Author Topic: Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs  (Read 896 times)

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Offline SmurfKillerTopic starter

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Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs
« on: June 11, 2020, 09:35:55 pm »
G'day, I have been playing around this cheap Arlec smart light bulb (rebranded tuya) found in my local bunnings. and i wanted to reflash the firmware.

After opening it up i found this header, see attached photo. the pins seem to be labeled + w c con b r any idea what it could be? Kind of hoping that it is some sort of factory programing port.

My next step would be to break out the dremel and sacrifice one to trace them back, but i thought i might try my luck here  :D
« Last Edit: June 11, 2020, 09:37:33 pm by SmurfKiller »
 

Offline TheMG

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Re: Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2020, 12:34:46 am »
That is the connector taking power from the driver board to the LEDs.

"CON" just means connector.
+ is positive (common)
W- is negative for warm white LEDs
C- is for cold white
R- is red
B- is blue
G- is green

You can see that it is a female connector on the LED board, with pins connecting to it from the driver board in the base of the bulb.

Further disassembly will be required to get at the programming contacts (if they exist).
« Last Edit: June 12, 2020, 12:36:26 am by TheMG »
 
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Offline SmurfKillerTopic starter

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Re: Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2020, 03:05:10 am »
Dam, thanks. would of been too easy...

I know it has esp8266, so i just need to get to the TX RX, time to break out the dremel.   :D

 

Offline Doctorandus_P

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Re: Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2020, 05:47:22 am »
(Edit: Oops, same answer as what TheMG already wrote)

You can see the square pins inside the connector.

The ESP is also at a 90 degree angle to the front, so it is a 2 PCB solution.
That 6 pin connector is very likely the only connection between the PCB's.

A programming connector is also unlikely, because that would be on the PCB with the ESP.
« Last Edit: June 12, 2020, 05:49:46 am by Doctorandus_P »
 

Offline Renate

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Re: Finding a serial interface on Arlec smart light bulbs
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2020, 01:55:03 pm »
I don't think you need a Dremel, just a pocket knife to cut away the silicone bead.
The front PCB should pull right off.
It's not even destructive.
 


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