Identifying ESP8285 10A Generic Smart WiFi Module from Ali - Pinout Query

Question

I cannot for the life of me find this exact PCB on any forums. It's an ESP8285 10A generic smart wifi module from Ali. Single gang. item # 1005004792119903

No PCB markings to help. Any idea what it is and what the pinouts are? thanks

p.kaczmarek2 · Accepted Answer

Hello, the best method to do this is to just look at the ESP8266 datasheet. Here, I copied the pinout to Paint for you:

Here is full GPIO list, as per datasheet:

And then, in Paint, you can map pins one by one, like that;

From a brief glance, it seems that GPIO12/MTDI and GPIO15/MTDO and maybe GPIO5 may be routed somewhere. I can also see U0TXD, U0RXD, etc routed but it's normal, its for programming header... same as GPIO0, but it's still worth to check that.

Have you managed to flash Tasmota already to this device?

You can continue to check pins just like I've shown, the method I've used can be very helpful

Added after 1 [minutes]:

Do you have a multimeter?

I am creating multiplatform open source firmware (Tasmota replacement), right now supporting BK7231T, BK7231N, XR809, BL602, W800, W600, LN882H and soon supporting RTL and W701:
https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T
If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects

Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.

spin55 · Accepted Answer

I have used this to flash NEO sockets and it is quite effective.

Hgo11 · Accepted Answer

Hello,I got the same module - I did the measurements and successfully flashed Tasmota.See pins below (order from ESP chip):GNDRSTGPIO0TXRX3V3

Hgo11 · Accepted Answer

Aliexpress, digital store - each for $1.99, haven't seen them since. All came with different chips.

divadiow · Answer

oh wow. that's amazing. thank you!

I'll macro the whole board and trace all the pins. I think it's too small to attempt direct connection to the chip, even with my dodgy sewing needle usb-rs232 cable, which I've not yet tested,
CH304 USB-DB9 -> Cisco DB9-RJ45 -> RJ45 straight coupler -> RJ45 UTP head cut off -> sewing needles

lol. I'll have to steady the pins with a giant blob of blu-tack or something.

No Tasmota on this device yet. Tuya-convert says it's patched of course.
I do have a multimeter, but I've not used it yet. Just starting out.

divadiow · Answer

good to know my rig is in with a chance!

p.kaczmarek2 · Answer

If there is no Tasmota on this device yet, you also need to figure out the connector for flashing.

1. Use multimeter to check which pin is GND, it should be connected to ground (-) of electrolytic capacitors
2. Use multimeter to check which pin is 3.3V, it should be connected to positive terminal of electrolytic capacitors or 3.3V of ESP8266
For points 1 and 2, if there is AMS1117-3.3V on board, you can also use this for reference:

3. Then you need to identify GPIO0 and RX and TX. Again, you can just look at the traces and try to identify where they go.

The ground will be usually the large copper pool, but it's better to check it anyway. It seems there are 6 pads on the photo, not 5, but you need only 5.

I am creating multiplatform open source firmware (Tasmota replacement), right now supporting BK7231T, BK7231N, XR809, BL602, W800, W600, LN882H and soon supporting RTL and W701:
https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T
If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects

Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.

divadiow · Answer

I think I've given up. Is it possible anyone can work it out from pictures alone?

p.kaczmarek2 · Answer

I can try, but to be clear, you haven't flashed Tasmota yet? Do you have a multimeter?

divadiow · Answer

I have not flashed Tasmota. I do have a multimeter but have yet to get to grips with it. :/

p.kaczmarek2 · Answer

Do you know how to make a continuity test? The one that beeps when you connect two probes together?

divadiow · Answer

I think I've done it with a continuity test between the esp chip pins and each of the circular factory pads in a row down the side. will do it properly later and maybe attempt a flash.

p.kaczmarek2 · Answer

I think we need to know first which pad is VDD (3.3V), as I said in previous post:

divadiow · Answer

I bricked it somehow. There seems to be continuity between GND and TX, RX and VCC somehow, I've isopropyl swabbed the board and have checked pins under a macro lens. Oh well. I've ordered more, though there's no guarantee it'll be the same, though I hope it is because I'd like to complete a flash/dump on this particular design.

p.kaczmarek2 · Answer

Can you post a photo of the board now? What are the resistances between those pins?

divadiow · Answer

I'll pull it out of the recycling bag I have and check.

The board currently looks the same as I have not soldered anything. I was using my sewing needle/ CH340 USB-DB9 cable before I got a proper USB-TTL adapter with 3.3v and now I have bdm pogo pins

divadiow · Answer

ah very good. I never got another one like this in all my trying, so didn't get to play more after bricking it.

I know what to do now too ;)

Added after 1 [hours] 11 [minutes]:

Which store did you buy it from?

Identifying ESP8285 10A Generic Smart WiFi Module from Ali - Pinout Query

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