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I've been recently experimenting with simple flashing code for BW16E (RTL8720DN AmebaD) board, in theory also working for any of RTL872xDx family. RTL8720DN is a WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Bluetooth (LE 5.0) module that features dual core CPU using KM4 and KM0 cores. It can be bought... [Read more]

This is the cheapest AC that was available on Amazon. When I saw it had Wi-Fi and was a Tuya device, I knew I had to at least tear it down. (Eyes and tie are aftermarket upgrades) Teardown: The teardown itself isn’t too difficult but you have to remove all the plastic panels to get... [Read more]

Rust on Embedded Online Conference on 16 July with 33 per cent discount for elektroda users Elektor Academy Pro is hosting a full-day online conference on 16 July on the use of the Rust programming language in embedded and IoT scenarios . The event is aimed at experienced Rust developers,... [Read more]

. OpenBeken has long had integration of the LittleFS file system allowing files to be stored and managed directly in the microcontroller's Flash memory. This allows you to conveniently create device-specific configuration panels, such a panel itself is implemented in HTML and its... [Read more]

Recently it seems there has been a lot of cheap earwax remover otoscope devices popping up on amazon/aliexpress/tiktok shop similar to this: When powered on, the button will start flashing slowly, as well as the light for the camera will turn on. After a few seconds it will start... [Read more]

. Here I will test the eWeLink LED light controlled wirelessly via the Zigbee protocol. I will pair it with Home Assistant and see what its integration with Zigbee2MQTT offers. I purchased the LED bulb, also incorrectly known as the 'LED bulb', from a Chinese portal with free shipping... [Read more]

Here's details and pinouts for the EARU model EAKCB-EWE-M circuit breaker, purchased from AliExpress in Jun 2025: There's 6 rivets holding the case; you can just drill them out and then the case opens easily. The circuit breaker is rated up to 63A; the relay is marked at 60A maximum.... [Read more]

. Here I will show how to easily run an external Flash memory with any microcontroller based on software SPI. I will discuss here the operation and meaning of the different operations (read, write, erase) and implement them in code. The topic of using such memories seems interesting... [Read more]

. I would like to invite you to a presentation of the interior of an older Crown Japan radio alarm clock model CR-S9028, designated DIGITAL LED-Uhrenradio. The unit offers FM reception in the 88-108 MHz range and AM reception in the 540-1600 kHz range. It is equipped with an LED display... [Read more]

Sonoff R5 Scene Controller is a battery-powered 6-gang remote wall switch featuring three different button events (click, double or hold). It is usually paired with Sonoff Gateway, but here we will show you how you can pair it with ESP32 Tasmota device and use it with Home Assistant... [Read more]

. A switch is a device that connects different equipment on a network and allows them to exchange data. A switch differs from a router in that it is used to network multiple devices, whereas a router also connects different networks. A switch is often used when you are short of ports... [Read more]

As proposed by @pkaczmarek2 I'll try to share some ideas for my OpenBeken IoT firmware extensions and features here, starting, "as requested" ;-) with the extended DS18(B)20 driver. The code is in PR #1627 I'll start with some information and screenshots, but I would be glad to get... [Read more]

PCBWay is a leading multilayer PCB manufacturer known for its exceptional speed and efficiency—offering lead times as fast as 12 hours. We specialize in advanced PCB production across a wide variety of materials and technologies, including FR4, flexible printed circuits (FPC), aluminum,... [Read more]

. "Vibe coding" is a term used to describe programming based entirely on code generated by artificial intelligence. The programmer then just briefly describes his requirements in natural language and the LLM (language model) translates this into code. Proponents of this method praise... [Read more]

I recently received a message from Kalesh Sasidharan, the founder behind the Sciotronics project, who asked me to share his solution with the community. And honestly—why not? It’s a clever idea, and the Kickstarter campaign has already proven it’s got real interest behind it. The... [Read more]

Disclaimer: Welcome to this guide, which is a work in progress and may be updated or revised as new information becomes available. While the instructions aim to make the teardown and modification process straightforward and safe, I am not responsible for any damage to your equipment... [Read more]

. Here is a short presentation of the interior and the procedure for changing the firmware of an external WiFi-controlled socket, model OR-SH-17405. The product shown here additionally offers voltage, current and power measurement and normally works with Tuya, but after uploading... [Read more]

. Hello, I recently had my energy meter replaced by Tauron. As it turned out, the new one has remote reading. Therefore, I became interested in the subject of integrating the meter value reading with the Home Assistant. Unfortunately, as it turned out, the model I had installed did... [Read more]

Welcome, I bought my first Zigbee socket, taking advantage of the fact that there were promotions on Ali, it came out to about 10,50zł. Exactly at this seller: Today it came to me with the rest of the shpeju and I would not be myself if I did not start by taking it apart and see what... [Read more]

. Home Assistant is a popular, open source home automation system that allows the integration and personalisation of many different systems and series of devices. One simple but effective way to personalise the HA interface is to change the icons assigned to entities, such as switches,... [Read more]

. More than a decade ago on "Elektroda" I saw a cool toy project for a child: I thought it was a pity that my children are already too big for such a toy. But time flies fast and in the meantime my grandson turned two. And I was reminded of that project. Most of the reasons for building... [Read more]

. Matter's M5-3C-80W three-channel wall switch allows direct or remote (via WiFi) control of three receivers and works with the eWeLink app, in addition to offering Matter protocol support. It is distinguished by three "clicking" buttons, which is a nice change from the ubiquitous... [Read more]

. The ATLO-SW1-TUYA is another tiny (43x39x22 mm) relay module offering control of a single receiver via WiFi. It is mounted in a box and, in addition to WiFi, it can work with a classic bistable switch. Here I will show how to change its firmware to connect it to Home Assistant.... [Read more]

. ESP32 modules often offer the possibility to connect an external WiFi antenna, which can significantly improve signal quality and range - especially in projects operating at a greater distance from the router or in difficult conditions (obstacles, interference). Many modules (e.g.... [Read more]

Another FTY A9 camera variation. This was bought in Feb 2024 and I no longer have record of where from exactly - Ali Express for sure. Not seen this posted anywhere I don't think, so here's some info: Choice SKU: 742329872052 Item: A9 WIFI Mini Camera Recorder Security Monitoring... [Read more]

. The ESP32-S3 Touch LCD 4.3 is, as the name suggests, a module featuring a 4.3" touchscreen controlled by the ESP32-S3, which is a dual-core, 32-bit Xtensa LX7 processor clocked at up to 240 MHz with 8MB Flash and external 8MB SRAM. The whole is enriched by various peripherals such... [Read more]

The C-SKY Flash Programmer is a piece of software supplied for download by XuanTie at This tool works with CK-Link programmers to read and write to the flash memory in C-Sky's proprietary RISC core CPUs. CPUs based on C-SKY architecture include the WinnerMicro W800, W801 and W806... [Read more]

. Door opening sensors with WiFi communication have already been discussed extensively on our forum. We even managed to find, with our joint efforts, a way to reprogram such sensors based on a module from BK7231 so that they could be activated locally and Home Assistant paired over... [Read more]

Here are my experiences with a Sonoff S60TPG iPlug UK smart plug, along with teardown, flashing information and OpenESP32 experiments (OBK port). The plug was bought from Ali Express Glue seemed to be too strong and I didn't have the right width tools to contort it in a vice to crack... [Read more]

Here I will show you how I created and tested a PIR-controlled LED lamp (with light sensor) driver for OpenBeken - all without access to physical device. This topic will cover whole development process: from concept, through simulation, to automated testing. Whether you're learning... [Read more]