HDS Custom Build - how to use it

We now offer a new service for Half Decent Scale, called HDS Custom Build. This lets you choose between features and approved add-ons for your scale.

The way this works is that you simply choose the features and add-ons you want on your scale. HDS Custom Build then takes care of the technical details, prepares the software, and gives you one file to install by USB. Features that are required for your choices to run are added automatically.

Note that only add-ons and features approved by us can be added. Community-created contributions first have to go through a review process before they're approved.

Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Go to the HDS Custom Build page

You can find the HDS Custom Build page here: https://decentespresso.github.io/openscale/custom-build


Step 2: Choose your firmware version

HDS Custom Build was introduced starting at firmware version 3.1.14. But if you have an older firmware version, don't worry. Just choose the firmware version you want in the dropdown, and your scale will be upgraded to it once you install the features and add-ons you want.

Choosing the firmware version


Step 3: Choose how to upgrade

You can either upgrade using WiFi or USB-C. Choose which option you prefer.

WiFi or USBC


Step 4: Choose the features you want

Scroll down a little now and choose from the available features those that you want to run on your scale. For example, you can add WiFi, Energy Saving features or wireless updates to your scale. Just hover over the "i" on the right-hand side of the feature titles to see a description of what the feature does.

Features that can be chosen


Step 5: Choose from the available plugins

Scroll down to the bottom, and you'll find a list of plugins that you can select for use on your Half Decent Scale. Again, just hover over the "i" to see a description of what they do.

Note that some plugins cannot be used together. For example, Pressensor and Grind by Weight don't work together. Also, choosing a plugin will automatically put checkmarks into all the features that are needed to run it. So don't be surprised if by choosing Grind by Weight, WiFi and other features are also suddenly checkmarked.

In other words, the service automatically checks if the plugins and features you want to use work together.

Plugins available


Step 6: Reuse or prepare

If someone else used the same combination of features and plugins you chose before, you can now simply download the .zip file.

If you're the first to use this combination, click "Request build" on the right-hand side now. HDS Custom Build will then prepare a new .zip file for download.

Request build


Step 7: Save the build (WiFi-only)

Now, if you chose WiFi, click on "Save build." If you chose USB, go to step 9.

Save the build


Step 8: Add your scale (WiFi-only)

If you selected to download the build via WiFi, you now need to pair your scale to the website. In order to do so:

1. Turn your scale OFF.
2. Access the menu of your scale by pressing both buttons.
3. Using the button O, switch between the menu points and go to Connections > Custom Build. Press ▢ to choose this. If your scale hasn't been paired yet, it'll show you a code now.
4. Then, scroll down on the HDS Custom Build website, insert the code and click "Add Scale" (see picture below).
5. Your scale is now paired to the website.

Pairing the scale


Step 9: Download and install

Via USB Updater

You can now simply download the .zip file and use HDS Updater to install it by USB.

Via WiFi

Now that you paired your scale to the website, you can choose the build below, select your scale and click "assign to selected." That will assign the chosen build to your selected scale.

Adding a scale

Now, on your scale, go into the menu again. Select Connections > Custom Build. Now, the scale will check for updates. Hold ▢ to update and wait for the update to finish.

Note that if you update the firmware using another updating option, your custom build will be erased and you'll have to simply re-install it. You can use the same build that you downloaded before. If you changed your firmware version (be it downgrade or upgrade), you'll have to re-create the build using HDS Custom Build and use the new file.

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mirjam created 2026/08/28, mirjam updated 2026/09/10