Better documentation?

[riz94107]

I've just got a KC868-A6 purchased via Aliexpress - I was expecting things to "just work", but since they're not, is there better documentation anywhere?

Here's what I've tried:

- the unit boots (and cycles the relays) when 12V is applied
- What little documentation I've seen says it should be in AP mode - but no APs show up in my local wifi at all (even after pressing buttons for >10s as indicated)
- the USB-C port does not seem to work, or at least it's not detected when I plug it into my computer (neither MacOS nor Linux).  I would expect to be able to load ESP32 code via USB, but... no
- plugging in an s1306 display doesn't yield any info (the display remains dark, probably not supported in the loaded firmware)
- the RS232 port does have some activity.  I see this:

Code:

**********
T1: -0.06
         T2: -0.06
                  2022/11/28 (Monday) 11:30:52

... and when I press the S2 button, I get this:

Code:

Download key is ok !

How am I supposed to be able to get ESPHome on this thing?   (I am pretty familiar with ESP32 and ESPHome - it's not clear which serial port is supposed to work for this).

Thanks.

[admin]

the new KC868-A6 board have our test firmware. you can download KCS v2 firmware to use or config by ESPHome.
1: use by KCS v2 firmware , here is online guide: https://www.kincony.com/esp32-kcsv2-firmware.html
2. config by ESPHome, here is yaml file for KC868-A6: https://www.kincony.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1963

[riz94107]

the new KC868-A6 board have our test firmware. you can download KCS v2 firmware to use or config by ESPHome.
1: use by KCS v2 firmware , here is online guide: https://www.kincony.com/esp32-kcsv2-firmware.html
2. config by ESPHome, here is yaml file for KC868-A6: https://www.kincony.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1963

No, as I said, this isn't going to work:

- your online guide recommends a Windows program for ESP32 programming.  I don't have Windows.  Also, *THE BOARD IS NOT FOUND WHEN USB IS CONNECTED*.  I was hoping that someone could tell me a thing to do when that happens - most ESP32 boards just show up when USB is plugged in, but not yours.  Am I supposed to do something special?  I don't see anything like that in your "guides".  I have applied +12V (the board powers on) and plugged in USB-C, but NOTHING show up on computer.

- I would use WiFi to change firmware, but the device does not show up with WiFi scan - No AP at all.

I suspect either the USB port is damaged (though I have two boards, both have the same problem) or I will need to do something else.

Is there a way to upload firmware over serial?  Which serial do I need to use?

[admin]

1. install USB driver, download link: https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341SER_EXE.html
2. if you use MAC OS, you can use python tool to download esp32 firmware. another way, MAC OS also can install plugin for running Windows PC exe file.
3. ONLY download ESP32 firmware by USB-C cable. NOT by RS232.

[riz94107]

1. install USB driver, download link: https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341SER_EXE.html
2. if you use MAC OS, you can use python tool to download esp32 firmware. another way, MAC OS also can install plugin for running Windows PC exe file.
3. ONLY download ESP32 firmware by USB-C cable. NOT by RS232.

WHY DOES THE USB PORT NOT WORK THEN?!?!?

[riz94107]

1. install USB driver, download link: https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341SER_EXE.html
2. if you use MAC OS, you can use python tool to download esp32 firmware. another way, MAC OS also can install plugin for running Windows PC exe file.
3. ONLY download ESP32 firmware by USB-C cable. NOT by RS232.

I think you are misunderstanding the problem:  when the USB is plugged in, no device is detected by the computer.  THIS IS NOT NORMAL. it is NOT a driver issue - the computer acts as if nothing is connected.  I've tried different cables and different computers. Clearly, the unit is *working* because there is activity on the serial port - but the device does NOT show up on the computer in a way that the firmware can be upgraded.

[riz94107]

1. install USB driver, download link: https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341SER_EXE.html
2. if you use MAC OS, you can use python tool to download esp32 firmware. another way, MAC OS also can install plugin for running Windows PC exe file.
3. ONLY download ESP32 firmware by USB-C cable. NOT by RS232.

My apologies:  I had tried three different USB cables and two different computers.  So, I unplugged a working device and used that cable instead, and it worked.  Apparently I have three bad cables.  I should be able to upgrade now.

Thank you,
+j

[admin]

ok, good.