FAQ
TL;DR: If your Tuya smart plugās module is W701/WBR/T112B, you can flash it by pulling āA13 to 3.3 Vā and power-cycling; āA13 is the pin to get to 3.3 V.ā [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
Why it matters: This FAQ shows how to identify Realtek RTL8720CF-based plugs and safely load open firmware without guesswork.
Quick-Facts
- W701H modules reported as Realtek RTL8720CF, not BK7231. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #20989752]
- WBR2/WBR3/WBRU/W701-VA2-CG pinouts and flashing guide available for Home Assistant users. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21379244]
- Flash entry trick: hold A13 at 3.3 V, then briefly cut and restore module VCC. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
- Confirmed device: Eightree UK smart plug with energy monitoring, rated 13 A. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734664]
- Likely UART: A16 = Log_TX, A15 = Log_RX on T112B modules. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21733362]
Quick Facts
- W701H modules reported as Realtek RTL8720CF, not BK7231. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #20989752]
- WBR2/WBR3/WBRU/W701-VA2-CG pinouts and flashing guide available for Home Assistant users. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21379244]
- Flash entry trick: hold A13 at 3.3 V, then briefly cut and restore module VCC. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
- Confirmed device: Eightree UK smart plug with energy monitoring, rated 13 A. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734664]
- Likely UART: A16 = Log_TX, A15 = Log_RX on T112B modules. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21733362]
What chip is the W701H marked module, exactly?
Community confirmations identify W701H as a Realtek RTL8720CF (RTL87x0C family), not a WinnerMicro nor BK7231 variant. This matters for toolchains, boot pins, and firmware choice. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #20989752]
Is OpenBeken support available for these Realtek RTL87x0C smart plugs?
Yes. Early on it wasnāt, but later reports confirm successful flashing and a working JSON template on a T112B-based plug. Features include relay, LED, button, and BL0937 energy pins mapped. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
How do I enter flashing/download mode on a T112B/W701/WBR module?
How-To: 1. Pull pin A13 up to 3.3 V. 2. Briefly remove and restore module VCC while keeping A13 high. 3. Connect UART and flash at your chosen speed. Users report success with this sequence. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
Where are the UART pins on T112B?
One contributor identified A16 as Log_TX and A15 as Log_RX. Quote: āI see an A16 (Log_TX) and I think the A15 (Log_RX).ā Verify on your PCB before wiring. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21733362]
Can I flash without desoldering the main PCB?
Itās possible but awkward. A user noted desoldering the main board makes extraction and flashing practical; in-situ access needs a custom jig and careful wriggling. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21735010]
What firmware is closest to Tasmota/ESPHome for RTL8720CF?
Use OpenBeken for RTL87x0C modules. A template for the Eightree/T112B device was added, enabling relay, LED, button, and BL0937 metering. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21734876]
How can I confirm the module type in software?
Serial boot logs expose details such as āmodule: is WBR2,ā Tuya SDK version, and Realtek platform strings. Capture the log at reset to verify. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21735932]
Whatās the rated load of the confirmed Eightree UK plug?
The referenced Eightree UK smart plug with energy monitoring is rated at 13 A. This suits typical UK sockets but always check your unitās label. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734664]
What is Tuya in this context?
Tuya provides the cloud/app stack seen in stock firmware. Boot logs show Tuya IoT SDK strings and initialization messages on these modules. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21735932]
What is OpenBeken?
OpenBeken is open-source firmware targeting non-ESP Wi-Fi/BLE IoT chips like BK72xx and Realtek RTL87x0C, with device templates contributed by the community. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21734876]
Any tricky edge cases while flashing?
Yes. Without a stable reset into the downloader, serial links drop. One user couldnāt maintain a session until the correct reset and boot pin hold were used. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21733688]
Are WBR2, WBR3, and W701-VA2-CG the same thing?
Theyāre related Realtek-based Tuya module families. A consolidated guide provides pinouts, datasheets, and flashing notes for WBR2/WBR3/WBRU/W701 variants. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21379244]
What pin mapping works for BL0937 energy monitoring on T112B?
Reported working pins include BL0937SEL=A11, BL0937CF=A17, BL0937CF1=A19, plus Button=A14, Relay=A18, LED=A13, NetLED_n=A12. Use the shared JSON template as a starting point. [Elektroda, gandi69, post #21734220]
Whatās the Tuya model ID for the 13 A metering plug referenced?
Tuya lists it as āJX-SP23BL-8720CF-13A åø¦č®”é å
¬ē,ā which means 13 A with metering, public/reference design. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21739157]
Should I back up factory firmware before flashing?
Yesācommunity best practice is to dump the stock image first. Contributors ask for backups to aid recovery and template work. [Elektroda, divadiow, post #21734876]
and have the following questions.
