purchase an iHost with built-in CUBE OS from the SONOFF official website or platforms like Amazon.

3

Zigbee Adapter (Optional)

If you need to add Zigbee devices, prepare a Zigbee Dongle. Tested Zigbee Dongles include:

SONOFF ZBDongle-MAX SONOFF ZBDongle-PMG24 SONOFF ZBDongle-LMG21 SONOFF ZBDongle-E SONOFF ZBDongle-P Others listed by developer @darkxst

For more information on Zigbee configurations and compatibility, please refer to this guide.

2. Create a Virtual Machine:

1

Launch VirtualBox

2

Select “New” or use the shortcut “Ctrl + N”.

3

Name the virtual machine, select “Linux” as the type, “Other Linux” as the subtype, and “Other Linux (64 bit)” as the version.

4

Under “Hardware”, allocate the memory size and processor count for the virtual machine. 4GB memory and 2 CPUs are recommended. Then, enable EFI.

Important: Ensure EFI is enabled; otherwise, CUBE OS will not boot.

5

Under “Hard Disk”, choose to use an existing virtual hard disk file and select the .vdi file extracted from Preparation Step 1.

6

Click “Finish” to create the virtual machine.

3. Configure the Virtual Machine:

1

Select the created virtual machine and click the “Settings” button.

2

Under the “Network” tab, configure the network connection as “Bridged Adapter” and select the network adapter you are using.

3

Under “Audio”, enable sound and choose the Default option as the controller.

4

Optional: For Zigbee Dongle usage, insert the Zigbee Dongle at this step and select the correct controller type under “USB”. In the USB filter, add the necessary Zigbee Dongle using the add button on the side.

5

Click “OK” to save the configuration.

4. Boot CUBE OS

1

Click the "Start" button .

2

Monitor the boot screen until the boot is complete.

3

Once completed, you will see the CUBE OS' IP displayed on the screen. Use this IP address or cube.local to access the CUBE OS Web management page.

4

Upon successful access, a short ID can be viewed on the settings page. Subsequently, access the CUBE OS Web management page using cube-{short id}.local, which is useful for differentiating multiple CUBE OS instances on the same local network.