halcyon wren
I got this model Sonoff USB dongle. It's not detected by HAOS. Looking through the reviews, one guy had to open it up to hit override buttons. Does that seem safe? I might just send it back for a different model if it's going to be a hassle.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6P22YJC
I wanted to use this with Home Assistant. I have the -E version with the MG21 chipset. I wanted to update the firmware to either OpenThread or the multiprotocol ZB/OT firmware. This turned into an unexpected challenge.
It came with firmware so old that none of the current flashing tools would get it into flashing mode. I had to open it to use the override buttons. You have to push and hold the Boot button while plugging it in, or hold Boot while pressing Reset momentarily.
Once you actually get it into flashing mode, you can use the usual tools. I used the usual darkxst web flasher. It reported old 6.x EZSP firmware while the current version is 7.x. It was easy to either update to the current EZSP firmware, or switch to either Multiprotocol or OpenThread at this point. There were no surprises.
Performance wise, it has been reliable and the external antenna is quite a step up over the usual dongles or the Home Assistant Yellow that I was using it with.
There is a QR code in the tiny manual in the box that has unlisted documentation links for reflashing. It's not very clear but provided the clues for me to get it to work.
Do be careful to not confuse this with the -P version with a different chipset. The -E version is what you want with Home Assistant.
Overall, I recommend it still in 2024, but be prepared for some hassle with flashing.
