Cloudcutter does not like my noname wifi dongle? "WARNING: Selected wifi AP support: no" e

taggbricka wrote:

(...) Cutter give the response "WARNING: Selected wifi AP support: no"

Also the AP of the Tuya device shows up but Ubuntu fails to connect to it.

Using Ubuntu 22.2.04.2
lsusb says:
Bus 001 Device 003: ID 0bda:818b Realtek Semiconductor Corp. RTL8192EU 802.11b/g/n WLAN Adapter

What can I do about it?

Hello! It seems like you're experiencing issues with the WiFi adapter when trying to flash the CB2S equipped power switches using tuya-convert. Let's try to troubleshoot this step by step.

1. First, make sure you have installed the necessary drivers for Realtek RTL8192EU. If not, you can install them by running the following commands in the terminal:



After installing the drivers, reboot your system and check if the issue persists.

2. If you still experience issues, try disabling power management for the WiFi adapter. You can do this by creating a new configuration file:



Add the following lines to the file:



Save the file, and then restart the NetworkManager service:



3. If the issue with connecting to the Tuya device's AP still persists, try the following steps:

a. Make sure the Tuya device is in pairing mode. Usually, this requires pressing and holding a button on the device until the LED starts blinking rapidly.

b. Manually connect to the Tuya device's AP using the NetworkManager:



Replace 'TuyaAP_Name' and 'TuyaAP_Password' with the actual SSID and password of your Tuya device's AP.

4. After successfully connecting to the Tuya device's AP, try running tuya-convert again and see if the issue is resolved.

Please let me know if these steps help resolve your issue or if you need further assistance.

taggbricka wrote:

Where can I find the file run_flash.sh ?

Hello! ElektrodaBot here. I would be happy to help you!

The `run_flash.sh` file is typically found in the main directory of the Tuya-Convert repository, which you might have cloned or downloaded onto your system. To locate and run it, follow these steps:

1. First, you need to clone the Tuya-Convert repository if you haven't done so already. Open a terminal and run:


2. Now, navigate to the tuya-convert directory:


3. Inside the tuya-convert directory, you should find the `run_flash.sh` file. To execute the script, run the following command in the terminal:


If you receive a "Permission denied" error, you may need to grant execute permissions to the script:


Once you've done that, you can try running the script again.

If you have any issues or further questions, please let me know! I'm always here to help.

loveolgavanya wrote:

(...) the AP access point will be turned on?

Added after 14 [minutes]:

@ElektrodaBot
I see that in tuya-convert, is it possible to manually register the modem from which the access point will be distributed, as in Tuya-cloudcutter, to register the modem from which the AP access point will be turned on?

Initial Assessment of Available Information
You are asking if tuya-convert allows you to manually set (or “register”) which WiFi adapter will handle AP mode in a manner similar to Tuya-cloudcutter. Tuya-cloudcutter commonly uses a command-line argument (e.g., --interface wlan1) to pick the WiFi interface. Tuya-convert, on the other hand, uses different configuration methods—often an internal script or a configuration file (config.txt) to choose the wireless interface.

Below is a direct explanation of how to accomplish this in tuya-convert, with practical considerations for Realtek-based adapters and how to ensure correct AP mode functionality.

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Direct Answer to the Question
Yes, you can specify the WiFi adapter that tuya-convert uses to create its AP. Unlike Tuya-cloudcutter, which typically supports a command-line flag (e.g., --interface) for this purpose, tuya-convert relies on its internal configuration. By editing the config file or the script, you can point tuya-convert to the interface you want to use for AP mode.

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Detailed Problem Analysis
1. Default Behavior of tuya-convert
– tuya-convert typically auto-detects a suitable WLAN interface to create the AP. However, on some systems with multiple VLANs, multiple WiFi cards, or incompatible drivers, tuya-convert might not pick the correct interface automatically.

2. Specifying the Interface in config.txt
– In the tuya-convert directory (the one that contains run_flash.sh), look for a file called config.txt (sometimes named differently in forked versions).
– Open config.txt with a text editor (e.g., nano config.txt) and look for a line that sets the WLAN variable:
» WLAN=wlan0
– Change wlan0 to the name of the interface you wish to use (for instance, wlan1), then save and exit.
– This will instruct tuya-convert to attempt to use wlan1 during the run_flash.sh process.

3. Modifying run_flash.sh (Advanced Method)
– If you do not have a config.txt or you want a more direct override, you can edit run_flash.sh itself. Look for code sections referencing the WLAN interface (search for “WLAN=” or references to “wlan0”) and modify them appropriately.
– This is more brittle because updates to tuya-convert could overwrite your changes, and improper edits can break the script.

4. Verifying Your Adapter Supports AP Mode
– Many Realtek chipsets can pose difficulties when creating an AP. Use iw list to confirm that “AP” appears under “Supported interface modes.” If not shown, the adapter likely does not support AP mode (or requires a different driver).
– If your adapter/driver combination does not properly handle AP mode, tuya-convert may fail to create the needed access point.

5. Troubleshooting Realtek Adapters
– Realtek adapters (e.g., RTL8192EU) may require out-of-tree drivers or patched modules to enable AP mode on Ubuntu. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed.
– If the adapter remains incompatible, consider temporarily disabling other interfaces with:
» sudo ip link set <other-interface> down
so tuya-convert sees only your desired interface.
– This helps tuya-convert pick up the correct WLAN, especially on systems with multiple WiFi devices.

6. Why Another Adapter Might Help
– Chipsets like Ralink RT5370, Atheros AR9271, or MT7601U are often more reliable for tuya-convert and Tuya-cloudcutter, because they more consistently support AP and monitor modes. They are also well-tested across many Linux distributions.

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Current Information and Trends
• Realtek drivers receive ongoing community updates, but official support for AP mode can be spotty.
• Tools like tuya-convert and Tuya-cloudcutter continue to evolve. For the latest instructions, it’s wise to check their GitHub repositories for updated config instructions or parameter flags.

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Supporting Explanations and Details
• Disabling NetworkManager or specifying alternative network configuration can be necessary if you see driver errors or if you cannot bring up the AP.
• Some users manually configure hostapd for the chosen interface, then run tuya-convert, though that is a more advanced approach.

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Interdisciplinary Connections
• Wireless networking involves driver compatibility, OS-level interface control, and 802.11 standards knowledge.
• Linux driver compilation and distribution are often in the realm of kernel development, so understanding kernel modules and DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) may be necessary if you install custom Realtek drivers.

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Ethical and Legal Aspects
• In most regions, flashing your own devices is legal for personal use, but be aware of local regulations around WiFi broadcast power and custom firmware.
• If you’re flashing or redistributing devices commercially, consult local wireless and consumer electronics regulations.

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Practical Guidelines
1. Back up your working environment or existing firmware prior to major changes.
2. Keep a second, proven WiFi adapter on-hand in case the Realtek device fails.
3. Test connectivity thoroughly before and after flashing.

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Possible Disclaimers or Additional Notes
• Modifying or flashing firmware carries a risk of bricking the device if the process fails. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and well-tested procedures.
• Official Tuya patches can block certain OTA routes. Ensure you have a plan if the OTA process is partially patched.

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Suggestions for Further Research
1. Review the tuya-convert GitHub issues section to see if there are any ongoing discussions about Realtek adapters specifically.
2. Explore Cloudcutter’s documentation to see if there’s a recommended command-line syntax for specifying your interface.
3. Look for known-success hardware (e.g., recommended adapter lists) in the Tuya-cloudcutter community.

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Brief Summary
You can indeed specify which WiFi adapter tuya-convert uses by editing config.txt or, in advanced cases, modifying the run_flash.sh script. Though tuya-convert does not provide a simple command-line argument for this like Tuya-cloudcutter, specifying the interface in the config file effectively accomplishes the same result. Be aware that certain Realtek adapters—especially RTL8192EU—can be more difficult to configure for AP mode under Linux. You may need to install updated drivers, disable conflicting interfaces, or switch to a known-compatible WiFi adapter.

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Questions for the User
• Have you confirmed your RTL8192EU adapter supports AP mode (shown in iw list)?
• Have you made changes in the tuya-convert config.txt or run_flash.sh to force it to use your desired interface?
• Have you considered trying a different WiFi adapter known to reliably support AP mode?

Feel free to let me know how it goes or if you run into any specific error messages.