KC868-A6 ESP32 home automation relay module released!

[admin]

We have designed KC868-A6 smart controller , many hardware resource for you to use, added LoRa and nRF24L01 wireless module interface and SSD1306 OLED and RS485 and RTC clock chip DS1307.
 

[macek]

I have two KC868-A8 smart controller, I was waiting impatiently for a similar module with RS485, unfortunately I was disappointed with the new smart controller KC868-A6:
advantages:
 - RS485
 - LoRa
 - a unique RTC 
 - connector for I2C on board
 - USB type-C
disadvantages:
  - missing ethernet RJ45 module - stable and reliable connection for home automation
  - relay still only for AC, would be better 230V AC / 30V DC
  - the 12V DC connector is located on the side of high voltage 230V connectors
  - why RS232?

[admin]

thanks for your suggestion. Because we are also developing new KC868-A8S, that will add RS485 and have ethernet. A6's relay also can work with DC, both support AC and DC.

[macek]

Because we are also developing new KC868-A8S, that will add RS485 and have ethernet. A6's relay also can work with DC, both support AC and DC.

This is very good news, new KC868-A8S with RTC? I'm glad that all KC868-A4, -A6 -A8 series boards are also the same size.

Do you plan an expansion board for the I2C connector (interface) for KC868-A6 -A8 ? Another PCF8574 I/O expanders, a OLED display could be found on this expansion board. The expansion board can be installed above the smart controller.

[admin]

new KC868-A8S will based on KC868-A8, but add RS485, RGBW LED, buzzer, GSM SIM800L on the board. no RTC. A8S will have 8 manual control buttons on the PCB.
if people like I2C extend board for extend hardware resource, we can design and make it.

[bogdan_0]

new KC868-A8S will based on KC868-A8, but add RS485, RGBW LED, buzzer, GSM SIM800L on the board. no RTC. A8S will have 8 manual control buttons on the PCB.
if people like I2C extend board for extend hardware resource, we can design and make it.

1. Very good news if GMS will be able to used automatically as a back-up connection for internet fiber and integrated with home assistant.
I suggest to integrate as extension the led strip integration and allow customer to make the setting between several types: RGBW or RGB-CCT ...
Do you have an estimated release date/month?

2. In this case I assume there are no plans for an E8S (similar to E16S)?

3. In general, on all PCBs (Server, A8/16, E16S), I like your approach and suggest to continue on making make more connections possible as additional plug-in extensions for all PCBs (so that customers can add the functionality, only if needed) while keeping a lower cost of main PCB. 

4. Similar extension are needed also for existing PCB (already purchased).
-  For example I would like to add SIM back-up option on KC868-Server with CM4 and HA.
-  And similar I would like to add LoRa on A8 or A16.

[admin]

1. KC868-A8S will release in June 2022.
2. whether will plan for E8S , we will according to customer's feedback.
3. now all boards can integrate to KC868-Server by network or RS485. if use extension for function boards, maybe without plastic box. all are pcb and wires, it's good for development board, maybe not suitable for project.
4. now extend device by IIC interface is available.