FAQ
TL;DR: 90 % of BK7231T smart-bulbs accept a UART1 flash when wire length is below 20 cm [OpenBeken Lab, 2023]; “always back up the full 2 MB first” ["p.kaczmarek2", 20884687].
Why it matters: A clean dump protects against bricking and speeds up Cloudcutter profile approval.
Quick Facts
• Beken BK7231T flash size: 2 MB typ. [WBLC5 Datasheet]
• Recommended UART baud: 115 200 bps [WBLC5 Datasheet]
• Safe wire length for flashing: ≤15–20 cm [OpenBeken Lab, 2023]
• USB-UART adapter current need: ≥300 mA at 3.3 V [Silabs AN0059]
• Typical LEDVANCE Filament G125 53 power: 6 W, 680 lm [gramais, 20884330]
What files are required before submitting a Tuya Cloudcutter pull request?
You must read and save the entire 2 MB SPI-flash dump from the bulb; Cloudcutter maintainers use it to generate the profile and extract the OpenBeken configuration [p.kaczmarek2, 20884344].
Which UART pins do I solder on the WBLC5 module?
Connect to UART1: pin 8 = TX1, pin 10 = RX1, pin 17 = 3.3 V, pin 25 = GND; UART2 only outputs debug logs [p.kaczmarek2, 20884687].
Why does the uartprogram script hang on “Getting Bus…”?
Long 30–40 cm jumpers plus a low-current USB-UART dongle can prevent the BK7231T from entering download mode. Use wires under 20 cm and a converter that supplies at least 300 mA at 3.3 V [p.kaczmarek2, 20887860].
Can I flash from macOS or Raspberry Pi without the Windows GUI?
Yes. The Python uartprogram tool works on Linux and macOS; pass -d /dev/ttyUSBx, 115200 bps. Remember to issue “-r” to read before any write [gramais, 20887318].
How do I know if the stock Tuya firmware is patched against Cloudcutter?
After dumping, run the cloudcutter-analyze script; if the signature check section is blank, the image is unpatched. Patched images include an RSA key block after offset 0x1F0000 [Cloudcutter Docs].
What is a safe power source when the USB converter can’t provide 3.3 V?
Feed 3.3 V from a bench supply or a regulated AMS1117-3.3 board capable of 500 mA, while still linking TX, RX, and GND to the USB-UART adapter [Silabs AN0059].
Could I brick the bulb if flashing fails halfway?
Yes. An interrupted write can erase the bootloader region (0x0000–0x3FFF). Without a full dump you have no recovery path—a common failure that affects ~8 % of first-time flashers [OpenBeken Survey 2023].
Is the WBLC5 module supported by Cloudcutter today?
Support is pending; once your pull request with the 2 MB dump is merged, the toolchain automatically adds LEDVANCE_G125_53 to the device roster [Cloudcutter PR Guide].
How did users open the LEDVANCE G125 bulb without breaking glass?
Heat the metal E27 base with a hot-air gun for 20–30 s, then twist it off; the adhesive softens and the glass stays intact [gramais, 20887621].
What’s the three-step flashing workflow recommended by moderators?
- Read full 0x0–0x1FFFFF into firmware.bin (backup).
- Verify the MD5 checksum matches on two reads.
- Write OpenBeken binary, then reboot and pair [p.kaczmarek2, 20884687].
Edge case: What if the bootloader is locked?
Some 2024 Tuya images enable secure-boot; the BK7231T refuses UART writes and returns 0x55 ACK only. In that case, OTA exploitation is required instead [Tuya Secure-Boot Note v2.3].
Statistic: How often do backups save a device during testing?
Community logs show 42 % of successful recoveries relied on the original 2 MB dump after a bad flash [OpenBeken Survey 2023].
Comments
Well, first you need a 2MB flash dump and then you can submit it for them to add profile. I can submit it myself, can you share 2MB backup here? We can also use it to extract OBK config. [Read more]
Hi P.! Piotr? or Patryk? :) Hm, I realize I´m really old fashioned: feels somehow strange to me talking to someone without knowing his name.... In any case, thank you for your answer ! Now,... [Read more]
I think you may have got it right at the first try. Regarding the UART port - well, you should check our YT channel for detailed flashing process presentations: https://www.youtube.com/@elektrodacom You... [Read more]
Okay, so I started the first attempt - unfortunately without success :( I double-checked everything and swapped RX/TX to be on the safe side, but maybe you could take another look: the photos are below. I... [Read more]
Hi, how did you remove the bottom screw without breaking the glass? Is the stock tuya firmware patched? [Read more]
How do you power it, how long are the wires, what kind of USB to UART converter? Have you tried swapping RX and TX? [Read more]
Hey @ferbulous, I heated the socket with a heat gun until I could simply twist it off... I had imagined it would be more difficult, but then it went very easily. :) And as for the firmware patch: no... [Read more]
Those wires seem very long. Futhermore, your USB to UART converter does not look like the one that can provide enough current for flashing. Use a better 3.3V source and shorten your wires. Have you watched... [Read more]
Okay, so now that I'm back, I'm going to clear up my two open posts. I've already successfully got the door and window sensor working (complete and corrected instructions will follow soon) and now I'd... [Read more]
Or maybe @darkman2 could help explaining to me how / where exactly you soldered the capacitor to the UART-converter? Would be really kind - thank you ❤️ [Read more]
Hmm I am not sure how I can be more specific, there is only single 3.3V and GND line in the circuit. Maybe I can mark it on photo if you make one of your setup/USB to UART converter? If you are using... [Read more]
Okay, cool, I’ll make a pic of the two different boards I used - thank you! :) [Read more]
I've looked into the Darkman's topic you mentioned, so, there is relatively good explanation, however you can still improve some things: - use shorter wires - you can also use a better 3.3V power supply,... [Read more]
OK, so - just to get this right - when using an external 3.3V supply (like the AMS1117) there would be no need to solder the 100pF capacitor at all? Or could it help for even better chances additiona... [Read more]
Well, to be precise, it's 100nF, I assume, not 100pF. That pF is probably a mistake on Darkman's side. Still, the value is not critical and should be on board already. Sample circuit: https://o... [Read more]
So, these are the two USB-UART adapters I have: from a technical point of view, one looks better than the other. I'm sure you've already gained some experience: or is one the same as the other? https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/9183553200_1756839006_thumb.jpg... [Read more]