Andrew needed to stock up on smart power outlets for his lab. He ordered known WiFi-controlled outlets that have previously contained esp8266, so that they could be flashed with esphome. Instead of a very well-known esp8266 module they had a CB2S module from Tuya. These have Beken BK7231N modules inside and are somewhat supported by an Open Source software stack.

The problem flashing these modules on bulk is – you have to disassemble and solder the leads to the edge connector. It’s okay for a one-time solder job, but is a totally no-go when you have to do it in bulk. So, I scratched my head, fired up SolveSpace and after some trial and error made this weird-looking device.

The idea behind it is pretty simple. Just a bunch of spring-loaded pogo pins and a piece of plastic to hold things in place. No soldering, just attach it and remove once you are done.

See more in the post here and the design on Thingiverse.