Home Assistant Configuration

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 9 views

BUG: ESP Crashes at Brightness >90% - A Troubleshooting Guide

In this article, we will delve into a critical issue affecting ESP32-WROOM-32 devices, specifically when used with Awtrix and Home Assistant. The problem arises when the brightness level exceeds 90%, causing the ESP to crash and necessitating a reflash. This phenomenon has been observed in various scenarios, including MQTT-based brightness control. We will explore the possible causes of this issue, discuss potential solutions, and examine the differences between Awtrix and ulanzi.

The symptoms of this issue are quite straightforward: when the brightness level in Home Assistant (MQTT) is set above 90%, the ESP32-WROOM-32 device crashes, resulting in a loss of functionality. The device becomes unresponsive, and the only way to recover is by reflashing the ESP. This problem does not occur when using ulanzi, a similar platform for controlling ESP devices.

There are several possible reasons why this issue might be occurring:

Hardware Limitations: The ESP32-WROOM-32 device may have hardware limitations that prevent it from handling high brightness levels. This could be due to the device's power consumption, memory constraints, or other hardware-related factors.
Software Issues: The software used to control the ESP device, such as Awtrix or Home Assistant, might be the root cause of the problem. This could be due to bugs, inefficient coding, or incorrect configuration.
MQTT Protocol: The MQTT protocol used for brightness control might be causing the issue. This could be due to the way the protocol is implemented, the quality of the connection, or other factors related to the protocol.

To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the Hardware

Before diving into software-related issues, ensure that the hardware is functioning correctly. Check the following:

Power Supply: Verify that the power supply is stable and sufficient for the ESP device.
Connectors and Cables: Inspect the connectors and cables for any signs of damage or wear.
Device Temperature: Check the device temperature to ensure it is within a safe range.

Step 2: Investigate Software Issues

If the hardware is functioning correctly, investigate software-related issues:

Awtrix Configuration: Review the Awtrix configuration to ensure it is set up correctly. Check for any settings that might be causing the issue.
Home Assistant Configuration: Similarly, review the Home Assistant configuration to ensure it is set up correctly.
MQTT Protocol: Investigate the MQTT protocol implementation to ensure it is correct and efficient.

Step 3: Compare with ulanzi

As ulanzi does not exhibit this issue, compare the two platforms to identify any differences:

Configuration: Review the configuration settings for both Awtrix and ulanzi to identify any differences.
Software Implementation: Investigate the software implementation of both platforms to identify any differences.
Hardware Requirements: Check the hardware requirements for both platforms to ensure they are compatible.

The issue of ESP crashes at brightness >90% is a complex problem that requires a thorough investigation. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify the root cause of the problem and take corrective action. Remember to check the hardware, investigate software issues, and compare with ulanzi to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are made:

Use ulanzi: If possible, consider using ulanzi instead of Awtrix, as it does not exhibit this issue.
Optimize Awtrix Configuration: Review and optimize the Awtrix configuration to ensure it is set up correctly.
Investigate MQTT Protocol: Investigate the MQTT protocol implementation to ensure it is correct and efficient.
Check Hardware Requirements: Verify that the hardware requirements for the ESP device are compatible with the platform being used.

By following these recommendations, you can minimize the risk of ESP crashes at brightness >90% and ensure a stable and reliable operation of your ESP device.
Q&A: ESP Crashes at Brightness >90% - Frequently Asked Questions

In our previous article, we explored the issue of ESP crashes at brightness >90% and provided a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the problem. However, we understand that some readers may still have questions and concerns. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to this issue.

A: The cause of ESP crashes at brightness >90% is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of hardware and software factors. The issue may be due to the ESP device's power consumption, memory constraints, or other hardware-related factors, or it may be caused by software issues, such as bugs or inefficient coding.

A: The issue of ESP crashes at brightness >90% is not specific to Awtrix or Home Assistant. It has been reported by users of both platforms, and it is believed to be a more general problem related to the ESP device itself.

A: Yes, you can use ulanzi instead of Awtrix to avoid this issue. ulanzi is a similar platform for controlling ESP devices, and it does not exhibit this problem. However, it's worth noting that ulanzi may have its own set of limitations and issues, so be sure to review its documentation and configuration settings carefully.

A: To prevent ESP crashes at brightness >90%, you can try the following:

Use a lower brightness level: Try reducing the brightness level to below 90% to see if the issue persists.
Optimize Awtrix configuration: Review and optimize the Awtrix configuration to ensure it is set up correctly.
Investigate MQTT protocol: Investigate the MQTT protocol implementation to ensure it is correct and efficient.
Check hardware requirements: Verify that the hardware requirements for the ESP device are compatible with the platform being used.

A: Yes, you can recover your ESP device if it crashes at brightness >90%. However, the process may vary depending on the specific device and platform being used. In general, you can try the following:

Reflash the ESP device: Reflash the ESP device using the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Reset the device: Reset the device to its factory settings.
Contact the manufacturer: Contact the manufacturer or the platform provider for assistance with recovering the device.

A: The issue of ESP crashes at brightness >90% is currently unknown, and it is being investigated by the community and the platform providers. It is not a feature, but rather a bug or a limitation that needs to be addressed.

We hope this Q&A article has provided you with the information and guidance you need to address the issue of ESP crashes at brightness >90%. Remember to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the latest developments and updates from the community and the platform providers.

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are made:

Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest developments and updates related to this issue.
Report issues: Report any issues or problems you encounter to the community and the platform providers.
Contribute to the solution: Contribute to the solution by sharing your knowledge, expertise, and experiences with others.
Use ulanzi: Consider using ulanzi instead of Awtrix to avoid this issue.

By following these recommendations, you can help ensure a stable and reliable operation of your ESP device and contribute to the development of a more robust and efficient platform.