FAQ
TL;DR: 2 MB backup enables GPIO extraction and safe flashing [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20568022] “I don’t think you can convert a non‑dimmer device to dimmer that easily.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157] This FAQ is for CB3S/BK7231N 3‑gang, no‑neutral, triac switch owners who want OpenBK flashing, pin maps, and LED tips.
Why it matters: You’ll avoid bricking, get working GPIOs fast, and understand triac/LED limits before modding.
Quick Facts
- Module/SOC: Tuya CB3S (BK7231N) as reported in the extracted Tuya JSON [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600]
- Power/output: 3‑gang touch, triac outputs in a no‑neutral design [Elektroda, armcamberos, #20567128; Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, #20567157].
- Backup size: Tool supports reading a 2 MB backup and flashing OBK firmware [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20568022]
- Confirmed GPIO map: Relays P7/P8/P9; Buttons P14/P26/P24; Wi‑Fi LED P6 [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600]
- Tools: BK7231GUIFlashTool (Windows GUI) and hid_download_py (CLI); OpenBK7231N_QIO_1.17.151 reported working [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, #20568022; Elektroda, dead2112, #20633600].
Can I use the triac outputs as dimmers on this CB3S 3‑gang switch?
Not with a simple firmware change. The maintainer states you cannot convert a non‑dimmer to a dimmer easily. These triacs are used to power a no‑neutral device and act as on/off switches [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157] Use it as a reliable on/off controller instead [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157]
What’s the confirmed GPIO map (buttons, triacs, Wi‑Fi LED)?
From the extracted Tuya config: Relays on P7 (ch1), P8 (ch2), P9 (ch3). Buttons on P14 (ch1), P26 (ch2), P24 (ch3). Wi‑Fi LED on P6. Relay logic is active‑high; Wi‑Fi LED is active‑low in this unit [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600] A prior summary matches this map [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20627718]
How do I flash OpenBK on BK7231N/CB3S and keep a 2 MB backup?
- On Windows, use BK7231GUIFlashTool to read a 2 MB backup and flash OpenBK automatically [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20568022]
- If Windows GUI fails or you’re on Linux, use hid_download_py with device in boot mode [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600]
- Power‑cycle or short CEN to GND ~0.25 s when prompted to get the bus [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20627718]
hid_download_py shows CRC mismatch or only dumps ~119000 bytes—how do I recover?
That indicates an incomplete dump. One report showed 1,150,976 bytes read, with CRC mismatch, and only 119,000 bytes written to firmware.bin [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20627718] Use the OpenBK web app to fetch config, then load it in BK7231GUIFlashTool to parse GPIOs [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600] Re‑attempt a full 2 MB backup before flashing [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20568022]
BK7231GUIFlashTool can’t connect: “Getting bus failed.” What fixes work?
Follow the tool’s prompt: after opening the port, reboot the device by power cycling or shorting CEN to GND for about 0.25 s. The log shows success after repeated attempts and a 115200 baud set [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20627718] Ensure RX/TX wiring and stable 3.3 V during the CEN pulse [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20627718]
Does BK7231GUIFlashTool run on Linux?
A user reported the GUI flasher failed under Linux with Mono. They succeeded by flashing with hid_download_py instead [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600] Windows users can use the GUI to both back up 2 MB and flash OpenBK [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20568022]
How do I invert the touch LED colors (red/blue) on this switch?
You can invert only if the LED has a dedicated GPIO. Set LED to LED_n or WifiLED to WifiLED_n to invert logic [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20632487] On this board, the LED shares the GPIO with each relay, so software inversion changes the load state too [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633109] “You would have to do the hardware hack.” [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20633174]
Can OpenBK extract Tuya GPIO automatically from a 2 MB dump?
Yes. Provide a 2 MB backup and the team can extract GPIOs from the Tuya binary [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20626159] One user dumped via the OpenBK web app, then fed it to BK7231GUIFlashTool, which produced JSON and a human‑readable map [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600]
Why does this no‑neutral wall switch use triacs instead of relays?
The triacs let the device power itself without a neutral wire. The maintainer notes these are not provided for dimming on this model [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157] Use it as a stable on/off controller with OpenBK [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157]
Can I control each LED independently on a 3‑gang panel?
Only on rare boards with separate LED GPIOs. In those, assign one LED to WifiLED_n and the other to LED or LED_n [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20633944] This unit ties LED and relay on the same GPIO, so independent control is not possible in software [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633109]
Is this device suitable for simple on/off automation with OpenBK?
Yes. The developer explicitly recommends using it as an on/off controller, not a dimmer [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157] A user confirmed correct operation after flashing and mapping, with status LED behavior observed as shipped [Elektroda, dead2112, #20632402; Elektroda, dead2112, #20633600].
What exact firmware and command worked for a successful flash?
Report: OpenBK7231N_QIO_1.17.151.bin flashed successfully using hid_download_py. Command: sudo python uartprogram OpenBK7231N_QIO_1.17.151.bin -w -s 0x0 -u [Elektroda, dead2112, post #20633600]
Where can I get or share the OBK template/pinout for this model?
The maintainer requested a 2 MB dump or OBK template for this switch [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20567157] A working mapping was published: P7/P8/P9 relays, P14/P26/P24 buttons, P6 Wi‑Fi LED, with active levels noted [Elektroda, dead2112, #20633600; Elektroda, dead2112, #20627718]. Sharing your JSON helps others.