Hello! I'm trying to talk to Livolo switches (1-gang, 1-way, no RF, EU version) for both sending on/off commands AND getting on/off feedback status. I'm focusing on these versions (most Russian schematics and a lot of work in this forum refers to previous versions of the board).

• VL-C701X-2 (ver C0)
• VL-C702X-2 (ver C1)

I have my progress so far dumped at: https://github.com/jamarju/livolo-firmware

Livolo switch control via (OPTOCOUPLED) serial – 00:18
— j

My goal is to minimize manipulation of the actual switch by reprogramming the original PIC16F690 with a custom firmware (see github above), and soldering 3 cables to the RF connector, which is an empty through-hole header so it's an easy enough mod.

Unfortunately the Livolo GND is actually referenced to the LIVE wire, so I had to use optocouplers to talk to an FTDI232 module safely.

But then I found yet another problem: the optocouplers draw too much current from the Livolo power supply, which is designed to give just enough milliamps for the PIC and the blue/red LEDs, so I had to use a battery to get the extra oomph...

The final goal is to talk to an ESP8266, which I'll use to relay network commands.

Since the battery thing is an absolute no-go, I'm considering powering the ESP8266 externally, make sure the DC side floats, then hooking the PIC's TX, RX and GND directly to the ESP8266 UART, and put it somewhere hidden enough so that it doesn't kill anyone.

Is there a better way to isolate the dangerous side from the "kids friendly" side?

I found that the optocouplers draw more current than the power supply can deliver and so the voltage drops and the PIC either hangs or reboots itself.

I'm also trying to send commands to the livolo (and get status from it) while keeping it as stock as possible. I'm reprogramming the PIC with my own firmware, though. Here is what I've got so far:

https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/7151/livolo-firmware-mod

Hello! I'm trying to talk to Livolo switches (1-gang, 1-way, no RF, EU version) for both sending on/off commands AND getting on/off feedback status. I'm focusing on these versions (most Russian schematics and a lot of work in this forum refers to previous versions of the board).

• VL-C701X-2 (ver C0)
• VL-C702X-2 (ver C1)

I have my progress so far dumped at: https://github.com/jamarju/livolo-firmware

Livolo switch control via (OPTOCOUPLED) serial – 00:18
— j

My goal is to minimize manipulation of the actual switch by reprogramming the original PIC16F690 with a custom firmware (see github above), and soldering 3 cables to the RF connector, which is an empty through-hole header so it's an easy enough mod.

Unfortunately the Livolo GND is actually referenced to the LIVE wire, so I had to use optocouplers to talk to an FTDI232 module safely.

But then I found yet another problem: the optocouplers draw too much current from the Livolo power supply, which is designed to give just enough milliamps for the PIC and the blue/red LEDs, so I had to use a battery to get the extra oomph...

The final goal is to talk to an ESP8266, which I'll use to relay network commands.

Since the battery thing is an absolute no-go, I'm considering powering the ESP8266 externally, make sure the DC side floats, then hooking the PIC's TX, RX and GND directly to the ESP8266 UART, and put it somewhere hidden enough so that it doesn't kill anyone.

Is there a better way to isolate the dangerous side from the "kids friendly" side?

Man, you almost killed yourself. The ground in the livolo board is actually referenced to the LIVE wire. Check the continuity between L and any GND pin (ej. 2nd pin of the RF connector, next to the antenna one) to see it yourself.

If you connect the livolo to a PC via a FTDI, you are electrifying your computer's case.

Sorry to resuscitate the thread, but I think it was worth mentioning.