I’m trying to replace the proprietary Wi-Fi controller on a set of outdoor LED string lights with something that has good Home Assistant integration, preferably WLED.
I’m hoping someone here recognizes this type of string/controller and can help identify the wiring/pinout and a suitable replacement controller.
What I know about the lights:
- Outdoor string lights, approximately 100 ft / 30 bulbs
- Power supply is labeled 12V 2A
- Manufacturer told me the bulbs use:
- 5054 RGB LEDs
- WS2811 driver ICs
- Separate 2835 warm-white LEDs
- Warm white is approximately 3000K
- Manufacturer also stated 9V / 60mA per bulb, which seems inconsistent with the 12V power-supply label, so I’m not sure how the string is actually powered internally.
- The original controller is operated through the Surplife app.
On my network the controller identifies itself as:
ZENGGE-95c97f
Home Assistant testing:
I tried Home Assistant’s Magic Home integration. HA was able to reach the controller by its local IP and initially identified it as “Unknown Model 95C97F,” but the integration ultimately failed with:
“Cannot determine protocol.”
So I’m now considering replacing the original controller entirely.
What I’m trying to determine:
- Does anyone recognize this type of Zengge/Surplife string and know the controller-to-string pinout?
- With WS2811 controlling the RGB LEDs and separate 2835 warm-white LEDs, how is the warm-white channel likely being controlled?
- What measurements can I safely make with a multimeter to determine V+, ground, data and any separate warm-white/control line?
- Would a QuinLED Dig-Uno/Dig-Quad, Athom WLED controller, or another WLED-compatible controller be appropriate?
- Is there a WLED controller/configuration capable of retaining both individually/addressably controlled RGB and the separate warm-white LEDs, rather than losing the warm-white functionality?
- Is the 12V 2A supply likely adequate for 30 bulbs, and what size supply would likely be required if I eventually run 60 bulbs?
My main goal is local Home Assistant control of on/off, brightness, RGB color, warm white and effects without depending on the Surplife app/cloud.
I have access to the controller, connectors, bulb PCB and a multimeter and can post clear photos of the controller, wiring, connectors, PCB and power-supply label or take voltage/continuity measurements if someone can tell me what measurements would be useful.
I don’t want to start randomly connecting wires to a WLED controller until I know the pinout and understand how the separate warm-white LEDs are being driven.
Any help identifying the protocol/pinout or recommending the right replacement controller would be appreciated.