@insmod hijacking this thread for one response, I'll open up a new thread for it - question, did you play with ZT3L firmware? I got a Telink based zigbee device to modify and waiting for their dongle to arrive so just prepping beforehand 😁

Probably related post about ZTLC9:

>>21715556 For telink - pvvx zigbee/bluetooth firmware. I flashed 3 temperature sensors (one LYWSD03MMC and two tuya) with his zigbee fw. I doubt that it's possible to convert it to coordinator that would works with zha/z2m.

I got a device that is mains powered but reports as batter powered so it's not a repeater and I need it to be. Got their Studio SW to play with just asking if you have any experience. Familiar and I did the same but I need a bit more customization on it. Thanks!

>>21715565 No customization, only prebuilt firmware for several variants. If device not in the list - then manual porting is required. Main powered, but not a router - switch without neutral? I have two of those, but i think it was made that way because it would consume too much power otherwise, leading to reboots.

yeah I figure as much, btw link to their development studio SW - And their download tool - Exactly! I got several that I thought I can use as repeaters but...

>>21715572 It would be very hard to even get it to work with custom firmware. There's this repo, but it's pretty much abandoned - Be careful when taking backup - i've got one device that i took backup, experimented with custom fw and then decided to flash back stock one - and it didn't boot.

Got it! What did you use for backup? Their dongle or? Telink dongle -

>>21715583 Same, used that for those Mi thermostats but figured I can try that dongle, maybe it has some benefits (similar to J-Link) Waiting for it to arrive and will report what can be done.

I would suggest you get a dev board, something like TB-03F-KIT (or TB-04). It's much easier to test firmware on it, and it might be a good choice for learning. Develop fw on it that would work in z2m/zha, then simply change pins, recompile, and flash on real device.

Awaiting delivery on it already 😉 both boards Added after 1 [minutes]: My exact idea!

ZT3L Firmware change for Telink-Based Zigbee Device Modification

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#1 21715556 09 Oct 2025 22:47

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #1
21715556 09 Oct 2025 22:47

@insmod

hijacking this thread for one response, I'll open up a new thread for it - question, did you play with ZT3L firmware? I got a Telink based zigbee device to modify and waiting for their "dongle" to arrive so just prepping beforehand 😁

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#2 21715562 09 Oct 2025 22:56

insmod insmod

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21715562 09 Oct 2025 22:56

>>21715556
For telink - pvvx zigbee/bluetooth firmware.
I flashed 3 temperature sensors (one LYWSD03MMC and two tuya) with his zigbee fw.

I doubt that it's possible to convert it to coordinator that would works with zha/z2m.
#3 21715565 09 Oct 2025 23:00

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #3
21715565 09 Oct 2025 23:00

insmod wrote:
I doubt that it's possible to convert it to coordinator that would works with zha/z2m.

I got a device that is mains powered but reports as "batter powered" so it's not a repeater and I need it to be. Got their Studio SW to play with just asking if you have any experience.

insmod wrote:
For telink - pvvx zigbee/bluetooth firmware.

Familiar and I did the same but I need a bit more customization on it.

Thanks!

If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects
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#4 21715570 09 Oct 2025 23:05

insmod insmod

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21715570 09 Oct 2025 23:05

>>21715565
No customization, only prebuilt firmware for several variants.
If device not in the list - then manual porting is required.

Main powered, but not a router - switch without neutral? I have two of those, but i think it was made that way because it would consume too much power otherwise, leading to reboots.
#5 21715572 09 Oct 2025 23:10

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #5
21715572 09 Oct 2025 23:10

insmod wrote:
If device not in the list - then manual porting is required.

yeah I figure as much, btw link to their development studio SW - https://doc.telink-semi.cn/tools/telink_iot_studio/TelinkIoTStudio_V2025.2.zip

And their download tool - https://doc.telink-semi.cn/tools/bdt/BDT_v5.8.4.zip

insmod wrote:
Main powered, but not a router - switch without neutral?

Exactly! I got several that I thought I can use as repeaters but...

If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects
#6 21715578 09 Oct 2025 23:24

insmod insmod

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Post #6
21715578 09 Oct 2025 23:24

>>21715572
It would be very hard to even get it to work with custom firmware.

There's this repo, but it's pretty much abandoned - https://github.com/doctor64/tuyaZigbee

Be careful when taking backup - i've got one device that i took backup, experimented with custom fw and then decided to flash back stock one - and it didn't boot.
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#7 21715580 09 Oct 2025 23:30

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #7
21715580 09 Oct 2025 23:30

insmod wrote:
Be careful when taking backup

Got it! What did you use for backup? Their "dongle" or?

Telink dongle - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008282301532.html

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#8 21715583 09 Oct 2025 23:32

insmod insmod

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Post #8
21715583 09 Oct 2025 23:32

>>21715580
https://github.com/pvvx/TlsrComProg825x
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#9 21715587 09 Oct 2025 23:36

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #9
21715587 09 Oct 2025 23:36

>>21715583

Same, used that for those Mi thermostats but figured I can try that dongle, maybe it has some benefits (similar to J-Link)

Waiting for it to arrive and will report what can be done.

If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects
#10 21715591 09 Oct 2025 23:42

insmod insmod

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Post #10
21715591 09 Oct 2025 23:42

I would suggest you get a dev board, something like TB-03F-KIT (or TB-04).
It's much easier to test firmware on it, and it might be a good choice for learning.

Develop fw on it that would work in z2m/zha, then simply change pins, recompile, and flash on real device.
#11 21715592 09 Oct 2025 23:47

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #11
21715592 09 Oct 2025 23:47

insmod wrote:
I would suggest you get a dev board, something like TB-03F-KIT (or TB-04).

Awaiting delivery on it already 😉 both boards

Added after 1 [minutes]:

insmod wrote:
evelop fw on it that would work in z2m/zha, then simply change pins, recompile, and flash on real device

My exact idea!

If you like my work, support me at: https://paypal.me/openshwprojects
#12 21736518 30 Oct 2025 18:08

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #12
21736518 30 Oct 2025 18:08

This arrived today

windows version - https://doc.telink-semi.cn/tools/telink_iot_studio/TelinkIoTStudio_V2025.2.zip

linux version - https://doc.telink-semi.cn/tools/telink_iot_studio/Telink_IoT_Studio_2025.2_Installer.run

So let's see what we can do with this, but still waiting for the dev boards to arrive.

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#13 21773456 07 Dec 2025 03:21

DeDaMrAz DeDaMrAz

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Post #13
21773456 07 Dec 2025 03:21

Still waiting for these dev boards to arrive.... but I think I'll order some new ones

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#14 21773577 07 Dec 2025 10:30

p.kaczmarek2 p.kaczmarek2

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21773577 07 Dec 2025 10:30

Probably related post about ZTLC9: https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/topic4038140.html#21769961

I am creating multiplatform open source firmware (Tasmota replacement), right now supporting BK7231T, BK7231N, XR809, BL602, W800, W600, LN882H and soon supporting RTL and W701:
https://github.com/openshwprojects/OpenBK7231T
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on modifying Telink-based Zigbee devices using ZT3L firmware and related tools. Users have experience flashing temperature sensors like LYWSD03MMC and Tuya devices with pvvx Zigbee/Bluetooth firmware but note limitations in converting devices to coordinators compatible with ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT (z2m). Mains-powered devices often report as battery-powered and do not function as repeaters, likely due to hardware constraints such as lack of neutral wire and power consumption issues causing reboots. Customization options are limited to prebuilt firmware variants; manual porting is required for unsupported devices. The Telink IoT Studio software and BDT download tool are primary resources for firmware development and flashing. Backup and flashing carry risks, including devices failing to boot after restoring stock firmware. The Telink dongle (available on AliExpress) and the TlsrComProg825x programmer are used for firmware backup and flashing. For development and testing, Telink dev boards like TB-03F-KIT or TB-04 are recommended to create firmware compatible with z2m or ZHA before porting to actual devices. The author is awaiting delivery of the dongle and dev boards to experiment further.
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ZT3L Firmware change for Telink-Based Zigbee Device Modification

FAQ

TL;DR: Telink mods center on pvvx firmware; one contributor flashed 3 sensors and warns: “I doubt it can become a coordinator for ZHA/Z2M.” [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]
No‑neutral 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: cross‑platform 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 pvvx’s list, expect manual porting and pin remaps. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715570]
Developer workflow: prototype on TB‑03F‑KIT/TB‑04, then change pins, recompile, and flash target. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715591]
Backups aren’t 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 isn’t 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 hands‑on experience doubts successful conversion to a coordinator that works with ZHA/Z2M. Treat this as a non‑goal unless you accept heavy R&D and failure risk. “I doubt that it’s possible to convert it to coordinator that would works with zha/z2m.” [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]

How do I make a mains-powered device act as a stable Zigbee router?

No‑neutral switches often ship as non‑routers 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 non‑neutral 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 isn’t 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 stock—and the device never booted. Keep multiple backups, verify dumps, and consider dev boards for first tests. “Be careful when taking backup.” [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715578]

What dev hardware should I use before touching the real device?

Use TB‑03F‑KIT or TB‑04. 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 sensors—one LYWSD03MMC and two Tuya units—with the pvvx Zigbee firmware. This demonstrates working support beyond a single model. [Elektroda, insmod, post #21715562]

What does “Tuya” refer to in this thread?

Here, “Tuya” refers to Tuya‑branded 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 Assistant’s 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 it’s 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 J‑Link 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]

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