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levoit-core400s

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Levoit Core 400S - Custom Firmware (ESPHome)

Started from community projects (acvigue, mulcmu) and evolved into a generic Levoit ESPHome component for Core/Vital models.

Quick Facts

Item Value
Model Core 400S
Tested MCU FW 3.0.0
ESP Module ESP32-SOLO-1C
Board CORE400S Ctrl V1.2
Fan Speeds 4
CADR (spec) 415 m³/h
Room Size 9–83 m² (97–894 ft²)
ESPHome 2026.1.2+
PM Sensor PM2008MS

Features

Feature Type Notes
Fan fan 4 speeds, presets: Manual / Auto / Sleep
Auto Mode select Default / Quiet / Room Size
Auto Mode Room Size number 9–83 m²
Display switch Toggle LED display
Child Lock switch
PM2.5 sensor µg/m³
AQI sensor As reported by MCU
Current CADR sensor m³/h, updated every 5s
Filter Life Left sensor % remaining
Filter Low binary_sensor On when < 5%
Filter Lifetime number Configurable in months
Reset Filter Stats button Resets CADR/runtime counters
Timer number Run timer in minutes
MCU Version text_sensor
Error text_sensor "Ok" or "Sensor Error"

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Teardown / Disassembly

Very similar to Core 300S but the PCB needs to be unclipped from the carry holes after removing the filter and filter housing.

  • Place upside down, remove base cover and filter to expose 8 screws (4 have washers)
  • Remove all 8 screws — they are soft metal, do not overtighten when reassembling
  • Slide a pry tool between the tabs to separate base and top sleeve
  • Unplug the logic board (use a screwdriver or kitchen knife from the side)
  • Remove the fan unit to access the logic board

I had to use extended wires for re-assembly, did not find another way!

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J1 Debug Header Pinout

Pin Signal
1 TX
2 RX
3 GND
4 3.3V
5 IO0
6 EN

Flash Original ESP32

Prerequisites

Connect to the J1 debug header (or solder to TXD0/RXD0/IO0/+3V3/GND) with a USB-UART converter (3.3V TTL).

Connect IO0 to GND before powering on to enter bootloader mode.

Backup Existing Firmware

esptool read_flash 0 ALL levoit-core400s-backup.bin

Note: may fail if watchdog-protected. Try while the PCB is externally powered.

Configure

  1. Copy secrets-example.yaml → secrets.yaml and fill in your Wi-Fi and encryption key
  2. Adjust the device name in the config if running multiple units
  3. Check the component README for UART pin mapping per board

Flash

esphome run levoit-core400s.yaml

Reassemble and enjoy!

ESPHome Web Builder / Dashboard

Use the pre-generated builder yaml to flash without a local clone — all config is inlined, no !include or packages needed:

File Board
levoit-core400s-builder.yaml original ESP32-SOLO-1C
levoit-core400s-builder-c3.yaml ESP32-C3 replacement
levoit-core400s-builder-s3.yaml ESP32-S3 replacement

Upload to the ESPHome web builder or paste into the ESPHome dashboard. Regenerate with .\make-builder-yaml.ps1 from the devices/ folder.

Restore Original Firmware

esptool erase_flash
esptool write_flash 0x00 levoit-core400s-backup.bin

Install New ESP32 (Recommended)

Replacing the original ESP32 lets you keep the original firmware intact and switch back easily.

Recommended modules:

  • Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3
  • Seeed XIAO ESP32-S3

Wiring: 4 wires — +3.3V, GND, RX, TX

The RX/TX pads are not on the pin header — use the test pads near the original ESP32 on the board. Pull the EN pin of the original ESP32 to GND to disable it.

TODO: add wiring photos and placement photos