Medion Life+ Smart Plug S85225 WiFi API or control via Node Red

[whatsupskip]

I purchased one of the Medion Life+ Smart Plug S85225 WiFi devices. I know it can be controlled via the app and there is the facility to control via Google Assistant and Alexa. I was wondering if there is an API or documentation so that it can be controlled via Node Red.

[tony_in_oz]

Purchased one from Aldi because I'm curious how I can use these with my existing home automation system. Found the device on my network, but it is using an IRC port! NOW I AM WORRIED, What is this device doing? What is it listening to? Who is it reporting to? What is it relaying? *** UNPLUGGED DEVICE *** It appears to be a ESP8266 device going by the name associated to it (ESP_4Cxxxx which is the tail of MAC address). I haven't opened it so can't confirm. But using a ESP8266 wouldn't be a surprise. I like other don't use Google home or Alexia. I use Domoticz which is MQTT compatible. So I'm keen to load another ESP firmware so I can use it in an offline network. AND I really don't like my devices talking IRC onto the Internet. Security risks 101 Tony

[whatsupskip]

Some have made some progress with these on Ozbargain, including someone opening one up.

It is an ESP8265. It uses the Tuya Smart system and there appears to be a possibility to interact with these locally using some basic commands. I haven't had time to look into this any further.

[tony_in_oz]

Had a look inside. It uses a BL0937 current sensing chip measured across a 0.001 ohm resistor. To-date I've been using Sonoff POW modules using ESPurna firmware. The POW uses the HWL8012 chip. Both chips appear to have the same pin-out and similar internals, with a comment on the Espressif site suggesting they maybe software compatible. So it might be that a std POW firmware would work, but can't find GPIO0. Is it always held low or what? Worth a try?

[whatsupskip]

Did you have a look at the Ozbargain section?

They seem to have most things working now.