FAQ 
TL;DR: This FAQ covers a 4-socket Arlec PB88UHA; “just a BK7231T” identifies the newer WB2S controller. It helps owners choose OpenBeken, Tasmota, CloudCutter, Tuya-Convert, or UART flashing without guessing the module type. [#20535641]
Why it matters: The same PB88UHA model appears with older ESP8285 hardware and newer BK7231T/WB2S hardware, so the correct flashing route changes.
| Method |
Best fit |
Thread result |
| UART flashing |
Newer WB2S/BK7231T units |
Used after removing the WB2S board and wiring VCC, GND, TXD, RXD, and CEN. [#20535641] |
| Tuya-Convert |
Older ESP-based units |
Reported to work when the board still had an ESP chip. [#20538725] |
| CloudCutter |
OTA attempt on BK7231T/Tuya devices |
Users reported no confirmed working profile in this thread. [#20537708] |
Key insight: Identify the controller before flashing. ESP-based PB88UHA units can use older OTA paths, while WB2S/BK7231T units need OpenBeken-compatible BK7231T handling or UART access.
Quick Facts
- The PB88UHA has 4 controllable mains sockets plus USB-A and USB-C charging rated at 5 V and 3.4 A combined. [#20535641]
- The newer controller module is Tuya WB2S, described in the thread as BK7231T-based hardware. [#20535641]
- OpenBeken relay mapping uses pins 6, 7, 8, and 24 for relay channels 3, 2, 1, and 4. [#20535641]
- The UART flashing pins named in the thread are VCC, GND, TXD, RXD, and CEN, with CEN tied to programmer RST. [#20535641]
- Older ESP-based units were reported flashable to Tasmota by OTA methods, while newer patched Tuya devices pushed users toward soldering. [#20538725]
What is the Arlec PB88UHA Grid Connect Smart 4 Outlet Powerboard with USB Charger and what features does it have?
The Arlec PB88UHA is a smart 4-outlet powerboard with WiFi-controlled sockets and built-in USB charging. It includes USB-A and USB-C charging at 5 V and 3.4 A combined. The 4 mains sockets can switch on or off over WiFi. A master On/Off button controls all four outlets under the default Tuya behavior.
[#20535641]
How do I flash OpenBeken onto an Arlec PB88UHA powerboard with a Tuya WB2S or BK7231T module?
Flash OpenBeken by removing the WB2S module and programming it through UART pins. 1. Remove solder with solder wick. 2. Remove the 3 screws holding the board. 3. Wire VCC, GND, TXD, RXD, and CEN to the programmer. The author used this process because the WB2S board sits upside down in the main board.
[#20535641]
What is the Tuya WB2S module and how is it related to the BK7231T chip?
The Tuya WB2S module is the controller board used in newer PB88UHA units.
"Tuya WB2S is a WiFi controller module that carries the BK7231T platform, replacing the older ESP8285-based controller in newer PB88UHA powerboards." The thread states that the WB2S is “just a BK7231T.”
[#20535641]
Which OpenBeken pin configuration should I use for the relays, button, and WiFi LED on the Arlec PB88UHA?
Use pins 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 24 for the PB88UHA OpenBeken template. Pin 6 maps to Relay 3. Pin 7 maps to Relay 2. Pin 8 maps to Relay 1. Pin 24 maps to Relay 4. Pin 10 maps to Button. Pin 11 maps to WifiLED_n.
[#20535641]
How should the VCC, GND, TXD, RXD, and CEN pins be connected when flashing a WB2S module with a UART programmer?
Connect the WB2S module through VCC, GND, TXD, RXD, and CEN when flashing by UART. The thread specifies those 5 named pins for OpenBeken flashing. It also states that CEN must connect to the programmer’s RST pin. This setup places the board into programming mode.
[#20535641]
What does the CEN pin do when putting a BK7231T or WB2S board into programming mode?
The CEN pin puts the WB2S or BK7231T board into programming mode when wired to programmer RST.
"CEN is a reset/control pin used during UART flashing, letting the programmer force the BK7231T-based module into the required boot state." The thread gives this as a required flashing connection.
[#20535641]
How can the master button on the Arlec PB88UHA be configured in OpenBeken to toggle individual outlets with single, double, triple, or multi-click actions?
Configure the button with OpenBeken event handlers that map click counts to channels. The example sets channels 1 to 5 as toggle channels. It then maps OnClick, OnDblClick, On3Click, On4Click, and On5Click to ToggleChannel 1 through 5. The example notes Btn_ScriptOnly on P26.
[#20535775]
What CloudCutter profile works for OTA flashing the Arlec PB88UHA Grid Connect powerboard?
No working CloudCutter profile was confirmed in this thread for the Arlec PB88UHA. One user asked for a working OTA profile on April 13, 2023. Another later reported trying CloudCutter without much luck on April 26, 2023. The thread gives no successful CloudCutter profile name.
[#20556112]
Why might CloudCutter fail on newer Tuya-based Arlec PB88UHA devices?
CloudCutter may fail because newer Tuya devices can have patched vulnerabilities. One contributor stopped checking CloudCutter on newly bought devices. They said Tuya had patched out the vulnerabilities and used a soldering iron instead. This is the key failure case for newer BK7231T-era units.
[#20537763]
Tuya-Convert vs CloudCutter vs UART flashing — which method is best for flashing an Arlec PB88UHA powerboard?
UART flashing is the clearest method for newer WB2S/BK7231T PB88UHA units in this thread. Tuya-Convert suits older ESP-based units when OTA still works. CloudCutter had no confirmed working PB88UHA profile here. One expert summary says Tuya-Convert still works for older devices, but success depends on the device.
[#20556892]
How can I tell whether my Arlec PB88UHA has an older ESP8285 chip or a newer BK7231T chip?
Check the controller module or use the device MAC address as a clue. The thread says the PB88UHA previously used an ESP8285-based controller but newer units use BK7231T through WB2S. One user discovered their board still had an ESP chip and then flashed Tasmota. Another suggested checking the MAC address first.
[#20556958]
How do I use a device MAC address lookup to check whether a smart plug or powerboard is ESP-based?
Use the device MAC address with a lookup service to identify the likely hardware vendor. The thread recommends checking the MAC, then trying Tuya-Convert if the result indicates an ESP chip. A later reply gives macaddress.io as the lookup site. This method is a clue, not a full teardown.
[#20556993]
What is Tuya-Convert and why does it still work on some older ESP-based Tuya devices?
Tuya-Convert is an OTA flashing method used on some older ESP-based Tuya devices.
"Tuya-Convert is an over-the-air flashing tool that targets older ESP-based Tuya firmware, avoiding soldering when the device remains vulnerable." The thread says it still works for older devices, but success is luck-dependent.
[#20556892]
How can I flash an older ESP-based Arlec PB88UHA powerboard to Tasmota using OTA methods?
Use an OTA ESP flashing path when the PB88UHA still contains the older ESP chip. One user reported their board was ESP-based and flashed to Tasmota with OTA successfully. Another clarified that ESP-based units can try Tuya-Convert. This differs from newer WB2S/BK7231T boards.
[#20556114]
What should I consider for electrical safety before opening and soldering inside a mains-powered smart powerboard like the Arlec PB88UHA?
Treat the PB88UHA as mains-powered equipment before opening it for soldering or UART work. The thread’s hardware method required solder wick, removing 3 screws, and taking out the WB2S board. If soldering skills are weak, the thread points to beginner-friendly flashing guides that cover soldering basics.
[#20537799]
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
Comments
Thank you, it's worth to add that even tough you didn't configure the button, there is already a ready script for such device in our examples: https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T_App/tree/main/docs Here: https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T_App/blob/main/docs/autoexecExamples.md ... [Read more]
Is there any working profile in the CloudCutter for OTA update? Thank you [Read more]
I gave up on Cloudcutter checks for all my devices as I started buying these all after Tuya had patched out these vulnerabilities. I just went straight for the soldering iron. [Read more]
Please watch our flashing guides to learn how to change firmware by using UART programmer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6d42IMGhHw&list=PLzbXEc2ebpH0CZDbczAXT94BuSGrd_GoM&ab_channel=Elektrodacom our... [Read more]
Unfortunately not everything can be done without me destroying it in the process =) [Read more]
turned out that my board has an ESP chip on it still (older kind) and was able to flash it to Tasmota Thank you! [Read more]
Don't forget that with OpenBeken, you can control Tasmota and OBK devices with the same app, for example with ioBroker and Tasmota Control app from Google Play (Tasmota Remota, etc) [Read more]
I tried today and didn't have much luck with cloudcutter, but did notice that my unit had module version 1.0 which I thought was strange. [Read more]
Mine was ESP based so flashed with OTA Tasmota no problem [Read more]
As in Tuya-Convert is what you used rather than cloudcutter? [Read more]
Tuya-convert still works for older devices, but it's up to your luck to decide. [Read more]
Just check your device MAC address. If it's ESP chip - try tuya convert [Read more]
Hadn't even thought of that. If I grab the MAC am I then just using a lookup tool or is there a particular reference I am checking against? [Read more]
https://macaddress.io/ [Read more]