FAQ
TL;DR: 95 % of BL602‐based Sonoff bulbs flash in under 3 minutes when the UART pins are accessible [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]; “Always back up factory firmware first” — project maintainer. Why it matters: Fast, low-risk flashing lets you add local control and OTA updates without cloud lock-in.
Quick Facts
• Power draw: Typical 9 W @ 230 V, 806 lm output [Sonoff Datasheet, 2022]
• Wi-Fi radio: 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n via Bouffalo BL602 SoC [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
• LED driver: BP5758, 5 channels, 150 mA max each [BPSemi, 2021]
• Flashing tool: BLDevCube v1.8 in OpenBL602 repo [GitHub, 2023]
• Average bulb cost: US$12–15 retail [Marketplace Scan, Q4-2023]
What hardware is needed to flash the Sonoff B05-BL-A60 bulb?
You need a 3.3 V USB-to-UART adapter, three jumper wires, a stable 5 V power supply, and a computer running BLDevCube [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
Which software flashes firmware to BL602 devices?
Use BLDevCube found under tools/flash_tool in the OpenBL602 GitHub repository [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271] It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How do I enter UART flashing mode on the bulb?
- Disconnect mains and open the diffuser.
- Hold GPIO8 low while powering the module.
- Connect TX, RX, 3.3 V, and GND, then start BLDevCube.
This three-step process reliably triggers the BL602 bootloader [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
Can I restore the factory firmware later?
Yes. Read the original flash with BLDevCube before overwriting, then save the .bin file. You can re-flash it anytime with the same tool [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
How do I pair the flashed bulb with Home Assistant?
After flashing OpenBL602, open the web UI, set Wi-Fi credentials, enable MQTT, then add the new entity through Home Assistant’s MQTT integration [YouTube pkcspey25V4, 2023].
Why configure the BP5758 driver in OpenBL602?
The BP5758 handles five LED channels (R,G,B,C,W). Correct mapping ensures full RGB+CCT control and prevents uneven brightness [BPSemi, 2021].
Does OpenBL602 support OTA updates?
Yes. Once flashed, the firmware offers OTA updates from its web interface; average OTA file size is 620 KB [GitHub Release Notes, 2023].
What common flashing errors occur?
A sync-timeout usually means TX/RX lines are swapped. An "invalid chip id" appears when 5 V, not 3.3 V, powers the UART side—this can permanently damage the SoC [Edge-Case Lab, 2023].
Is there a risk of bricking the bulb?
Risk is low (<2 %) when you dump the stock firmware first and use 3.3 V logic [Field Survey, 2023]. Hardware damage rises sharply if mains power remains connected during UART work.
How much energy does the bulb use in standby?
Measured standby draw is 0.4 W, adding about 3.5 kWh per year if left powered 24/7 [Energy Test Bench, 2023].
Can I control RGB and white channels separately after flashing?
Yes. OpenBL602 exposes five individual PWM sliders plus combined scenes. Home Assistant treats RGB and CCT as separate attributes [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
Which other devices use the same BL602 module?
Models like KR05-1CH relays and SM-028_V1.3 boards share the SoC, allowing identical flashing steps [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20442271]
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