PaulBanks.Org

PVI-xxx Inverter DSP Reveng

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

PVI-xxx Inverter DSP firmware extraction and reveng - A look at the brains of a Grid-Tie inverter.

PVI-xxx Inverter Logic Deep Dive

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

PVI-xxx Inverter Deep Dive - A look at the brains of a Grid-Tie inverter.

Sniffing the EtekCity ESF24 Fitness scale

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Liberating your EtekCity ESF24 Fitness scale from the cloud

MPT1327 Trunking System Controller (TSC)

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0000

An open source, software implementation of an MPT1327 Trunking System Controller (TSC).

Remote controlling GM1200 radio

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

An open source, software implementation of a GM1200 control library with SB9600 / SBEP.

VFR Flight-Plan / Nav log spreadsheet

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A spreadsheet for assistance with VFR flight planning

MIDIfying a Yamaha Keyboard (YMZ-702-D)

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A project documenting and eventually MIDIfying a keyboard based on YMZ-702-D. Including datasheet!

OATH OTP Token Review and Library

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A Python implementation of the OATH one-time password (OTP) specifications. Both HOTP and TOTP implemented.

MHEG VIM Syntax script

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A VIM syntax highlighting script for MHEG-5 (UK-Profile).

Energy Consumption RRD Logger (CC128/EON Energy)

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Energy Consumption RRD Logger (CC128/EON Energy)

ATEN KE8220 for Linux/Apple Mac

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Connect to an ATEN KE8220 with Linux/Apple Mac

Simple CAPTCHA for Python/Pylons

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A simple CAPTCHA library for Python/Pylons

Barcode

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A simple Barcode Library for managed languages

About

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Paul Banks

Senior Software Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in embedded systems, firmware, and security-focused development.

I specialise in low-level C, hardware interfacing, and reverse engineering - with a proven track record delivering robust software for high-complexity and security-sensitive environments. My work has spanned everything from legacy system modernisation to FPGA-based solutions and custom protocol tooling.

Known for a pragmatic approach, clean code, and deep debugging skills. Always open to connecting with other engineers and staying on top of what’s next in systems programming, cybersecurity, and modern firmware tooling.

Cloud-free integration with Home Assistant

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oh the joy to be free of the cloud. (Someone elses computers!)

First a disclaimer: You must fully understand the risks involved in carrying out procedures on this page. I am not responsible for anything that may happen to anyone or any property as a result of following instructions on this page. If you're not comfortable with this then don't read any more.

Notes for newbies: You must use a 3.3V TTL serial port to connect to this device. Connect only Ground (GND), TX and RX. Do not connect Vcc. Do not be tempted to connect the device directly to a PC serial port. Failure to observe these notes may damage your device.

Overview

Here we document how to free your Silvercrest Gateway from the cloud for an offline integration into Home Assistant.

Contact

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Catch me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgbanks/

Or: web at this domain

Donate

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks, that’s very kind of you.

Downloads

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

VFR Flightplanning Spreadsheet

This spreadsheet was created with LibreOffice The Excel version is provided as a convenience.

Flying Logbook Spreadsheet

UK PAYE Income Tax Calculator Spreadsheet

See the UK PAYE Project page for downloads.

Windows Parallel Port Driver v0.1

Microsoft Installer

Barcode Libraries

Simple CAPTCHA Library for Python (Web) Frameworks

Simple CAPTCHA Library

CC128 Energy Consumption RRD Logger

CC128 Logger scripts

Getting root password - Hacking the (Silvercrest) Lidl Smart Home Gateway

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Revealing the root password

Overview

The root password is set to the last 8 characters of AUSKEY which is some kind of identifier for the cloud services. The AUSKEY is stored, encrypted, in the SPI flash. (in the “tuya-label” partition.) The decryption key is also stored here so it is possible to recover the AUSKEY and thus also the root password for the device.

Get the root password

Getting the root password comprises three steps.

Privacy Policy

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

I am committed to respecting your online privacy. The following text details my policy for treating any information I collect from you. If you have cause for concern then please contact me. Otherwise you are free to stop using this website at any time.

Logging

Some of the pages on this site use tracking technologies, including cookies. In particular, the site records the date and time of each access, your internet IP address, host name and HTTP header information which can include details of your current browser and operating system.