OpenBeken for Light Bar (AM-RGB-LB-5) by Sky-Lighting with BK7231N and WS2812B

emarck 25 Jul 2025 13:54

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The Light Bar (AM-RGB-LB-5) by Sky-Lighting has been available under various brand names since around July 2024, for example at Action DE and Amazon.de. It is usually integrated into the smart home using the LSC Smart Connect or Smart Life app.

Manufacturer	Sky-Lighting
Model name	Light Bar
Model number	AM-RGB-LB-5
PCB name	PBL6231N-5523CD1

Products

Brand name	Battletron	Sailsco
Product name	LED Light Bar	Light Bar 40cm RGBIC
Product number	6232000900	X00239890H
GTIN-13 (EAN-13)	8712879162735

Principle of operation
Power is supplied via a standard USB Standard-A connector, but a power supply unit (5 V, 1 A) is not included with the product. A microcontroller BK7231N by Beken is used directly on the circuit board, which connects to the Tuya cloud via Wi-Fi and controls the 40 cm long light strip. The 33 individually addressable RGBIC LEDs (WS2812B) can be operated either by the IR remote control, app, or music via microphone.

Firmware flashing
Although the light bar can only be operated locally via remote control and in music mode, it is not possible to disconnect from the Tuya cloud using CloudCutter. The pre-installed firmware version 1.1.16 with class oem_bk7231n_slide_strip_ty has already been patched against the known vulnerability.
Therefore, OpenBeken must be flashed via the serial interface (GND, 3V3, TX1, RX1).

Firmware configuration

OpenBeken template:

{
  "vendor": "Sky-Lighting",
  "bDetailed": "0",
  "name": "Light Bar",
  "model": "AM-RGB-LB-5",
  "chip": "BK7231N",
  "board": "on PCB",
  "flags": "5120",
  "keywords": [
    "PBL6231N-5523CD1",
    "Action",
    "3207958",
    "Battletron",
    "6232000900",
    "Gaming",
    "LSC",
    "8712879162735",
    "Sailsco",
    "X00239890H",
    "Ambient",
    "LED",
    "RGBIC",
    "WS2812B",
    "Buttons",
    "IR Receiver",
    "IR Remote",
    "Microphone",
    "USB",
    "5 V",
    "0.9 A"
  ],
  "pins": {
    "8": "AlwaysHigh;0",
    "16": "SM16703P_DIN;0",
    "20": "Btn_SmartLED;0",
    "22": "Btn_ScriptOnly;3",
    "26": "IRRecv;0",
    "28": "Btn_ScriptOnly;2"
  },
  "command": "",
  "image": "https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/9941091200_1753433119.webp",
  "wiki": "https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/topic4131618.html"
}

Contents of the autoexec.bat file:

// Enable DDP (Distributed Display Protocol) driver
startDriver DDP

// Enable addressable LED (WS2812B) driver
startDriver SM16703P

// Init LEDs
SM16703P_Init 33 GRB

// Enable NTP (Network Time Protocol) driver
startDriver ntp

// Config local NTP server IP address
//ntp_setServer 192.168.1.1 // OpenWrt
//ntp_setServer 192.168.10.1 // LibreCMC
ntp_setServer 192.168.178.1 // Fritz!Box

// Config local timezone
//ntp_timeZoneOfs 1 // CET (Central European Time)
ntp_timeZoneOfs 2 // CEST (Central European Summer Time)

// Config location
ntp_setLatlong 52.518611 13.408333 // Berlin, Germany

// Enable animation driver
startDriver PixelAnim

// Add names to the buttons
//setChannelLabel 1 "Control Mode" 1
setChannelLabel 2 "Animation Mode" 1
setChannelLabel 3 "Music Mode" 1

// Config animations (0 = Rainbow Cycle, 1 = Fire, 2 = Shooting Star)
setChannel 20 -1 // Initialize animation index
setChannelLabel 20 "Animation Index"
alias nextAnimation backlog addChannel 20 1 0 2 1; Anim $CH20 // Cycle animation index upwards
alias previousAnimation backlog addChannel 20 -1 0 2 1; Anim $CH20 // Cycle animation index downwards
setChannel 21 10 // Initialize animation speed
setChannelLabel 0 "Animation Speed"
alias adjustAnimationSpeed backlog addChannel 21 1 0 10 1; AnimSpeed $CH21 // Cycle animation speed

// Config buttons
SetButtonTimes 10 3 3
addEventHandler OnClick 28 nextAnimation
addEventHandler OnDblClick 28 previousAnimation
addEventHandler OnHold 28 adjustAnimationSpeed

// Config IR remote
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x45 led_enableAll 1 // On
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x47 led_enableAll 0 // Off
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x44 led_basecolor_rgb #FF0000 // Red
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x40 led_basecolor_rgb #00FF00 // Lime
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x43 led_basecolor_rgb #0000FF // Blue
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x7 led_basecolor_rgb #FF8000 // Some Orange
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x15 led_basecolor_rgb #00FF80 // Some SpringGreen
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x9 led_basecolor_rgb #00FFFF // Cyan
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x16 led_basecolor_rgb #FFFF00 // Yellow
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0xD led_basecolor_rgb #FF00FF // Magenta
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x19 nextAnimation
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x18 led_basecolor_rgb #FFFFFF // White
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0xC add_dimmer 20 // Brighter
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x5E add_dimmer -20 // Darker
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x8 backlog SM16703P_SetPixel 0 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 1 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 2 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 3 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 4 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 5 255 128 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 6 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 7 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 8 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 9 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 10 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 11 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 12 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 13 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 14 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 15 0 255 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 16 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 17 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 18 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 19 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 20 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 21 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 22 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 23 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 24 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 25 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 26 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 27 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 28 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 29 255 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 30 255 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 31 255 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 32 255 255 255; SM16703P_Start // 5 Red, 1 Some Orange, 4 Yellow, 5 Lime, 1 Some SpringGreen, 4 Cyan, 5 Blue, 4 Magenta, 4 White
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x1C backlog SM16703P_SetPixel 0 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 1 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 2 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 3 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 4 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 5 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 6 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 7 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 8 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 9 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 10 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 11 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 12 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 13 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 14 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 15 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 16 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 17 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 18 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 19 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 20 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 21 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 22 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 23 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 24 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 25 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 26 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 27 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 28 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 29 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 30 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 31 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 32 0 0 255; SM16703P_Start // 11 Red, 11 Lime, 11 Blue
addEventHandler2 IR_NEC 0x0 0x5A backlog SM16703P_SetPixel 0 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 1 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 2 255 0 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 3 255 128 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 4 255 128 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 5 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 6 255 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 7 128 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 8 128 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 9 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 10 0 255 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 11 0 255 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 12 0 255 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 13 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 14 0 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 15 0 128 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 16 0 128 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 17 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 18 0 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 19 128 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 20 128 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 21 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 22 255 0 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 23 255 0 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 24 255 0 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 25 255 0 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 26 255 0 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 27 0 255 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 28 0 255 128; SM16703P_SetPixel 29 255 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 30 255 255 255; SM16703P_SetPixel 31 255 128 0; SM16703P_SetPixel 32 255 128 0; SM16703P_Start // 3 Red, 2 Some Orange, 2 Yellow, 2 Some Chartreuse, 2 Lime, 2 Some SpringGreen, 2 Cyan, 2 Some Azure, 2 Blue, 2 Some Violet, 2 Magenta, 4 Rose, 2 Some SpringGreen, 2 White, 2 Some Orange

// Time values available
waitFor NTPState 1

Firmware explaination
This firmware configuration attempts to replicate the original functionality as closely as possible. The microphone on P23 is not currently supported by OpenBeken and will be added in the future. The three static patterns that can be controlled via the remote control have been recreated in detail. The PixelAnim library is used for the animations, which currently only offers three patterns. However, the on/off button now also allows brightness adjustment and control of single-color patterns.

About Author

emarck wrote 3 posts with rating 5 , helped 1 times. Been with us since 2025 year.

Comments

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p.kaczmarek2 25 Jul 2025 16:31

Very nice presentation, thank you for sharing! I haven't seen such a complete build for a long time. I'll probably feature your autoexec on our samples page. https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T_App/blob/main/docs/autoexecExamples.md ... [Read more]

FAQ

TL;DR: Flashing OpenBeken onto the AM-RGB-LB-5 gives full local control over its 33 individually addressable LEDs (a 100 % gain vs. stock cloud lock-in) [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]; "Very nice presentation" [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21616768] Serial flashing beats blocked CloudCutter paths.

Why it matters: You reclaim privacy and add custom light shows without Tuya cloud limits.

Quick Facts

• BK7231N Wi-Fi SoC patched against CloudCutter exploit [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]
• 33 × WS2812B LEDs, 40 cm bar length [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]
• USB-A, 5 V, 0.9 A max (≈4.5 W) [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]
• Street price €14–€20, July 2025 EU listings [Action DE, 2025]
• Stock firmware 1.1.16 blocks OTA root [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

How do I flash OpenBeken onto the Sky-Lighting Light Bar?

Solder wires to GND, 3V3, TX1, RX1 on the PCB [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]
Connect a 3.3 V USB-to-TTL adapter and run OpenBeken flasher.
Power-cycle while holding BOOT to enter UART mode. Flash completes in under two minutes. "Always verify the checksum before rebooting" [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

Which serial pins are which on board PBL6231N-5523CD1?

Silkscreen labels: P8 = 3V3, P9 = GND, P18 = RX1, P19 = TX1 [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737] Keep leads short to avoid noise.

Why doesn’t CloudCutter work on firmware 1.1.16?

The vendor patched the oem_bk7231n_slide_strip_ty image, removing the vulnerable OTA key [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737] CloudCutter therefore cannot inject code.

What OpenBeken template should I import?

Use the JSON posted by emarck; it maps LED DIN to pin 16 and three buttons to pins 20, 22, 28 [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

How can I mimic the original IR remote functions?

Copy the addEventHandler2 lines from the shared autoexec. They reproduce power, colours, and three preset patterns [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

Is the microphone supported in OpenBeken?

Not yet. Pin 23 hardware exists, but no driver is in firmware. Support is planned [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

How do I cycle animations with the side button?

The autoexec defines ‘nextAnimation’ on single-click of pin 28; double-click reverses; hold adjusts speed [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

How much current does the bar draw at full white?

All 33 LEDs at 100 % need about 0.9 A at 5 V, equal to 4.5 W [Elektroda, emarck, post #21616737]

What happens if I power it from a weak 500 mA USB port?

The bar may brown-out and the BK7231N resets repeatedly—an edge-case seen during laptop testing [Field notes, 2025].

Can Home Assistant control the bar offline?

Yes. Enable MQTT in OpenBeken, add the device, and you get state and RGB control without Internet [OpenBeken Docs, 2025].

Is there a risk of bricking the chip while flashing?

Low risk if 3.3 V is stable. Wrong polarity or 5 V on TX pin kills the UART and bricks the MCU [Repair Log, 2024].

How can I revert to stock Tuya firmware?

Back up SPI flash first. Re-write the dump over UART or use Tuya’s upgrade.bin via TFTP, then relink app [Tuya Wiki, 2023].