Riden Dongle

Riden Dongle is an alternative firmware designed for the Riden WiFi module, transforming it into a versatile communication bridge for RD-series power supplies. It moves beyond the limitations of the original mobile app, offering Modbus TCP and SCPI support to allow for seamless integration with standard laboratory automation tools and a custom web interface.

The firmware is compatible with a wide range of Riden power supplies, including the RD6006, RD6012, RD6018, RD6024, RD6030, RD6006P, and RD6012P. It has been verified against various software environments such as pyModbusTCP, lxi-tools, EEZ Studio, and PyVISA.

Core Features

The firmware functions as a Modbus RTU client that communicates directly with the power supply’s internal firmware while acting as a Modbus TCP bridge for external network clients. It provides SCPI control through two primary methods: raw sockets (port 5025) and VXI-11, which allows for instrument discovery via mDNS.

Beyond protocol bridging, the dongle includes a built-in web interface for configuration, firmware updates, and remote control. It also features automatic time synchronization for the power supply clock via NTP and handles approximately 65 queries per second when paired with high-speed UART settings and UniSoft custom firmware.

Communication and Protocols

For automation, the VXI-11 channel is highly recommended as it is auto-discoverable and handles commands synchronously. Alternatively, raw sockets can be used for direct communication, though they require specific read/write termination characters (\n) and careful timing to avoid network queuing delays.

Hardware Preparation and Adaptation

Implementing this firmware requires specific hardware modifications to the Riden WiFi module. Users must ensure they are using an ESP-12F module. While older dongles came with this chip, newer versions often use the ESP8684, which is currently unsupported due to encrypted firmware. In these cases, the ESP8684 must be physically removed and replaced with an ESP-12F.

Adaptation for ESP-12F Dongles

Preparation involves soldering 10k resistors to pull the EN pin high and managing the GPIO0 (PGM) pin for flashing. It is also necessary to remove the EN pin from the header to prevent interference with the power supply’s default behavior.

Retrofitting Newer Modules

For the newer ESP8684-based boards, a full module swap is required. This process involves careful soldering to align the ESP-12F pins with the existing board footprint.

Firmware Installation and Initial Setup

The firmware is compiled using PlatformIO. Once the hardware is prepared, the module can be flashed via a serial link using pio run -t upload or standard ESP flashing tools. Before re-inserting the module into the power supply, the PSU itself must be configured for TTL interface mode and a matching baud rate (typically 9600 for standard firmware).

Upon the first startup, the dongle acts as a WiFi access point. Users connect to this AP to provide their local network credentials through a captive portal powered by WiFiManager. Once connected, the device becomes accessible via its local IP or mDNS address (e.g., http://RDxxxx-ssssssss.local).

The Web Interface and Remote Control

The web interface is divided into several functional areas:

• Home & Details: Displays general PSU status, remote connectivity info, and deep technical data like calibration and presets.
• Control: Offers real-time manipulation of voltage and current settings, output toggling, and live graphing of output values.
• Configure: Manages time settings, baud rates, and supports Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates for the dongle.

Technical Limitations

Users should be aware of certain quirks inherent to the Riden power supply firmware. For instance, retrieving currently active OVP and OCP values can be unreliable if changed via presets, leading to the decision not to support the *SAV SCPI command. Additionally, the keypad is automatically locked during active remote control sessions to prevent conflicts, and certain registers, like the buzzer state, may behave inconsistently depending on the specific version of the PSU’s internal firmware.