Tcl home integration

Feature Requests
41

It could be an idea, but I already have my MIM dongle and successfully capturing the communications between the original dongle and the AC.
The big issue is that the original dongle is not actually a USB device, they chose to use a USB-A connector, but the signaling is actually TTL level. I chose to use an ESP32E processor in order to support ESPHome, and enable Bluetooth provisioning of WiFi for ease of installation. I am about 80% complete now. Soon I will be looking for volunteers for testing.

Dave

42

Hi,

I am also interested in this development!

1 Like
43

Alas, I tried connecting the homemade dongle with the standard one, but it didn’t work. They conflict with each other. If Dave solves this issue, it can be considered a victory over the corporation TCL)))

1 Like
44

"I will gladly participate in testing. I hope the article I referenced above will make it easier to complete your project, and we all get a finished solution without compromises. Good luck, Dave.

1 Like
45

Replacement dongle built and being tested now. So far, only 1 small issue that was pretty easy to resolve. Works well with my aircon. If your aircon has this dongle:

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then my new dongle should give you easy HA access using ESPHome integration. New dongle:
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If your dongle model number matches and you would like to help test then DM me (and also include your country so that I can check on shipping availability).

Thanks,
Dave

4 Likes
46

Already regretting buying TCL for the lack of HA integration. TAC-12CHSD/FBI are not available for Tuya pairing only TCL Home app. Anyone managed to add these?

47

Hi dave, I would also like to be a beta user, I have the same wifi stick and would like to try it out with the esp for HA, would be great if I get an answer from you, best regards

48

Would love to test the dongle, too. As it is really a pain to have it controlled through localtuya…

49

I’d like to try your board too.

50

Looks like this is also based on UART like Midea AC component in ESPhome.

May be we will be able to flash custom firmware on a module like this one (might need to flip TX/RX pin as required).

SLWF-01 WiFi Air Conditioners control module | ESPHome | Home Assistant | SMLIGHT Official Homepage

Edit: After checking the artical mentioned by sorz2122 below > Tcl home integration - #53 by sorz2122
Looks like TCL is not using standard USB-A pinouts at all, just the USB-A connector.

51

Hi dave, my dongle number also matches, so I would also like to be a beta user for your Board.
Greets, herby83

52

Also putting my hand up to try your dongle (or 3) in Australia.

53

Hey folks, I found a Russian repo that works with my TCL 12-CHDA. All you need is an ESP32 and a USB-A plug. You can also just take a USB cable, cut it, and solder it on. I’ve done a rough translation of the repo into German using AI and forked it. Here’s the link. Have fun tinkering! :slight_smile:

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I bought simple USB-A connectors on AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005776162012.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.27.1f9f18024ZaRKG

To flash the ESP, follow these steps:

  1. Install the ESPHome Device Builder Add-on for Home Assistant (https://esphome.io/)
  2. Create a new device
  3. Copy the code from tclac/Sample_conf.yaml at ecab87a981b0074af0132df07060ecc7e3c69e04 · sorz2122/tclac · GitHub into the YAML configuration and flash it to the ESP

Wiring is as follows:

USB-A Pin Wire Color → ESP32 Pin
GND Black → VIN
D+ Green → GND
D- Grey → RXD
VBUS Red → TXD
1 Like
54

Search using the dongle FCC ID: 2AC23-WL6Q returns > FCC ID 2AC23-WL6Q

From Internal photo, this is clearly using RTL8720CF chipset > WIFI&BT; Module

ESPhome has support for RTL87xx chipset > LibreTiny Platform — ESPHome

The board has some pins exposed on the underside and should be flashable.

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55

Finally, the wait is over!!!
Now there’s a way to add a TCL air conditioner, which works with the official TCL Home app, into Home Assistant using the standard Wi-Fi dongle.
Recently, the TCL Home “skill” in the Yandex Smart Home ecosystem was updated, and now it supports air conditioners.
The instructions will work provided that Yandex resources are accessible in your country. If not, experiment with a VPN.

  1. You need to add the TCL air conditioner to the “Yandex Smart Home.”
    For this, you’ll need the “Home with Alice” app. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yandex.iot)
    If it’s not available on Google Play, you can download it via this link - https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=1044492 (registration is required for downloading).
    Next, you’ll need to create a Yandex account and log in to the “Home with Alice” app.

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After selecting the TCL Home “skill,” enter the credentials for your TCL Home account.
Your air conditioner should then appear in the “Home with Alice” app.

Next, all operations are carried out in Home Assistant. You need to add the Yandex.Station integration from HACS and configure it. Follow the instructions at this link: https://github.com/AlexxIT/YandexStation?tab=readme-ov-file#%D1%83%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B0

  1. We obtain the result of the completed work:
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    Screenshot_1
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2 Likes
56

It’s working! Finally I can control my TCL ACs through haos! Thank you very much for the tutorial!

1 Like
57

Hi nt7561. Which tutorial you used to control your AC? I have the TAC-12CHSD/XA41I-QC do you think this will be work?

Thanks for answering.

Best,
Udo

58

It’s the post above (with Yandex app)

59

The instruction is relevant if the “TCL Home” app is used to control your TCL air conditioner.

60

I feel strange about installing and using an app on my phone where I don’t understand any of the words on buttons I’m pressing.
Is this the only app that the Yandex stuff works through?