Blitzwolf BW-SS4 1-2-way Smart Switch

Maybe I’m just fascinated with the name Blitzwolf but here I am with another gadget from the company – I use lots of Blitzwolf gadgets – I didn’t even bother with the Blitzwolf APP which will do exactly what you expect of a smart controller, Instead I took a chance and powered up my Tuya-Convert device and flashed two of these devices. Here’s the full title and Banggood link

First things first, the BW-SS4 single-gang unit looks like a model 2 Sonoff BASIC – and with good reason – the mold is identical – but I can tell you, the BOARD inside is not. The ESP8266 (ESP8285?) is encased in a metal container (which is why it was a chance). Tasmota installed immediately in this neat units – no problem – except that nothing worked – no light, on button no relay(s) – just the webUI.

I went through the GPIO combinations – there are not that many on the ESP866 – and pretty quickly came up with GPIO4 for an inverted LED, gpio5 for the relay and gpio13 for the button. Easy.

Actually there are two versions of this device, both with the same name but one has three output connectors and is referred to as 2-pole – there are two relays in the second version and you have individual control over each (common neutral) – though only one button – other than that they are identical.

In the 2-pole version, in addition to the earlier-mentioned GPIOs, gpio12 is relay 2, the same physical button and LED are used as for the single unit (double-press handles the second relay). I’ve set up and tested BOTH versions with Tasmota v 8.3.1.5. No problems.

I then added Alexa capability again in the Tasmota webUI – simple Belkin emulation setting – and that was that. A pair of working BW-SS4s.

If anyone is feeling brave (or foolish) there are what look like 8 unused pins on the vertical module, accessible on the PCB from the underside but beware, possible high voltage and no pin markings. Blitzwolf use a blue light – where possible I prefer a blue light to indicate WiFi and a red light to show relay active – I see no reason why that could not be implemented as long as you don’t electrocute yourself in the process.

Like the Sonoff BASICs these boards have a wire commoned to the mains – but the layout looks like it might lend itself to easily cutting the tracks (and a link) if you really wanted isolated output contacts.. Total theoretical current for BOTH OUTPUTS COMBINED is 10A, same as the single output unit. If I were to be critical, in both cases, the input and output connectors will not take very thick wires.

If you prefer the easy life, the Blitzwolf APP is perfectly adequate.

And of course after all that I looked on the Blakadder site and found that someone had already submitted templates – still – it was fun learning.

Of course, whether you go for the Sonoff Basic v2 or the Blitzwolf is down to personal preference and available pricing in your location. Sonoff of course have their DUAL product and similar but no direct equivalent of the second of these to variants of the BW-SS4.