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[BK7231N/YX-B3S] Tuya Smart WIFI Power Strip RH-M601 6AC + 3USB

TomTheGeek  6 1917 Cool? (0)
📢 Listen (AI voice):

TL;DR

  • The RH-M601 Tuya Smart WiFi power strip combines 6 AC outlets, 3 USB ports, and power monitoring in a BK7231N-based design compatible with OpenBeken.
  • Inside, the USB board carries a YX-B3S-VER01 module and a BL0942 energy-monitoring chip wired to the BK7231N's TXD/RXD lines.
  • The strip is rated for AC 125V, 15A, and 1875W, and it costs about $40.
  • Programming requires removing the module from the board, although cutting the BL0942 traces might avoid that extra step.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
Tuya Smart WiFi Power Strip RH-M601 w/power monitoring

Here is my Teardown for this power strip. Not many smart power strips with 6AC channels and this one even has spacing for wall-wart power supplies. Plus it has power monitoring! A bargain at $40 and compatible with OpenBeken.



Specifications:
* Input voltage: AC:125V
* Rated current:15A
* Rated power:1875w
* BL0942 Power Monitoring
* Fast charge: QC 2.0
* Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz IEEE802.11 b/g/n
* Product size(Long* wide* high):228*90*30mm
* LEDs: blue light in button

No actual pictures of the inside yet (will add soon) but it is very simple to pull apart despite the triangle head screws. Once the back is off there are two main boards. The B3S module is on the first board with the USB sockets. This power strip uses a different module than I've seen anywhere else, the YX-B3S-VER01.

Pinout of the module:


Because the BL0942 chip is connected to TXD/RXD of the BK7231N, the module has to be removed from the board before it can be programmed. It might be possible to to temporarily cut the traces to the BL0942 so the whole module doesn't have to be removed. When I
take photos of the inside I will check that possibility.

Use these commands to start power monitoring in Autoexec.bat
Code: text Expand Select all Copy to clipboard

startDriver BL0942
SetupEnergyStats 1 500 50 1


Here is the template

Code: text Expand Select all Copy to clipboard

{
  "vendor": "Tuya",
  "bDetailed": "0",
  "name": "WiFi 6AC Smart Power Strip",
  "model": "RH-M601",
  "chip": "BK7231N",
  "board": "YX-B3S",
  "keywords": [
    "Mains Power Strip",
    "USB Power Supply",
    "6 Gang",
    "Power line size:1.5m",
    "Input voltage:120V",
    "Rated current:15A",
    "Rated power:1875w",
    "Fast charge: QC 2.0",
    "WIFI: 2.4GHz b/g/n",
    "Long* wide* high:228*90*30mm"
  ],
  "pins": {
    "6": "Rel;1",
    "7": "Rel;2",
    "8": "dInput_n;55",
    "9": "Rel;5",
    "14": "Rel;4",
    "22": "Rel;7",
    "23": "WifiLED;40",
    "24": "Rel;6",
    "26": "Rel;3"
  },
  "command": "",
  "image": "https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/1004605900_1684440072.jpg",
  "wiki": "https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/viewtopic.php?p=20586131"
}


I bought it from here: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804695900997.html
About Author
TomTheGeek wrote 5 posts with rating 1 , helped 1 times. Been with us since 2023 year.

Comments

p.kaczmarek2 19 May 2023 05:13

Thank you, that's a very interesting device. I am looking forward seeing the photos of the inside. I haven't seen BS3 module before. Would you be able to provide full pinout for that? Regarding BL0942... [Read more]

TomTheGeek 19 May 2023 17:31

You may be right actually. I didn't have full success until I switched out the USB programmer I was using. So removal may not be required. I don't think I'll be able to get the full pinout now that... [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 19 May 2023 17:39

Some tracks can be figured out with just a photo, we know the BK7231 QFN pinout: https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/9137363100_1684510718_thumb.jpg https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/6366133600_16739445... [Read more]

TomTheGeek 19 May 2023 23:09

Here are some photos of the boards https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/5013903500_1684530507_thumb.jpg https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7616792400_1684530507_thumb.jpg https://obrazki.elektroda.pl... [Read more]

p.kaczmarek2 20 May 2023 20:46

This board seems to be well build. There are no closeup photos, but I can see even an interference filter at the circuit input. Added after 11 [hours] 55 [minutes]: I just realized something. Isn't... [Read more]

TomTheGeek 13 Jun 2023 19:43

Yes probably. I'm still having crashing issues with SendPost. Any ideas on how to debug it? It'll crash after sending ~10 of the commands. [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: The Tuya RH-M601 is a 6AC + 3USB 125V/15A smart power strip; “removal may not be required” for flashing OpenBeken despite BL0942 on UART. This FAQ helps BK7231N users flash, template, map pins, and debug power monitoring. [#20587047] Why it matters: Correct UART handling and pin mapping prevent failed flashes, broken relays, and unsafe 1875W mains modifications.

Option UART behavior Thread outcome
BL0942 power monitor Uses TXD/RXD; sends data after request Flashing can work without disconnecting UART
TuyaMCU UART device Uses RX/TX control link UART disconnect trick is usually required
YX-B3S-VER01 BK7231N-based module May resemble an LM2 ESP8266 module

Key insight: The RH-M601 works with OpenBeken using the BK7231N/YX-B3S template and BL0942 driver. Do not assume BL0942 requires module removal before flashing.

Quick Facts

  • Rated electrical specs are AC 125V input, 15A current, and 1875W maximum power for the RH-M601. [#20586131]
  • The device combines 6 AC outlets, 3 USB ports, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, and QC 2.0 fast charging. [#20586131]
  • Physical size is 228 × 90 × 30mm, with wall-wart spacing and a blue LED in the button. [#20586131]
  • Power monitoring uses a BL0942 chip, enabled in OpenBeken with startDriver BL0942 and SetupEnergyStats 1 500 50 1. [#20586131]
  • The enclosure uses triangle-head screws, but the back cover comes off simply once those screws are removed. [#20586131]

How do I flash OpenBeken on the Tuya RH-M601 6AC + 3USB smart power strip with a BK7231N/YX-B3S module?

Flash OpenBeken through the BK7231N UART pads on the YX-B3S-VER01 module.
  1. Open the strip after removing the triangle-head screws.
  2. Connect a reliable USB programmer to UART and power pins.
  3. Flash OpenBeken, then apply the RH-M601 template.
The first failed attempt was linked to the USB programmer, not confirmed BL0942 interference. The strip uses a BK7231N chip and YX-B3S board. [#20587047]

What is the YX-B3S-VER01 module used in the Tuya RH-M601 power strip?

The YX-B3S-VER01 is the Wi-Fi control module carrying the BK7231N in the RH-M601. "YX-B3S-VER01 is a BK7231N-based smart-device module that provides Wi-Fi control for the RH-M601 power strip, with relay, LED, input, and UART connections routed to the main boards." It sits on the board with the USB sockets. The thread identifies it as a different module than previously seen by the teardown author. [#20586131]

What is the BL0942 power monitoring chip and how does it communicate with the BK7231N?

The BL0942 is the RH-M601 power monitoring chip connected to BK7231N TXD/RXD. "BL0942 is a power monitoring chip that reports electrical measurements over a UART-style serial link, and in this RH-M601 it shares the BK7231N TXD/RXD pins used for flashing." OpenBeken starts it with startDriver BL0942. The thread also states BL0942 sends a packet only after it receives a request. [#20586318]

Why might the BL0942 on the RX/TX UART pins affect flashing a BK7231N device?

BL0942 can affect flashing because it shares the same RX/TX UART pins as the programmer. The teardown first assumed the module had to be removed before programming. Later testing suggested the failed flash came from the USB programmer. A BL0942 running at 9600 baud may not interfere with a 115200 baud flashing session. [#20586318]

How can I enable power monitoring in OpenBeken for the Tuya RH-M601 using BL0942?

Enable RH-M601 power monitoring by starting the BL0942 driver in Autoexec.bat. Use these two commands: startDriver BL0942 SetupEnergyStats 1 500 50 1 The thread ties these commands to the RH-M601 template. The device includes BL0942 power monitoring and supports OpenBeken after flashing the BK7231N module. [#20586131]

What OpenBeken template and pin configuration should be used for the Tuya RH-M601 WiFi 6AC smart power strip?

Use the RH-M601 OpenBeken template with vendor Tuya, chip BK7231N, and board YX-B3S. The template maps relays to pins 6, 7, 9, 14, 22, 24, and 26. It maps button input to pin 8 and Wi-Fi LED to pin 23. The named model is RH-M601, and the template image points to the thread teardown photo. [#20586131]

How do the six AC outlets, USB ports, button LED, and relays map to BK7231N pins on the RH-M601?

The RH-M601 template maps seven relay channels and one LED/input pair to BK7231N pins. Relays use pins 6, 7, 9, 14, 22, 24, and 26 as Rel;1 through Rel;7. The button input uses pin 8 as dInput_n;55. The blue Wi-Fi/button LED uses pin 23 as WifiLED;40. The board also carries the 3 USB sockets. [#20586131]

What tools and steps are needed to open the RH-M601 power strip safely despite the triangle-head screws?

Use a triangle-head screwdriver and remove the back cover to access the two internal boards. The teardown describes the strip as simple to pull apart despite triangle-head screws. After opening, one board contains the B3S module and USB sockets. The second board carries the mains outlet hardware. Disconnect mains power before opening any 125V, 15A, 1875W device. [#20586131]

How can I identify PCB traces and module pins from photos using the BK7231 QFN pinout?

Identify YX-B3S traces by comparing board photos with the known BK7231 QFN pinout. One participant noted that some tracks can be figured out from photos because the BK7231 QFN pinout is known. Close photos can reveal which module pads reach relays, UART, LED, and input lines. This method helped after the module was soldered back in. [#20587061]

BL0942 vs TuyaMCU UART devices — which one usually requires disconnecting RX/TX before flashing OpenBeken?

TuyaMCU UART devices usually require the RX/TX disconnect trick, not BL0942 devices. The thread reports successful LSPA9 flashing with BL0942 still connected to UART. The stated reason is that BL0942 sends packets only after requests. By contrast, TuyaMCU UART traffic is the case where disconnecting RX/TX is described as required. [#20586318]

What is OpenBeken and why is it used instead of the original Tuya firmware on BK7231N devices?

OpenBeken is alternative firmware used to run BK7231N Tuya devices with local configuration. "OpenBeken is replacement firmware for Beken-based smart devices that lets users configure pins, drivers, relays, LEDs, and power monitoring without relying on the original Tuya firmware." The RH-M601 is described as compatible with OpenBeken and priced as a $40 bargain. [#20586131]

What is a BK7231N chip and how does it compare with ESP8266-based smart plug modules?

BK7231N is the Wi-Fi microcontroller used by the RH-M601 instead of an ESP8266. "BK7231N is a Beken Wi-Fi microcontroller used in smart plugs and power strips, providing the programmable logic, 2.4GHz networking, GPIO pins, and UART links needed by OpenBeken." The thread compares the YX-B3S to the LM2 ESP8266 module as a possible Beken clone. [#20587611]

How similar is the YX-B3S Beken module to the LM2 ESP8266 module, and what pinout differences should I check?

The YX-B3S may be a Beken clone of the LM2 ESP8266 module, but its pinout needs checking. The thread raises this comparison after viewing board photos. Check UART, power, ground, relay GPIO, LED, and button pins before assuming compatibility. The confirmed RH-M601 OpenBeken mapping uses BK7231N pins 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 22, 23, 24, and 26. [#20587611]

Why does OpenBeken SendPost crash after sending around 10 commands, and how can I debug it?

The thread reports SendPost crashes after about 10 commands, but gives no confirmed root cause. Debug by isolating the repeated SendPost sequence, counting commands until failure, and reducing payloads one at a time. Record firmware build, command text, and timing between requests. The only concrete failure fact is a crash after roughly 10 sent commands. [#20616034]

What safety precautions should I take when modifying a 125V 15A smart power strip with power monitoring?

Treat the RH-M601 as a mains device rated for 125V, 15A, and 1875W. Unplug it before opening, avoid touching mains rails, and keep insulation intact after flashing. Do not bypass the input filter or relay spacing. The internal board was described as well built, with an interference filter visible at the circuit input. [#20587611]
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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