# dataflash-re: reconstructing the Dataflash LWR lighting protocol

> dataflash-re reconstructs the LWR control protocol used by Lightwave Research Dataflash xenon strobes. It combines 8051 fixture firmware disassembly, schematics and controller captures to document 9-bit serial frames, then implements an ESP32 bridge from Art-Net, sACN and TouchOSC to the original RS-485 link.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Firmware · Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/runnerr0/dataflash-re>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/runnerr0/dataflash-re/blob/f4f8779bbdda87f3f0ec61b181af5a788c7e8d69/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/dataflash-re-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/dataflash-re-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/dataflash-re-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** ESP32 board and suitable RS-485 transceiver for the bridge.
- **Limits:** The existing sniffed program library needs recapture after a polarity correction.
- **License:** MIT license.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/runnerr0/dataflash-re/blob/f4f8779bbdda87f3f0ec61b181af5a788c7e8d69/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/runnerr0/dataflash-re/blob/f4f8779bbdda87f3f0ec61b181af5a788c7e8d69/bridge/README.md>

## More in Firmware and hardware

- [opal-c1-revive: mapping the Opal C1 firmware and restoring camera controls](https://awesomerea.org/resources/opal-c1-revive-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Spirit Halloween Remote: decoding Multi-Prop radio commands](https://awesomerea.org/resources/spirit-halloween-remote-nrf24-case/index.md) · Case study
- [Thecus N7510: reconstructing front-panel control on Linux](https://awesomerea.org/resources/thecus-n7510-linux-case/index.md) · Case study
- [a2854-siri-remote-linux: reconstructing Siri Remote BLE and IR controls](https://awesomerea.org/resources/a2854-siri-remote-linux-case/index.md) · Case study
- [HDF / HarmonyOS: mapping driver IPC and Linux userland compatibility](https://awesomerea.org/resources/hdf-harmonyos-reverse-case/index.md) · Case study
- [MK Typist research: mapping a keyboard and its bootloader](https://awesomerea.org/resources/mk-typist-research-case/index.md) · Case study

## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.
