FAQ
TL;DR: Want GOSUND P1 (CUCO_Z0_V1.1, ESP8265) working locally? Use ESPHome’s 3 interfaces—REST, web, MQTT—“ESPHome has a REST API, a web server, can issue over MQTT.” [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
Why it matters:** This FAQ helps DIYers recover firmware, fix power glitches, and move the strip to private, app‑free control.
Quick Facts
- Hardware: CUCO_Z0_V1.1 board with ESP8265; no external flash package observed. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21633934]
- Local control path: ESPHome integrates with Home Assistant and exposes REST, web, and MQTT endpoints. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
- Firmware handling: ESP8266 flash is typically not locked; make a full backup before changes. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21742230]
- Common failures seen: OB2560CMP controller and ITD07N65L MOSFET in the PSU section. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21742218]
- Price signal: Similar Wi‑Fi power strips sell near £10; PSU quality may vary. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21742498]
Where can I get the original firmware for GOSUND P1 (CUCO_Z0_V1.1)?
First, try reading the device’s flash to extract your own backup. If you can’t, check the community flash-dumps repo suggested in the thread; that specific batch may be missing, but it’s the right place to look. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21633862]
What microcontroller/module is inside this strip?
The discussed board is CUCO_Z0_V1.1 using an ESP8265. The poster noted no additional external flash IC present on their unit. This affects recovery options and whether you can desolder a separate SPI flash. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21633934]
Is the ESP8266/ESP8265 flash locked, and can I back it up without losing data?
Forum experience says ESP8266 flash is generally not locked. "I haven't come across a locked device flash on the ESP8266." Always create a full-image backup before any write so you can restore if needed. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21742230]
My strip clicks and briefly turns off—what likely fails?
Repeated relay clicking often points to PSU instability. Users reported failures of OB2560CMP controllers and ITD07N65L MOSFETs inside the supply. Inspect and replace suspect PSU parts before blaming firmware or Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21742218]
Will replacing the ESP8265 fix the momentary power-drop issue?
Unlikely if the PSU is at fault. One user’s multiple units started brief shutoffs after months, which suggests aging power components, not the MCU. Address the PSU section first. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
Could USB load be the cause of random resets?
Not always. A user saw the issue with only a low-draw Chromecast Audio on USB, and the problem began after many months. That points back to the internal power supply components. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742190]
How do I make GOSUND P1 a fully local device with ESPHome?
ESPHome runs on the ESP and talks to Home Assistant. It exposes a REST API, a web server, and MQTT for integration. You can compile from YAML or flash a provided BIN to keep core functionality. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
Quick 3‑step: How to flash ESPHome onto the strip?
- Generate YAML/BIN for ESP8265 in ESPHome.
- Connect UART (e.g., CH341) and put the ESP into bootloader mode.
- Flash the BIN; then pair with Home Assistant via ESPHome or MQTT.
[Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
What is ESPHome in simple terms?
ESPHome is firmware you configure in YAML to run locally on ESP chips. In this thread, it delivers REST, web, and MQTT interfaces and integrates with Home Assistant for control and telemetry. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742159]
What is Tuya, as mentioned here?
In this context, Tuya refers to the cloud/app ecosystem these smart strips often use by default. Some users prefer avoiding it due to cloud reliance and choose local options instead. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742676]
If a surge killed the ESP, can I still extract the firmware?
If the ESP8265 itself is dead and it holds the internal flash, your original firmware is lost. Consider replacing the chip and loading alternative firmware instead. [Elektroda, badboy23, post #21633676]
Can a CH341 programmer help here?
Yes. If the flash is accessible, a CH341 can read and write images for backup or recovery. The suggestion to try CH341 appears early in the thread when discussing firmware extraction. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21633862]
Where do I find ready flash dumps or templates?
Check the community-maintained FlashDumps repository linked in the thread under the ESP8266 section. Your exact CUCO_Z0_V1.1 batch may be missing, but it’s the hub to watch. [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21633862]
Any proven backups without losing calibration or data?
A user reported creating a backup without loss, indicating the process can preserve device data when handled correctly. Always dump the full image before modifications. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21742229]
What alternatives offer per‑outlet metering and modern protocols?
One user switched to Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4: four individually metered sockets and connectivity via Wi‑Fi, Zigbee, and Matter, with broad smart‑home support. [Elektroda, Qba..., post #21763016]
How do I diagnose relay clicking without squeals or coil noise?
Start on the PSU side: inspect capacitors and the primary controller stage. Replace aging capacitors if ESR rises, then retest under load. "Capacitors perhaps?" [Elektroda, p.kaczmarek2, post #21742215]