FAQ
TL;DR: Use 1 MQTT "cmnd" topic to reset BL0937/BL0942 totals; "just send any command you want via cmnd topic". Create a Home Assistant button that publishes the reset command to your device’s cmnd topic. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
Why it matters: This lets OpenBeken users add a one-click Home Assistant button to clear cumulative energy totals without touching firmware.
Quick-Facts
- Control path: Publish to the device’s MQTT ‘cmnd’ topic to issue OpenBeken commands, including energy counter reset. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
- Roadmap: 2 chip families planned—Realtek RTL8710 and ESP—while RN8209C work is ongoing now. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20858266]
- On-device UI: Kept minimal to fit LittleFS; a Bootstrap skin must preserve a lightweight mode. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937875]
- Hosting option: External Web App isn’t on LittleFS yet; enabling LittleFS hosting is an active idea. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937914]
- Market trend: One user reports several new Tuya plugs/switches arrived with Realtek chipsets. [Elektroda, erdeidominik1999, post #20889326]
Quick Facts
- Control path: Publish to the device’s MQTT ‘cmnd’ topic to issue OpenBeken commands, including energy counter reset. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
- Roadmap: 2 chip families planned—Realtek RTL8710 and ESP—while RN8209C work is ongoing now. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20858266]
- On-device UI: Kept minimal to fit LittleFS; a Bootstrap skin must preserve a lightweight mode. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937875]
- Hosting option: External Web App isn’t on LittleFS yet; enabling LittleFS hosting is an active idea. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937914]
- Market trend: One user reports several new Tuya plugs/switches arrived with Realtek chipsets. [Elektroda, erdeidominik1999, post #20889326]
How do I add a Home Assistant button to reset BL0937/BL0942 totals?
Use Home Assistant to publish the energy-reset command over MQTT. OpenBeken accepts commands on the device’s cmnd topic.
- Create a button or automation that calls mqtt.publish.
- Set the topic to your device’s cmnd topic.
- Set the payload to the energy reset command and test.
This mirrors the recommended “send any command via cmnd topic” approach. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
Which MQTT topic should I publish to?
Publish to your device’s cmnd topic as configured in MQTT. “Just send any command you want via cmnd topic.” Use cmnd for control, not stat or tele. This ensures the device treats the message as a command. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
What command actually resets the BL0937/BL0942 total energy?
OpenBeken exposes a specific reset command for your BL0937/BL0942 build. Send that command as the payload to the device’s cmnd topic. Follow the linked tutorial and confirm the exact command string on your device. If the string is wrong, the counter will not reset. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
Can I trigger the reset without Home Assistant, using only MQTT?
Yes. Use Mosquitto_pub, Node-RED, or any MQTT client to publish the reset command. Target the device’s cmnd topic and send the payload. This is identical to the Home Assistant approach. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
The button does nothing—what should I check first?
Check three things. First, the topic is cmnd, not stat or tele. Second, your command string matches the firmware’s expected reset command. Third, the device is online and connected to your broker. If topic or command is wrong, nothing happens. Fix those and retry. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
Will OpenBeken support Realtek RTL8710 and ESP chips?
Yes—support is planned for two families: Realtek RTL8710 and ESP. They have lower priority right now. Work on RN8209C is active. Contributors with C skills can help move items faster. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20858266]
I have a Realtek-based plug. How can I contribute?
Offer hardware and testing details. Share your C experience if you can assist coding. Send a private message with your contact so collaboration can move to Google Chat or similar for faster responses. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20942516]
Can the external Web App be hosted on-device (LittleFS)?
Not currently. The external Web App isn’t on LittleFS yet. The goal is to make LittleFS hosting possible as an option. Review the related thread for approaches if you want on-device hosting. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937914]
Why is the OpenBeken Web App so minimal?
It’s designed to fit entirely on LittleFS. “The Web App is minimal because we want to be able to host it entirely on OBK LittleFS.” A Bootstrap skin can be added, but a minimal mode must remain. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937875]
I want to redesign the devices list page—what should I keep?
Keep existing functionality and improve readability. You may extend features while preserving core behavior. Reference: openbekeniot.github.io/webapp/devicesList.html. Submit changes that maintain usability for current users. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20937875]
Any known build issues that could affect features now?
A slight build issue affects the T variant and is tracked as GitHub issue #987. It shouldn’t block MQTT command sending. If you build from source, review that thread before testing changes. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20858266]
Are Tuya devices moving to Realtek chips?
One user reported multiple recent AliExpress orders containing Realtek-based plugs and switches. Treat this as a market signal, not a guarantee. Plan for RTL support where it fits your use. [Elektroda, erdeidominik1999, post #20889326]
How do I confirm the total energy counter actually reset?
After publishing the reset command, read the total energy again in Home Assistant or via MQTT. The original goal is a BL0937 total reset, so totals should reflect the change. [Elektroda, erdeidominik1999, post #20827395]
Can I schedule automatic resets in Home Assistant?
Yes. Create a time-based automation that calls mqtt.publish to your device’s cmnd topic. Use monthly or weekly triggers to match billing. Ensure the command payload matches your firmware’s reset command. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20827399]
