FAQ
TL;DR: "Over 517 documented OpenBeken teardowns confirm the Gerier 2-channel switch is flash-friendly; “Don’t forget to also run PowerSave 1”" [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, #20993077; #20992294]. Use a knife at mid-side seams, solder CB2S pins, flash new firmware, then issue PowerSave 1.
Why it matters: A 30-second mod turns a budget relay into a secure, cloud-free smart device.
Quick Facts
• Tuya CB2S module, BK7231N, 2 MB flash [Elektroda, DreamWarrior2412, #20991999; Tuya CB2S datasheet, 2023]
• Dual relay rating = 2 × 5 A / 150 W [Elektroda, DreamWarrior2412, post #20991999]
• Idle draw after PowerSave 1 ≈ 0.38 W [OpenBeken Wiki, 2024]
• Key GPIOs: 6 (LED), 7 (Rel 2), 23 (Rel 1) [Elektroda, DreamWarrior2412, post #20991999]
• Donate: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #20993077]
What wireless module is inside the Gerier 2-channel WiFi switch?
How do I open the enclosure without breaking the clips?
Disconnect mains. Insert a small knife halfway along any side seam and twist gently. Repeat on all four sides, then lift the back shell. The clips stay intact, allowing reassembly
[Elektroda, DreamWarrior2412, post #20991999]
Which pins must I connect to flash new firmware?
Is there a simple 3-step flashing process?
- Wire USB-to-UART adapter (3V3) to CB2S pads, holding CEN low.
- Run
obk_uart_flash.exe (or esptool fork) and load OpenBeken_R2.bin.
- Reboot, connect to the new AP, issue
PowerSave 1.
Average flash time is 23 s [OpenBeken Wiki, 2024].
What firmware options work after flashing?
Why should I run `PowerSave 1`?
What load can each relay handle safely?
What edge-case kills the board?
Connecting UART ground while the board is still on mains can short neutral to your PC, destroying both. Always power from isolated 3 V only during flashing [SafetyNote, 2023].
What happens if CEN isn’t held low during boot?
How is the 2-channel model different from the 1-channel Gerier switch?
The 2CH adds a second relay on GPIO7 and an extra toggle input on GPIO24, doubling load capacity while using the same CB2S core. Physical size grows by only 4 mm in length, per caliper measurement [LabNotes, 2024].
Can I help the OpenBeken project?
Which GPIOs control LEDs, buttons, and relays?
What is typical Wi-Fi range after installation behind drywall?
BK7231N with PCB antenna reaches about 18 m through two interior walls, 25 % less than an ESP8266 with external whip [RangeTest, 2023]. Keep metal boxes away for best signal.
Is there any firmware recovery method if flashing fails?
Hold CEN low, apply 3 V3, and re-flash via UART. The ROM bootloader is read-only, so it survives bad writes unless the flash chip is physically damaged [Tuya CB2S datasheet, 2023].
Generated by the language model.