SA smart plugs that can be flashed with Tasmota

SauRoNZA said:
I gave up with the first generation ones so didn’t even bother with the newer ones.
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Gave up because of the hassle of flashing them (prying open the glue-sealed case and unsoldering the mains pins is admittedly a schlep, but the end result is worth it), or because of reliability issues? I've had only two casualties amongst my 30+ UltraLink plugs... The first was because our domestic worker dropped the socket attached to the vacuum cleaner cable a few too many times and a vertically mounted resistor on the PCB sheered off at its base. The second one was my fault - prolonged use at very high current in the early days of charging my EV (before I switched to a DB-mounted DDS238-2 unit with a dedicated plug point in the garage) cooked an electrolytic cap (and at least one other component that I didn't have time to identify) in the power supply section of the PCB. In the absence of avoidable abuse the rest of my UltraLink fleet has been rock solid.
 
zarf said:
Gave up because of the hassle of flashing them (prying open the glue-sealed case and unsoldering the mains pins is admittedly a schlep, but the end result is worth it), or because of reliability issues? I've had only two casualties amongst my 30+ UltraLink plugs... The first was because our domestic worker dropped the socket attached to the vacuum cleaner cable a few too many times and a vertically mounted resistor on the PCB sheered off at its base. The second one was my fault - prolonged use at very high current in the early days of charging my EV (before I switched to a DB-mounted DDS238-2 unit with a dedicated plug point in the garage) cooked an electrolytic cap (and at least one other component that I didn't have time to identify) in the power supply section of the PCB. In the absence of avoidable abuse the rest of my UltraLink fleet has been rock solid.
Click to expand...

Such a pain to open and then once opened the fact I need to be a spider to get the soldering done.

Just wasn’t worth it.

I’m very content with the Tuya integration in HA and don’t remember when last I didn’t have internet or electricity so it’s a non issue for me. I believe it works locally now (speed of response certainty suggests it) but even if it didn’t I wouldn’t know because like I said internet is always there.

I’ve actually been moving away from Tasmota more and more as I just don’t see the benefits any more.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Such a pain to open and then once opened the fact I need to be a spider to get the soldering done.

Just wasn’t worth it.

I’m very content with the Tuya integration in HA and don’t remember when last I didn’t have internet or electricity so it’s a non issue for me. I believe it works locally now (speed of response certainty suggests it) but even if it didn’t I wouldn’t know because like I said internet is always there.

I’ve actually been moving away from Tasmota more and more as I just don’t see the benefits any more.
Click to expand...
I've been meaning to try this integration - you say it's good? Does it not work if internet goes down?

It makes sense to stick to Tuya firmware especially for "infrastructure" devices - like geyser isolator switches, lighting automation, etc. - stuff I'd likely not feel like taking out when I sell my house.

Tasmota ventures into the hobby terrain - so may turn automation devices from a selling point to a negative to a new buyer not familiar with HA.

That said - I've got all my devices running Tasmota - so dreading the day if/when I sell my house :|
 
clicketykeys said:
I've been meaning to try this integration - you say it's good? Does it not work if internet goes down?

It makes sense to stick to Tuya firmware especially for "infrastructure" devices - like geyser isolator switches, lighting automation, etc. - stuff I'd likely not feel like taking out when I sell my house.

Tasmota ventures into the hobby terrain - so may turn automation devices from a selling point to a negative to a new buyer not familiar with HA.

That said - I've got all my devices running Tasmota - so dreading the day if/when I sell my house :|
Click to expand...
I just removed everything prior to selling. Was simpler and I got to re-use the devices at the new place.

Most buyers will not see the value in the automation devices.
 
clicketykeys said:
I've been meaning to try this integration - you say it's good? Does it not work if internet goes down?

It makes sense to stick to Tuya firmware especially for "infrastructure" devices - like geyser isolator switches, lighting automation, etc. - stuff I'd likely not feel like taking out when I sell my house.

Tasmota ventures into the hobby terrain - so may turn automation devices from a selling point to a negative to a new buyer not familiar with HA.

That said - I've got all my devices running Tasmota - so dreading the day if/when I sell my house :|
Click to expand...

You are following my line of thinking which exactly that I can leave this as is if I ever sell the house and the new owner can just sync it with their phone.

I don’t know if it works offline or not…inconsequential to me really so not bothered to test it even.

And even if it doesn’t….big whoop my **** doesn’t turn itself on and off just like the good old days. Hardly a major loss.
 
clicketykeys said:
I've been meaning to try this integration - you say it's good? Does it not work if internet goes down?

It makes sense to stick to Tuya firmware especially for "infrastructure" devices - like geyser isolator switches, lighting automation, etc. - stuff I'd likely not feel like taking out when I sell my house.

Tasmota ventures into the hobby terrain - so may turn automation devices from a selling point to a negative to a new buyer not familiar with HA.

That said - I've got all my devices running Tasmota - so dreading the day if/when I sell my house :|
Click to expand...
Did the same thing when I implemented load shedding. Kitchen Plug Point(s), Geysers and Heat Pump now have CBI Astute ISOLATOR switches so easy to understand. New owner can just reset it if they want. For the remaining SONOFF (some Tasmota/some eWeLink) stuff I have for the house (swimming pool pump, etc) I will tell them about it - or just leave the switches permanently on (see other point below)

Thankfully all the lights are easy to replace and I will - since I have loads of Philips Hue bulbs and those cost a pretty packet.
Tinuva said:
I just removed everything prior to selling. Was simpler and I got to re-use the devices at the new place.

Most buyers will not see the value in the automation devices.
Click to expand...
I plan to sell/include the Ubiquiti WiFi equipment (just leave the iOT WiFi Enabled) and then it will be up to them if they want

Also don't know if others did this, but I setup a dedicated email address for all the iOT stuff related to this 'house' so plan to also hand that account (which is what eWeLink, Tuya and a few accounts are tied to) over if the future owner wants to keep it. Will make it easier for them to adopt what is in the house.
 
TedLasso said:
Did the same thing when I implemented load shedding. Kitchen Plug Point(s), Geysers and Heat Pump now have CBI Astute ISOLATOR switches so easy to understand. New owner can just reset it if they want. For the remaining SONOFF (some Tasmota/some eWeLink) stuff I have for the house (swimming pool pump, etc) I will tell them about it - or just leave the switches permanently on (see other point below)

Thankfully all the lights are easy to replace and I will - since I have loads of Philips Hue bulbs and those cost a pretty packet.

I plan to sell/include the Ubiquiti WiFi equipment (just leave the iOT WiFi Enabled) and then it will be up to them if they want

Also don't know if others did this, but I setup a dedicated email address for all the iOT stuff related to this 'house' so plan to also hand that account (which is what eWeLink, Tuya and a few accounts are tied to) over if the future owner wants to keep it. Will make it easier for them to adopt what is in the house.
Click to expand...
I hope the future buyer sees the value of a Unifi network...
 
Aaargh - always read the last post and not the first post. Just bought a Qualitel GU-10 and SmartPlug hoping to flash with Tasmota/EspHome and see that I have the new models which can no longer be flashed.

So, anyone recommend any plugs/GU-10's that CAN be? I'm putting Shelly's behind some sockets, but some devices need their own management rather than sharing a single outlet.
 
This past weekend I finally managed to get the TYWE2S controllers I had lying around flashed. No idea why but I struggle with stuff nowadays.

Ended up using my esp12 programmer board:

IMG_2022-10-02-19-09-29-006.jpg

Excuse the super ugly soldering, this one was soldered into a plug, and removed again. I found out it doesn't want to power up enough in the plug to be flashed.

IMG_2022-10-02-19-09-37-740.jpg

Anyways, I then found out the strangest thing.

My original plugs were flashed as they were flashable and had this template applied:
Code: 
{"NAME":"BNETA WifiPlug","GPIO":[32,288,0,0,2688,2656,0,0,2624,544,224,0,0,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":18}
Tasmota reports this as:
ESP Chip Id7975516 (ESP8266EX)

The new plugs are reported as:
ESP Chip Id10163793 (ESP8285)
Because thats what the TYWE2S basically is.

The problem is, while the plug works, do power readings, I can toggle on/off from the web interface, the physical button does nothing :(

I then tried the latest template from https://templates.blakadder.com/bneta_IO-WIFI-Plug-SA.html
This is:
Code: 
{"NAME":"BNETA WifiPlug","GPIO":[17,52,0,0,133,132,0,0,131,157,21,0,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":18}
Still same issue.

Eventually read this thread again and found @clicketykeys 's post

So I modified the website's latest template by moving the button from GPIO0 to GPIO3 (same as @clicketykeys and boom the button works now !

I mean, it makes sense right? The GPIO0 doesn't connect to the plug's board, so it had to be another IO and it seems GPIO3 it is.

Final template that seems to work on the Bneta plug:
Code: 
{"NAME":"BNETA WifiPlug","GPIO":[0,288,0,32,2688,2656,0,0,2624,544,224,0,0,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":18}
 
I am looking for a smart power meter plug that can give me a 24 hour report, max power/current used, etc. The standard BNeta/Tuya only give KWh info per day which is not good enough for my needs.

Any advice will be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Anyone have experience with these?
Want to turn off Microwave, kettle so domestic at home doesn't use them when we on solar setup.

www.geewiz.co.za

GeeWiz Wifi Smart Plug - SA 3 PIN 10A / 3 Meters / IOS Android (Works with Google Home and Amazon Echo)

10A - 2200W Max Remote ON/OFF–Turn electrical devices on/off from anywhere App Support–iOS & Android mobile App Sync Status–Realtime device status Timing–Set timers to turn on/off Share Control– with your family Scene–Turn on/off a group of devices with one tap Voice Control–Works with Amazon...
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za
 
Hemps said:
Anyone have experience with these?
Want to turn off Microwave, kettle so domestic at home doesn't use them when we on solar setup.

www.geewiz.co.za

GeeWiz Wifi Smart Plug - SA 3 PIN 10A / 3 Meters / IOS Android (Works with Google Home and Amazon Echo)

10A - 2200W Max Remote ON/OFF–Turn electrical devices on/off from anywhere App Support–iOS & Android mobile App Sync Status–Realtime device status Timing–Set timers to turn on/off Share Control– with your family Scene–Turn on/off a group of devices with one tap Voice Control–Works with Amazon...
www.geewiz.co.za www.geewiz.co.za
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It's a premade Sonoff with a plug and connector:whistling:
 
PsyWulf said:
It's a premade Sonoff with a plug and connector:whistling:
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Never used any of these smart plugs before so want to buy the right stuff from the beginning.

Lengthy thread but seems bNeta are decent and have power monitoring.

These are listed on Takealot with power monitoring bit on the products website they sparse on details?

www.qualitel.co.za

Smart Wi-Fi Plug - 3 Pin - QT-SP2 - Qualitel Transmission

Control your appliances remotely from anywhere in the world. Works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Group Control / Timing schedule and power monitoring.
www.qualitel.co.za www.qualitel.co.za

All these things look like they made at the same factory.
 
Hemps said:
Never used any of these smart plugs before so want to buy the right stuff from the beginning.

Lengthy thread but seems bNeta are decent and have power monitoring.

These are listed on Takealot with power monitoring bit on the products website they sparse on details?

www.qualitel.co.za

Smart Wi-Fi Plug - 3 Pin - QT-SP2 - Qualitel Transmission

Control your appliances remotely from anywhere in the world. Works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Group Control / Timing schedule and power monitoring.
www.qualitel.co.za www.qualitel.co.za

All these things look like they made at the same factory.
Click to expand...

Most of these the main hook is your software requirements and any pre-existing smart stuff you have
BNetas will be running on Tuya which is hard(er) to convert to run off LAN control only
Sonoff's pretty good there,but their toys don't always have all the features
If internet's pretty steady Tuya-based or Sonoff-based is fine for most people
 
I am running Tuya and Sonoff switches using the LocalTuya and SonoffLAN integrations on Home Assistant (3rd party HACS integrations), which allows local control, i.e. don't need the Tuya/Sonoff Cloud service. No issues this far.

Cheapest place for Sonoff switches I could find was online on Cummunica. Only R99 (ex vat) for the basic switch. Takealot sells the same one for R300.... Sonoff direct for R170.
 
Hemps said:
All these things look like they made at the same factory.
Click to expand...
Because they are:whistling:
Tuya is basically a whitelabel
You can buy the product(s) and brand them with your own branding and license an App that shares functionality with their Tuya app
 
clicketykeys said:
For anyone interested, I bought one of these Vizia 16A plugs on Takalot: VIZIA Smart WiFi Power Plug

EDIT: below relates to the round Vizia 16A plugs : VIZIA Smart WiFi Round Plug. The above seems to be the wrong link. These rectangular Vizia plugs can be flashed as is with FTDI adaptor.


This is a Tuya device, and it ships with a WR2 module.


The ESP-02S module is a drop-in replacement for the WR2. Found these on AliExpress (I'm impressed with SAPO! Only 2 months to the day! Based on past experience, my expectations were low): TYWE2S (ESP-02S) serial WiFi module

I flashed Tasmota on the ESP module, and after some careful soldering - figured out that these settings seem to work:
{"NAME":"Vizia 16A","GPIO":[0,320,0,32,224,2656,0,0,0,2720,2624,0,0,0],"FLAG":0,"BASE":1}


I quite like these plugs compared to clunky Sonoff Pow extention cords.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this post. I have the rectangular Vizia Smart Wifi Plug (https://www.takealot.com/vizia-smart-wifi-power-plug-switch-for-south-african-3-pin-16a/PLID70298892)

I am trying to figure out the Tasmota template that works. I tried using the settings from https://templates.blakadder.com/vizia_16A.html but the power monitoring values are tripled. So i suspect the template was for an older version. This device has a ESP8285N08 module which i successfully tasmotized.

1678727676879.png

Any help on the template would be appreciated.
 
Can anyone recommend a smart switch (>=20A for 3kW geyser) that can be installed in my db (i.e. DIN rail) that works with Home Assistant?

Bonus points if it also does power measurement and can be flashed with Tasmota (if I feel brave later down the road).
 
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