Sonoff Basic R3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Multiple users reported difficulty flashing Tasmota, including a case where two separate R3 units became bricked after attempting the flash, and another where the process hung during the final step. This makes DIY firmware upgrades risky for some.

@LinhNguyen-ev8wq

I am trying to flash tasmota on the sonoff R3 and having some problems. The latest firmware (3.6) create an AP that you connect to then put in your own wifi info. Once connected to the wifi network, you can use the DYI tool from sonoff to see the device and flash custom firmware (tasmota). I tried to flash tasmota on one and it seem to flash but then after that the switch seem bricked. It doesnt do anything. I tried again with a second R3 with tasmota lite (someone mentioned it in the comment) and the same thing happened. \n\nI tried to manual flash with FTDI without success. I am not sure how to put it into programing mode. I tried to hold down the button when connect to power but that doesnt seem to work. Any insight on how to get it to go into programing mode?launch

smart_display

September 4, 2020

@imperes

Hello, I managed to do everything. I even opened the Diy Tool and managed to control the sonoff basic R3 over the net, but when I went to load the tasmota firmware it says that the file cannot exceed 508k, could you help me?launch

smart_display

May 4, 2020

@TooflessWonder

Great Video, easy to follow. This being my 1st time owning sonoff and then flashing it, is so cool.\r\nI got up to the very last part, clicking OK to flash, the program always seem to hang. Any idea what that can be?\r\nThere is also a continuous double flashlaunch

smart_display

February 19, 2020

Several users questioned what makes the R3 special, noting no major new hardware and, in one view, it being harder to solder flashing pins than before, calling the redesign a step backward.

@ferencszabo3504

Why is the new R3 so exceptional? :\n1. New hardware .? No\n2. Tasmota exclusively? No\nI don't get it. The cheap Sonoff basic is all i need. The Tasmotized Sonoff Basics are working now reliably at my place for 2 years now.I don't mind the manual flashing. Hassio rulez 🙏Personally i would like to see some new, cheap well-integrated hardware like the AVRs but fast as the ARMslaunch

smart_display

August 19, 2019

@pawel753

Mine is on the way but after watching this video I'm pretty disappointed - nothing impressing compared to the prev version. And I don't know why they marked it as DIY when it's much harder now to solder flashing pins on the boardlaunch

smart_display

July 28, 2019

@richyread2011

R3 - seems like a simple toggle switch/button on the outside of the case would've made most sense especially as they went to the trouble of putting headers on there..\n\nAgree seems an odd step and not really any main benefit over the 'traditional' way.\n\nRichy.launch

smart_display

June 24, 2019

Compared to older Sonoff Basics, the R3's redesigned board makes some pins harder to access and certain GPIOs (like 16 and 14) don't work with Tasmota or specific sensors, disappointing DIY hardware tinkerers.

@wjn777

Great review and nice integration of that touch sensor. I use the RX pin, there is a possibility of soldering directly onto the tiny SMD pin of the MCU to gain access to GPIO24, but it's really small. You convinced me that the R3 is not worth it.\n\nAnother option is to simply go for the TH16, it has more GPIO's available, but it is quite a bit biggerlaunch

smart_display

October 13, 2021

@felixh.7501

Hi Travis, I love your videos. I had this new Sonoff in hands a few weeks ago and my initial reaction was exactly as yours, I preferred the R2. But then I made a few findings, which changed my approach: 1) I could solder very easily 4 pins to the 3.3V, GND, RX and TX from the top (not from the bottom, as you explained, it cannot be accessed). 2) I made many tests, and GPIO 16 (one of the DIY pins) is not working with tasmota, with any sensor... that was a disappointment. 3) However ... I could get easy access to GPIOs 9 and 10 from the chip holder missing. As a result , we're missing GPIO 14, but we gained GPIO 9 and 10.launch

smart_display

June 24, 2019

The device lacks UL listing, a concern for US buyers, and is capped at 10 amps, meaning it can't be used with higher-draw appliances like air conditioners, space heaters or some microwaves and hair dryers.

@HDCowboy

I'm a little leery about purchasing one of these as it isn't UL listed (and that's kind of a big no no is the USA) but I also have a question, is my understanding correct that your wall switch will no longer control the light (it will kill the power of course) but if you turn the wall switch off and then back on the light wont come on and you have to control it with the app?launch

smart_display

January 2, 2020

@futureaceone3971

Be aware that this device has a maximum capacity of 10 amps. That means that it can't be used on appliances like window or portable air conditioners, space heaters, some microwave ovens and some hair dryers. I appreciate the video and found it interesting. However, I personally think that this is a lot of hassle to save $3.00 - $4.00 compared to just buying a smart plug.launch

smart_display

July 20, 2019

Some commenters felt the R3's DIY process and overall setup is too complicated for the average person, contradicting the idea that smart home devices should be simple and accessible.

@pawel753

Mine is on the way but after watching this video I'm pretty disappointed - nothing impressing compared to the prev version. And I don't know why they marked it as DIY when it's much harder now to solder flashing pins on the boardlaunch

smart_display

July 28, 2019

@johnny5alv

News flash .. The average person is not going to faff on with this. I mean, I’m a techy and I have no intention of fiddling with wires in this way. Smart homes should in essence be accessible and easy.. This is NOT accessible or easylaunch

smart_display

July 20, 2019

One user described needing to open and close the app multiple times to get a response and devices frequently flashing/hunting for connection despite full WiFi signal, leading them to consider abandoning the platform.

@blockeduser5769

*really I have a few of these. Often as in 5 minutes ago I have to open and close the app 5 times to turn one of them on or off and its rare for me to walk into a room where several are being used and at least one or more are flashing and hunting for a connection even though they have full strength wifi. I've tried resetting them to factory , changing my wifi to broadcast hotspot name you name it. Airport Extreme lates rom bios all sonoffs using latest release , ios app latest release...* I'm getting ready to move on to something that actually works even if its more. I mean whats the point of saving a few bucks if the switches are always acting up...launch

smart_display

July 24, 2019

A user on Android 10 could not select their country/region in the app, which kept reverting to China as the default, and reported no resolution from the third-party app developer.

@kcerasmus9890

Using an device running Android version 10, I cannot even get the App to select my country/region, as it continually reverts back to the default location being China.\nI have sent messages to the eWeLink App creator who is Not Sonoff, but a third party, but to no avail.\nDon't waste your money on this junk !launch

smart_display

December 21, 2020

A commenter reported that iTead explicitly told them they do not want users flashing custom firmware, which frustrated DIY-minded buyers looking for an affordable open alternative.

@mathesonstep

iTead does not like the DIY community at all and they emailed me when I asked about OTA and custom firmware and they said they do not want people using custom firmware ever which makes me very upset with them I wish there was a product that was just as inexpensive as the sonofflaunch

smart_display

June 25, 2019