FAQ
TL;DR: Telink mods center on pvvx firmware; one contributor flashed 3 sensors and warns: âI doubt it can become a coordinator for ZHA/Z2M.â [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps makers decide if, how, and with which tools to turn Telink-based Zigbee devices into reliable routers or custom end devices.
- Telink IoT Studio 2025.2 installers exist for Windows and Linux; use them for building and flashing Telink Zigbee firmware. [Elektroda, DeDaMrAz, post #21736518]
- pvvx TlsrComProg supports TLSR825x backup/flash over serial for Telink chips. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715583]
- Dev boards TB-03F-KIT/TB-04 are recommended for rapid firmware bring-up before porting pins to target hardware. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715591]
- Noâneutral mains switches may not route; adding routing can cause reboots due to power limits. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715570]
- Edge case: Restoring a stock backup can still brick; one device refused to boot after reflash. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715578]
Quick Facts
- Telink IoT Studio 2025.2: crossâplatform IDE for Telink SoCs; posted links confirm Windows and Linux installers. [Elektroda, DeDaMrAz, post #21736518]
- pvvx firmware is used on Telink chips for Zigbee/BLE; community members flash it on sensors. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
- For devices not on pvvxâs list, expect manual porting and pin remaps. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715570]
- Developer workflow: prototype on TBâ03FâKIT/TBâ04, then change pins, recompile, and flash target. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715591]
- Backups arenât bulletproof: a stock reflash failed to boot in at least one report. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715578]
What is the practical path for Telink-based Zigbee device modification?
Use pvvx Telink Zigbee/BLE firmware as your base. If your device isnât a listed variant, plan for manual porting. Prototype on a Telink dev kit, confirm ZHA/Z2M behavior, then map pins and rebuild for the target board. This reduces brick risk and speeds iteration. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715591]
Can I convert a Telink end device into a Zigbee coordinator for ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT?
A contributor with handsâon experience doubts successful conversion to a coordinator that works with ZHA/Z2M. Treat this as a nonâgoal unless you accept heavy R&D and failure risk. âI doubt that itâs possible to convert it to coordinator that would works with zha/z2m.â [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
How do I make a mains-powered device act as a stable Zigbee router?
Noâneutral switches often ship as nonârouters to avoid brownouts. Forcing routing increases power draw and can cause reboots. If routing is essential, choose hardware with a neutral, or use a dedicated router device. Treat nonâneutral conversions as experimental. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715570]
Which tools do I need for Telink firmware development and flashing?
Start with Telink IoT Studio 2025.2 for builds and the Telink BDT download tool for transfers. These were shared alongside a workflow for testing a Telink dongle. Keep both handy while your dev boards ship. [Elektroda, DeDaMrAz, post #21715572]
Is there a customizable, ready-to-use Telink firmware, or will I need to port?
Prebuilt binaries exist for several variants only. If your device isnât on that list, you need to do a manual port. Expect to change pin definitions, rebuild, and verify radio/endpoint behavior. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715570]
How risky is backup and restore on Telink TLSR devices?
High enough to plan for failure. One user backed up, tried custom firmware, then restored stockâand the device never booted. Keep multiple backups, verify dumps, and consider dev boards for first tests. âBe careful when taking backup.â [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715578]
What dev hardware should I use before touching the real device?
Use TBâ03FâKIT or TBâ04. Build firmware that pairs cleanly with ZHA/Z2M on the kit, then adjust pins and recompile for your target device. This isolates radio and stack issues from board quirks. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715591]
Does pvvx firmware actually work on real sensors like Xiaomi or Tuya?
Yes. A contributor flashed three temperature sensorsâone LYWSD03MMC and two Tuya unitsâwith the pvvx Zigbee firmware. This demonstrates working support beyond a single model. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
What does âTuyaâ refer to in this thread?
Here, âTuyaâ refers to Tuyaâbranded Zigbee temperature sensors used as pvvx firmware targets alongside the Xiaomi LYWSD03MMC unit. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
What do ZHA and Z2M mean in this discussion?
In this context, ZHA (Home Assistantâs Zigbee integration) and Z2M (Zigbee2MQTT) are the target ecosystems for device compatibility. The contributor doubts converting Telink devices into coordinators for them. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]
How do I back up a TLSR825x device with pvvx TlsrComProg?
- Connect the UART/SWD pads per the TlsrComProg825x guidance.
- Use TlsrComProg to read flash and save multiple dump copies.
- Verify checksums, then proceed with flashing custom or stock images.
This matches the tool shared for Telink backups. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715583]
Is there an open-source Telink/Tuya Zigbee repo to start from?
There is a tuyaZigbee repo noted by the community, but itâs described as abandoned. Use it only for reference, and prefer current toolchains and dev kits. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715578]
Will a dedicated Telink dongle help compared to a generic programmer?
A Telink USB dongle was ordered and compared conceptually to a JâLink for convenience. The poster planned to report findings after arrival, so treat it as optional until validated. [Elektroda, DeDaMrAz, post #21715587]
Where can I get the latest Telink IoT Studio mentioned here?
The thread shares Telink IoT Studio 2025.2 installers for Windows and Linux, posted October 30, 2025. Use those for current builds. [Elektroda, DeDaMrAz, post #21736518]
