Logging domestic power consumption?

[T i m]

Hi all,

Using the app to look at my mates solar battery performance (inverter
output) ... and the likes of Gridwatch (TNP has done something right
with that <g>) I thought it might be interesting to look at out usage
here, mainly for the S&G's but also as sort as a trail blazer for my
mate to be able to extend the data logging on his PV / battery system
to be able to log both, with remote (Internet) viewing as the cherry
on the cake.

I did have a system (possibly a basic Owl system) that was given to me
by a mate that allowed me to see a live display of the current energy
used but it didn't have an output to a PC or if it did, I couldn't get
it working with anything.

So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
viewing etc.

Would something like the OWL +USB CM160 or OWL Intuition-E be a good
starting point, or (in the spirit of d-i-y) build my own with an
Arduino or some such?

https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/buildingblocks/how-to-build-an-arduino-energy-monitor

Cheers, T i m

[Caecilius]

On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 14:54:27 +0000, T i m <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Using the app to look at my mates solar battery performance (inverter
>output) ... and the likes of Gridwatch (TNP has done something right
>with that <g>) I thought it might be interesting to look at out usage
>here, mainly for the S&G's but also as sort as a trail blazer for my
>mate to be able to extend the data logging on his PV / battery system
>to be able to log both, with remote (Internet) viewing as the cherry
>on the cake.
>
>I did have a system (possibly a basic Owl system) that was given to me
>by a mate that allowed me to see a live display of the current energy
>used but it didn't have an output to a PC or if it did, I couldn't get
>it working with anything.

If it's an Owl, then it doesn't really measure power; only current.
Its input comes from a current transformer that clips over one of the
tails.

You can use this to estimate power if you make assumptions about
voltage and power factor. But these are not constant, so it will only
ever be an estimate.

I don't think the Owl type units have any way to output to a PC
either.

>So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>viewing etc.
>
>Would something like the OWL +USB CM160 or OWL Intuition-E be a good
>starting point, or (in the spirit of d-i-y) build my own with an
>Arduino or some such?
>
>https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/buildingblocks/how-to-build-an-arduino-energy-monitor

That arduino project seems to do a decent job, as it measures both
voltage and current.

But if you're measuring near the meter (and generally you will be if
you're putting a current transformer on the tails), then I'd consider
sensing the light from the flashing LED on the meter. Most modern
meters have these, and the meter is doing all the
voltage/current/power factor conversion for you.

[T i m]

On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 20:13:45 +0000, Caecilius
<nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:

<snip>

>>
>>I did have a system (possibly a basic Owl system) that was given to me
>>by a mate that allowed me to see a live display of the current energy
>>used but it didn't have an output to a PC or if it did, I couldn't get
>>it working with anything.
>
>If it's an Owl, then it doesn't really measure power; only current.
>Its input comes from a current transformer that clips over one of the
>tails.

Understood.

>
>You can use this to estimate power if you make assumptions about
>voltage and power factor. But these are not constant, so it will only
>ever be an estimate.

Ok. Well, I think I'd be interested in seeing trends (compared with a
complete power cut situation) rather than absolutes as such so that
could be ok.

>
>I don't think the Owl type units have any way to output to a PC
>either.

I think this one does:
<http://www.theowl.com/index.php/energy-monitors/standalone-monitors/owl-usb/>

>
>>So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>>two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>>sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>>viewing etc.
>>
>>Would something like the OWL +USB CM160 or OWL Intuition-E be a good
>>starting point, or (in the spirit of d-i-y) build my own with an
>>Arduino or some such?
>>
>>https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/buildingblocks/how-to-build-an-arduino-energy-monitor
>
>That arduino project seems to do a decent job, as it measures both
>voltage and current.

Ok, I'll give it (and others) a closer look.

>
>But if you're measuring near the meter (and generally you will be if
>you're putting a current transformer on the tails), then I'd consider
>sensing the light from the flashing LED on the meter.

Ok ...

>Most modern
>meters have these, and the meter is doing all the
>voltage/current/power factor conversion for you.

Yes, ours does ... so I'm guessing you are suggesting each flash
indicates an accurate unit of measurement, like 1 or .1 kWh or some
such?

So an opto-sensor, RTC and SD card module?

Cheers, T i m

[Bob Eager]

Here's a really simple, basic one from years ago:

http://offog.org/notes/electricity/


--
My posts are my copyright and if @diy_forums or Home Owners' Hub
wish to copy them they can pay me £1 a message.
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK: http://www.mirrorservice.org
*lightning surge protection* - a w_tom conductor

[newshound]

On 1/14/2017 2:54 PM, T i m wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Using the app to look at my mates solar battery performance (inverter
> output) ... and the likes of Gridwatch (TNP has done something right
> with that <g>) I thought it might be interesting to look at out usage
> here, mainly for the S&G's but also as sort as a trail blazer for my
> mate to be able to extend the data logging on his PV / battery system
> to be able to log both, with remote (Internet) viewing as the cherry
> on the cake.

<snipped>

> Cheers, T i m
>

If I may slightly hijack the thread, I have a slightly different power
monitoring requirement. I suspect the DIY arduino project mentioned
elsewhere would do the job (and it is on my job list to get an Arduino
and/or Raspberry Pi to play with) but right now I'd prefer an off the
shelf solution (if not too expensive).

I am reorganising my office / computer room. Currently, I have spreaders
arranged so that I can switch off the printers, monitors, and switch at
a single point, while leaving the wifi extender, desktop base units and
laptop powered so that I can leave them on, off, or asleep from the
keyboard as required.

But I am wondering whether to leave one of more of the printers "live"
as well, so that I can print from elsewhere without powering them all
up. (I have a Laserjet mono, a Lexmark colour laser, and a Brother
inkjet all-in-one). So I was thinking about getting one of the plug-in
monitors, provided it is sufficiently sensitive to measure the
consumption of things like switches and printers when they have shut
themselves down into standby.

Any suggestions? TIA.

[T i m]

On 14 Jan 2017 21:59:32 GMT, Bob Eager <news...@eager.cx> wrote:

<snip>

>> Yes, ours does ... so I'm guessing you are suggesting each flash
>> indicates an accurate unit of measurement, like 1 or .1 kWh or some
>> such?
>>
>> So an opto-sensor, RTC and SD card module?
>
>Here's a really simple, basic one from years ago:
>
> http://offog.org/notes/electricity/

Thanks for that Bob. ;-)

I'm happy with the electronics side and with some help from a coding
mate of mine I'm sure I can make it work with an Arduino, it's just
the 'typically 800 times per kilowatt hour' thing.

The only disadvantage with using the flashing light is if there is a
very light load then the flash interval may be quite slow so the data
acquisition period might have to be quite long?

Maybe a mix of the flashing light and a current clamp.

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 22:14:25 +0000, newshound
<news...@stevejqr.plus.com> wrote:

<snip>

>If I may slightly hijack the thread, I have a slightly different power
>monitoring requirement. I suspect the DIY arduino project mentioned
>elsewhere would do the job (and it is on my job list to get an Arduino
>and/or Raspberry Pi to play with)

Whilst I'm not particularly good with the coding there is so much out
there for the Arduino's (and other similar devices) that I can usually
get something going, if only to test the basic sub-modules.

I have only really used Pi's as micro Linux PC's, not interfaced them
with anything.

>but right now I'd prefer an off the
>shelf solution (if not too expensive).

That is my only though, being that my 'To do' list is now longer than
the time left I have on that earth. ;-(

>
>I am reorganising my office / computer room. Currently, I have spreaders
>arranged so that I can switch off the printers, monitors, and switch at
>a single point, while leaving the wifi extender, desktop base units and
>laptop powered so that I can leave them on, off, or asleep from the
>keyboard as required.

Ok.

>
>But I am wondering whether to leave one of more of the printers "live"
>as well, so that I can print from elsewhere without powering them all
>up.

I currently do that with my main colour laser and may be doing the
similar with the Dymo LabelWriter on a Pi.

> (I have a Laserjet mono, a Lexmark colour laser, and a Brother
>inkjet all-in-one). So I was thinking about getting one of the plug-in
>monitors, provided it is sufficiently sensitive to measure the
>consumption of things like switches and printers when they have shut
>themselves down into standby.

It did on my Ricoh Colour Laser with it reading about what the spec
said it should on standby (around 3W) and my OpenMediaVault fileserver
running on a Pi3 draws about 3.3W with the hard drive spun down.

Also, if we are talking about indoors and in the winter, all of this
'standby' energy is only going into the house as heat. Not so good in
the summer of course. ;-(

Not all plug in energy monitors may be equal of course and their
accuracy may depend on the power factor and other variables.

Cheers, T i m

[Rod Speed]

"T i m" <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote in message
news:qg9l7cp3nvs2sj6sj...@4ax.com...

Doesn't have to be, just measure the time between flashes
and check if the time is changing between flashes.

[Dave Liquorice]

On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 20:13:45 +0000, Caecilius wrote:

> You can use this to estimate power if you make assumptions about
> voltage and power factor. But these are not constant, so it will only
> ever be an estimate.

But a PDG estimate. The *limits* on voltage are -5% +10% on nominal
230V so 216 to 253 V. Our supply varies by 10 V from lowest to
highest so 2% on average. I doubt power factor is significant for
domestic loads, most homes have workshops full of BFO motors all
running.

It's a while since I compared my logged consumption(*) with the bills
last time I did bills and logged were within a few percent of each
other.

(*) Current Cost unit, current transformer only. Unit has a TTL level
"RS232" serial data ouput that carries historical and current
information in XML. Linx based server does the logging via USB and a
Current Cost serial to USB adapter.

--
Cheers
Dave.

[dennis@home]

On 14/01/2017 22:47, T i m wrote:

> The only disadvantage with using the flashing light is if there is a
> very light load then the flash interval may be quite slow so the data
> acquisition period might have to be quite long?
>
> Maybe a mix of the flashing light and a current clamp.

The problem with that is that the current clamp may not be very good at
low currents.

My meter does 1000 flashes/kW hour so about 300-400 flashes an hr
background use.

[Theo]

In uk.comp.homebuilt newshound <news...@stevejqr.plus.com> wrote:
> But I am wondering whether to leave one of more of the printers "live"
> as well, so that I can print from elsewhere without powering them all
> up. (I have a Laserjet mono, a Lexmark colour laser, and a Brother
> inkjet all-in-one). So I was thinking about getting one of the plug-in
> monitors, provided it is sufficiently sensitive to measure the
> consumption of things like switches and printers when they have shut
> themselves down into standby.

I've been using oen of these:
https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/MIHO005-RT

which has a module that plugs into a Raspberry Pi.
There's some Python software that talks to any number of adaptors and logs
voltage/frequency/power to a CSV file. It only logs in whole watts at a 10
second granularity, but that's mostly good enough.

That particular module has a switch which makes it more expensive. They
also have a cheaper monitor-only module, and a swishy gateway with mobile
app if writing Python isn't your cup of tea.

(Also to note, the Pi adaptor is an RFM69 433MHz module on an adaptor board
- there wasn't stock when I bought, so I just got the module from ebay for
$2 and made my own adaptor and antenna)


If you need to monitor lots of sockets, I'm also using an mPower PRO (EU):
https://www.ubnt.com/mfi/mpower/
- that has ethernet and wifi.

That allows switching and monitoring 6 sockets at once, either with a web
app or via a shell script (you can SSH in). It gives instantaneous
measurements - I think the idea is you use their controller for graphing,
but SSH allows you to extract the data. There are some downsides:

1. There isn't a UK version, so you have to use Schuko plugs. Schuko kettle
leads do the trick for lots of equipment.

2. There's a default username and password for all devices. You really
should change this asap.

3. The thing runs Linux on a wifi-router chip. Ubiquiti have basically
given up on mPower, so the firmware is quite outdated and won't be updated
(it's on kernel 2.6.32 still). The drivers for the power monitor chip are a
binary-only kernel module, so it's not possible to build a later kernel.
Ubiquiti are GPL hostile and haven't responded to my request for the GPL
sources for the device they shipped.

Basically it's already obsolete. But might be OK if you can lock it down.
(ie don't put it anywhere near the internet)

Theo

[Theo]

Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
> If it's an Owl, then it doesn't really measure power; only current.
> Its input comes from a current transformer that clips over one of the
> tails.
>
> You can use this to estimate power if you make assumptions about
> voltage and power factor. But these are not constant, so it will only
> ever be an estimate.
>
> I don't think the Owl type units have any way to output to a PC
> either.

It's a bit of a pricey way to do it, but the Energenie kit I mentioned in my
other post will get both.

This:
https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/MIHO006
is the house current monitor

This:
https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/MIHO004-RT
will give you voltage and frequency from a socket (and power consumption of
that socket), and a module to plug into a raspberry pi.

All the kit is connected by 443MHz radio, so no wires.

The software to do it is pretty simple - download their Python code, tell it
you have the two devices. Then it'll log from both. eg to a CSV file.

You just need to do V*I in your spreadsheet (or whatever) and you're done.

Theo

[T i m]

On Sun, 15 Jan 2017 11:51:15 +0000, dennis@home
<den...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:

>On 14/01/2017 22:47, T i m wrote:
>
>> The only disadvantage with using the flashing light is if there is a
>> very light load then the flash interval may be quite slow so the data
>> acquisition period might have to be quite long?
>>
>> Maybe a mix of the flashing light and a current clamp.
>
>The problem with that is that the current clamp may not be very good at
>low currents.

Understood.

>
>My meter does 1000 flashes/kW hour so about 300-400 flashes an hr
>background use.

Since last posting I see mine is marked similarly (and have read where
one flash can = 1 or 1.25 Wh) so knowing that makes it more
calculable.

I have since also found several Arduino based projects (using the
flashing light method) so it looks like an option.

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

On 15 Jan 2017 13:29:21 +0000 (GMT), Theo

<theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Caecilius <nos...@spamless.invalid> wrote:
>> If it's an Owl, then it doesn't really measure power; only current.
>> Its input comes from a current transformer that clips over one of the
>> tails.
>>
>> You can use this to estimate power if you make assumptions about
>> voltage and power factor. But these are not constant, so it will only
>> ever be an estimate.
>>
>> I don't think the Owl type units have any way to output to a PC
>> either.
>
>It's a bit of a pricey way to do it, but the Energenie kit I mentioned in my
>other post will get both.
>
>This:
>https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/MIHO006
>is the house current monitor

I've already got something that looks similar from a previous (non
interfacable) monitor but I think is just the transmitter part?
Unless the transmitter does the calculations and just sends those to a
'dumb' display?

<A quick trip under the stairs and a Google later ...>

This is what I have (although I don't know where the display part
went):

http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/shopping/electrisave-wireless-electricity-monitor/

Looks like it may have become an Owl branded unit?

On the back of the transmitter it points to it also being this:

http://www.energymatters.com.au/clipsal-centameter-energy-monitoring-device-p-924.html

And probably many more?

>
>This:
>https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/MIHO004-RT
>will give you voltage and frequency from a socket (and power consumption of
>that socket), and a module to plug into a raspberry pi.

Interesting.

>
>All the kit is connected by 443MHz radio, so no wires.

Understood. I did get where I could send data over a bluetooth link
from one Arduino to another so that should also be no issue if I went
diy.

>
>The software to do it is pretty simple - download their Python code, tell it
>you have the two devices. Then it'll log from both. eg to a CSV file.

Hmm, to this hardware guy hearing words like Python starts the cold
sweats. ;-(

>
>You just need to do V*I in your spreadsheet (or whatever) and you're done.

As I've never really created a spreadsheet in my life (I mentioned I
was a hardware guy didn't I <g>) so that sounds a bit more 'hands on'
than my ideal solution (some ready made logging and charting solution)
but I'll give it a go if it looks to be the 'best' solution (thanks).

Cheers, T i m

[Theo]

T i m <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote:

> I've already got something that looks similar from a previous (non
> interfacable) monitor but I think is just the transmitter part?
> Unless the transmitter does the calculations and just sends those to a
> 'dumb' display?

Since the transmitter presumably runs off batteries, I assume it does very
basic beaconing - send number every 30s or similar. The display then does
the calculations.

> <A quick trip under the stairs and a Google later ...>
>
> This is what I have (although I don't know where the display part
> went):
>
> http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/shopping/electrisave-wireless-electricity-monitor/
>
> Looks like it may have become an Owl branded unit?
>
> On the back of the transmitter it points to it also being this:
>
> http://www.energymatters.com.au/clipsal-centameter-energy-monitoring-device-p-924.html
>
> And probably many more?

This 433MHz kit is fairly simple, and people have been hacking it:
https://www.pitt-pladdy.com/blog/_20131206-183013_0000_Owl_Energy_Monitor_Protocol_CMR119_/
http://www.qdh.org.uk/wordpress/2015/04/10/owl-cm160-energy-monitor-with-rtl-sdr/
http://rtlsdr-dongle.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/finally-complete-working-prototype-of.html
https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/node/11109

so it's likely possible. However there's more software to write/glue together.

> >The software to do it is pretty simple - download their Python code, tell it
> >you have the two devices. Then it'll log from both. eg to a CSV file.
>
> Hmm, to this hardware guy hearing words like Python starts the cold
> sweats. ;-(

You don't really need to know much Python, it's just gluing pieces together.
eg to set up the socket monitor I just took the example code, added my
sensor to a config file, and ran a demo program. Out came CSV with the
numbers.

Sample data ('real' is the power column):
timestamp,mfrid,prodid,sensorid,flags,switch,voltage,freq,reactive,real,apparent,current,temperature
1484414517.7,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,236,49.80078125,-11,4,None,None,None
1484414527.66,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,236,49.80078125,-20,29,None,None,None
1484414557.57,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,235,49.80078125,-57,202,None,None,None
1484414567.53,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,234,49.80078125,-53,177,None,None,None
1484414577.5,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,235,49.80078125,-48,113,None,None,None

> >You just need to do V*I in your spreadsheet (or whatever) and you're done.
>
> As I've never really created a spreadsheet in my life (I mentioned I
> was a hardware guy didn't I <g>) so that sounds a bit more 'hands on'
> than my ideal solution (some ready made logging and charting solution)
> but I'll give it a go if it looks to be the 'best' solution (thanks).

You can presumably buy the gateway thingy and use the mobile app or website.
But maybe it doesn't quite do what you want, and you'll inevitably
have an urge to change it (this being a DIY group after all)...

Theo

[T i m]

On 15 Jan 2017 14:40:03 +0000 (GMT), Theo

<theom...@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>T i m <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote:
>> I've already got something that looks similar from a previous (non
>> interfacable) monitor but I think is just the transmitter part?
>> Unless the transmitter does the calculations and just sends those to a
>> 'dumb' display?
>
>Since the transmitter presumably runs off batteries, I assume it does very
>basic beaconing - send number every 30s or similar. The display then does
>the calculations.

Understood.

>
>> <A quick trip under the stairs and a Google later ...>
>>
>> This is what I have (although I don't know where the display part
>> went):
>>
>> http://www.reuk.co.uk/wordpress/shopping/electrisave-wireless-electricity-monitor/
>>
>> Looks like it may have become an Owl branded unit?
>>
>> On the back of the transmitter it points to it also being this:
>>
>> http://www.energymatters.com.au/clipsal-centameter-energy-monitoring-device-p-924.html
>>
>> And probably many more?
>
>This 433MHz kit is fairly simple, and people have been hacking it:
>https://www.pitt-pladdy.com/blog/_20131206-183013_0000_Owl_Energy_Monitor_Protocol_CMR119_/

Interesting. As an ex Datacomms guy I can follow most of that (in
principal). ;-)

>http://www.qdh.org.uk/wordpress/2015/04/10/owl-cm160-energy-monitor-with-rtl-sdr/

Again, interesting and reminiscent of the sort of output I often see
on my Arduino terminal.

>http://rtlsdr-dongle.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/finally-complete-working-prototype-of.html

I'm not quite sure what that one is doing?

>https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/node/11109

It's funny how as these bits of kit get cheaper and more intelligent /
capable, how many people enjoy getting to grips with them and making
them do, or work with other things. ;-)

>
>so it's likely possible. However there's more software to write/glue together.

Understood.

>
>> >The software to do it is pretty simple - download their Python code, tell it
>> >you have the two devices. Then it'll log from both. eg to a CSV file.
>>
>> Hmm, to this hardware guy hearing words like Python starts the cold
>> sweats. ;-(
>
>You don't really need to know much Python, it's just gluing pieces together.

With some help from the good people on the RPi n/g I was able to get
my Pi3 running as a wireless print server for my Dymo 450 LabelWriter.
However, I's probably a bit of an overkill for a Pi3 and I'm about to
see if I can repeat the process on a Pi(1) plus a USB WiFi dongle. On
the Pi3 I can remotely access the CUPS server, SSL and from there
start and stop Webmin. I can also start the DE locally to help me
configure the server in general (when my CL 'skills' (or lack /
experience thereof) aren't up to it). The only issue there is the Pi1
is quite slow compared with the 3 so I'm expecting it to all take that
much longer. ;-( Once setup though, it should be ok. ;-)

>eg to set up the socket monitor I just took the example code, added my
>sensor to a config file, and ran a demo program.

99% of my Linux CLI and other coding is simply copying and pasting,
'standing on the shoulders of giants' etc, but I guess it's 'everyone
to their own'. ;-)

>Out came CSV with the
>numbers.

It's lovely when that happens eh ... versus blocks of garbage. ;-)

>
>Sample data ('real' is the power column):
>timestamp,mfrid,prodid,sensorid,flags,switch,voltage,freq,reactive,real,apparent,current,temperature
>1484414517.7,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,236,49.80078125,-11,4,None,None,None
>1484414527.66,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,236,49.80078125,-20,29,None,None,None
>1484414557.57,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,235,49.80078125,-57,202,None,None,None
>1484414567.53,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,234,49.80078125,-53,177,None,None,None
>1484414577.5,4,2,xxx,11111000,1,235,49.80078125,-48,113,None,None,None

Neat.

>
>> >You just need to do V*I in your spreadsheet (or whatever) and you're done.
>>
>> As I've never really created a spreadsheet in my life (I mentioned I
>> was a hardware guy didn't I <g>) so that sounds a bit more 'hands on'
>> than my ideal solution (some ready made logging and charting solution)
>> but I'll give it a go if it looks to be the 'best' solution (thanks).
>
>You can presumably buy the gateway thingy and use the mobile app or website.
>But maybe it doesn't quite do what you want, and you'll inevitably
>have an urge to change it (this being a DIY group after all)...

Unless cost would be considered a dealbreaker for most of those
interested in such data , I don't really know why there aren't more of
these things on the market with easy PC / App interfaces?

I can see (live) on my phone that my cousins Solar Battery is
currently giving him 0kWh. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[Rod Speed]

"T i m" <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote in message
news:c6vm7c9elga88ohb7...@4ax.com...

Time you started, it isnt hard and can be very useful.

[Rod Speed]

"T i m" <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote in message
news:4r2n7ctlq316pj15n...@4ax.com...

What is even more striking is the lack of cheap wifi or bluetooth
temperature sensors, so you can say have on every fridge and
freezer to detect failure or just leaving the door open etc.

> I can see (live) on my phone that my cousins Solar Battery is
> currently giving him 0kWh. ;-)

Yeah, bought time we had a lot more of that.

[T i m]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:05:58 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.sp...@gmail.com> wrote:
<snip>

>> As I've never really created a spreadsheet in my life
>
>Time you started,

'Needs must'.

>it isnt hard and can be very useful.

It 'isn't hard' with a bit of training / self reading / practice I'm
guessing ... none of the things I'm particularly interested in doing
for something I've not had need for so far and would be entry 1024 on
my ToDo list if I did? ;-(

I have *used* spreadsheets when moving address books from one phone to
another in the olden days but not used any of the match / script
functions (because I'm not into maths nor a script kiddy).

Cheers, T i m

[Chris J Dixon]

T i m wrote:

>So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>viewing etc.

https://www.eco-eye.com/product-monitor-solar-smartpv

Plus USB data cable.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
ch...@cdixon.me.uk

Plant amazing Acers.

[T i m]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 07:23:27 +0000, Chris J Dixon <ch...@cdixon.me.uk>
wrote:

>T i m wrote:
>
>>So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>>two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>>sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>>viewing etc.
>
>https://www.eco-eye.com/product-monitor-solar-smartpv
>
>Plus USB data cable.
>

Thanks for that Chris, I've forwarded the links to my cous.

Do you actually have experience of such yourself OOI and if so, any
additional thoughts / comments / suggestions please?

Cheers, T i m

[dennis@home]

On 16/01/2017 07:23, Chris J Dixon wrote:
> T i m wrote:
>
>> So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>> two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>> sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>> viewing etc.
>
> https://www.eco-eye.com/product-monitor-solar-smartpv
>
> Plus USB data cable.
>
> Chris
>

£80+ for what?
Its easy to go around with a mk1 eyeball and see which appliances/lights
use power and which could make savings.

If you have solar then you probably would have had an inverter fitted
with monitoring already built in (eg sunny boy via bluetooth).

The traffic lights aren't much use unless you intend to switch stuff off
every time a cloud passes. Anyway most people fit solar to get the
revenue not to save energy whatever they claim.

I have a power monitor that came free with the meter, its turned off
until I want a meter reading to post on the web as I switched supplier
and the new one can't read it. It never really affected our usage.

[Chris J Dixon]

T i m wrote:

>On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 07:23:27 +0000, Chris J Dixon <ch...@cdixon.me.uk>
>wrote:

>>https://www.eco-eye.com/product-monitor-solar-smartpv
>>
>>Plus USB data cable.
>>
>Thanks for that Chris, I've forwarded the links to my cous.
>
>Do you actually have experience of such yourself OOI and if so, any
>additional thoughts / comments / suggestions please?

I have had this unit for about 3 years now, and it enables me to
keep an eye on my PV system and usage. I like being able to
glance at the display and also look at the real time graph on my
PC.

Although I do download the data onto the PC, I don't often look
at it analytically - my official meter readings give me what I
need for my spreadsheets.

Getting a good signal for the remote display can be tricky, and I
don't have thick walls or a long distance to cope with.

The accuracy is generally acceptable, though it sometimes seems
to imagine PV generation at night, or spells of zero usage.

[Richard]

On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 14:54:27 +0000, T i m wrote:

> Hi all,
>

>SNIP...............................

>
> I did have a system (possibly a basic Owl system) that was given to me
> by a mate that allowed me to see a live display of the current energy
> used but it didn't have an output to a PC or if it did, I couldn't get
> it working with anything.
>
> So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
> two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
> sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
> viewing etc.
>

>SNIP.........................
> Cheers, T i m

I have Domoticz running on a Raspberry PI 3.
https://domoticz.com/
It receives data via 433 MHz from on OWL CM119.
The consumption data is logged and can be viewed via a web browser.
Graphs are provided for daily, monthly and yearly use.
Domoticz can do much more and no coding is required.

Domoticz needs a 433 MHz receiver. For example http://www.nemcon.nl/blog2/

Richard

[T i m]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 04:18:46 -0600, Richard <nos...@nospam.spam>
wrote:

>On Sat, 14 Jan 2017 14:54:27 +0000, T i m wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>>SNIP...............................
>>
>> I did have a system (possibly a basic Owl system) that was given to me
>> by a mate that allowed me to see a live display of the current energy
>> used but it didn't have an output to a PC or if it did, I couldn't get
>> it working with anything.
>>
>> So, I wondered if anyone could recommend something that could monitor
>> two sources (for him), have the PC / Internet access remote from the
>> sensors and / or just stream serial data or store and hold for weekly
>> viewing etc.
>>
>>SNIP.........................
>> Cheers, T i m
>
>I have Domoticz running on a Raspberry PI 3.
>https://domoticz.com/

Interesting, Ta.

>It receives data via 433 MHz from on OWL CM119.

I think that's what I've got here (well, the transmitter part, the
receiver is here *somewhere*). However, I didn't think there was any
PC interface on the receiver or are you saying the Pi replaces the Owl
receiver / display bit?

>The consumption data is logged and can be viewed via a web browser.
>Graphs are provided for daily, monthly and yearly use.

That sounds like the sort of result I'm looking for.

>Domoticz can do much more and no coding is required.

Even better. ;-)

>
>Domoticz needs a 433 MHz receiver. For example http://www.nemcon.nl/blog2/

Sorry, I'm not sure what hardware (if there is hardware) this is
talking about? I need to see the bigger picture to 'get' how all the
bits interrelate?

I know I will need at least an AC pickup transformer and a RF
transmitter to send that date to a receiver of some sort. The data
would then be decoded from the RF and either display real time, and /
or logged and / or outputted via a dataport / LAN / BT <> Smartphone
etc?

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:16:14 +0000, Chris J Dixon <ch...@cdixon.me.uk>

wrote:

>T i m wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 07:23:27 +0000, Chris J Dixon <ch...@cdixon.me.uk>
>>wrote:
>
>>>https://www.eco-eye.com/product-monitor-solar-smartpv
>>>
>>>Plus USB data cable.
>>>
>>Thanks for that Chris, I've forwarded the links to my cous.
>>
>>Do you actually have experience of such yourself OOI and if so, any
>>additional thoughts / comments / suggestions please?
>
>I have had this unit for about 3 years now, and it enables me to
>keep an eye on my PV system and usage.

OK.

> I like being able to
>glance at the display and also look at the real time graph on my
>PC.

I've learned to appreciate the saying 'You can manage what you can
measure' and things like instant MPG readouts and the like.

>
>Although I do download the data onto the PC, I don't often look
>at it analytically

I think it could be one of those things that would only be really
interesting if it showed up something unexpected or was good enough to
confirm (or deny) the suppliers own readings. I also think it would be
of more interest to someone like you (or my cousin) with both the grid
and solar PV to monitor.

> - my official meter readings give me what I
>need for my spreadsheets.

Understood.

>
>Getting a good signal for the remote display can be tricky, and I
>don't have thick walls or a long distance to cope with.

Noted.

>
>The accuracy is generally acceptable, though it sometimes seems
>to imagine PV generation at night, or spells of zero usage.

;-)

Thanks for the feedback Chris.

Cheers, T i m

[Richard]

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:46:36 +0000, T i m wrote:


> SNIP

> Sorry, I'm not sure what hardware (if there is hardware) this is talking
> about? I need to see the bigger picture to 'get' how all the bits
> interrelate?
>
> I know I will need at least an AC pickup transformer and a RF
> transmitter to send that date to a receiver of some sort. The data would
> then be decoded from the RF and either display real time, and /
> or logged and / or outputted via a dataport / LAN / BT <> Smartphone
> etc?

Domoticz produces web pages which can be accessed via web browser.
Examples of the logs can be seen on page 19 of the Domoticz user manual:
http://www.domoticz.com/DomoticzManual.pdf

The Domoticz installation instructions can be found at:
http://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Domoticz_Wiki_Manual

My setup is R PI is connected to LAN via ethernet (Wifi is also possible
with R PI 3).

I can access the the Pi/Domoticz when away from home via a VPN.
Alternatives are to put the PI on a DMZ so the PI is directly accessible
from the internet or open port 8080 on the router and forward this to the
PI.

Re 433 MHz I/O:
An ready built but more costly alternative to RF Link is RFXCOM.
http://www.rfxcom.com/epages/78165469.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/
Shops/78165469/Categories/Transceivers

All that is usually needed is to plug the the RFXCOM into an R PI USB
port and select it as hardware in Domoticz.

Richard

[dennis@home]

On 17/01/2017 08:50, Richard wrote:

> I can access the the Pi/Domoticz when away from home via a VPN.
> Alternatives are to put the PI on a DMZ so the PI is directly accessible
> from the internet or open port 8080 on the router and forward this to the
> PI.

Or change the port to something odd that won't be being scanned for as
an open port and forward that.

[T i m]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 02:50:44 -0600, Richard <nos...@nospam.spam>
wrote:

>On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:46:36 +0000, T i m wrote:
>
>
>> SNIP
>> Sorry, I'm not sure what hardware (if there is hardware) this is talking
>> about? I need to see the bigger picture to 'get' how all the bits
>> interrelate?
>>
>> I know I will need at least an AC pickup transformer and a RF
>> transmitter to send that date to a receiver of some sort. The data would
>> then be decoded from the RF and either display real time, and /
>> or logged and / or outputted via a dataport / LAN / BT <> Smartphone
>> etc?
>
>Domoticz produces web pages which can be accessed via web browser.
>Examples of the logs can be seen on page 19 of the Domoticz user manual:
>http://www.domoticz.com/DomoticzManual.pdf
>
>The Domoticz installation instructions can be found at:
>http://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Domoticz_Wiki_Manual

Thanks for those.

>My setup is R PI is connected to LAN via ethernet (Wifi is also possible
>with R PI 3).

Ok.

>
>I can access the the Pi/Domoticz when away from home via a VPN.
>Alternatives are to put the PI on a DMZ so the PI is directly accessible
>from the internet or open port 8080 on the router and forward this to the
>PI.

Neat. Happy with all that sort of thing and have had my Arduino with
an Ethernet shield switching an output and reading a switch status
from my phone, over the Net. ;-)

>
>Re 433 MHz I/O:
>An ready built but more costly alternative to RF Link is RFXCOM.
>http://www.rfxcom.com/epages/78165469.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/
>Shops/78165469/Categories/Transceivers

Ouch. So, could you point me to the cheapest RF Link kit that would
work with a Pi(3) please (if such are available)? I've Googled about
but can't filter the generic 433 Transceivers from the Nemcon Pi
compatible gateway board (if I'm getting it correctly)?

>All that is usually needed is to plug the the RFXCOM into an R PI USB
>port and select it as hardware in Domoticz.
>

I can see that is probably much easier / flexible but probably a bit
more money that I would prefer to spend on this sort of project right
now.

Domoticz looks quite interesting in general (outside power monitoring)
as being an 'electronics / hardware guy' I am entertained by getting
electronics / hardware to do something tangible. ;-)

So I get it now (and I've since looked for a picture / diagram of a
typical Domoticz installation), and see it is software that can run on
various platforms and is easily (that's the key bit) be interfaced
with various hardware devices to create a flexible control / monitor
centre.

I think I'll first try it on my Acer netbook as that will give me the
basics quickly and easily and if I like it, I can put it on my Pi3 as
it's now spare as I have my Dymo LabelWriter printserver running on my
Pi1 with a USB WiFi dongle (assuming most of the hardware will run on
most platforms etc).

Cheers, T i m

[Richard]

SNIP

>
> Ouch. So, could you point me to the cheapest RF Link kit that would work
> with a Pi(3) please (if such are available)? I've Googled about but
> can't filter the generic 433 Transceivers from the Nemcon Pi compatible
> gateway board (if I'm getting it correctly)?

An RF Link kit is available here:
https://www.nodo-shop.nl/en/rflink-gateway/127-rflink-arduino-
antenna.html?search_query=rflink&results=13

SNIP

.
>
> I think I'll first try it on my Acer netbook as that will give me the
> basics quickly and easily and if I like it, I can put it on my Pi3 as
> it's now spare as I have my Dymo LabelWriter printserver running on my
> Pi1 with a USB WiFi dongle (assuming most of the hardware will run on
> most platforms etc).
>

Yep Domoticz will work on Windows etc but will not log data unless the
host PC is running. Hence a PI is ideal as easy to leave running all the
time.

Richard

[T i m]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:36:12 -0600, Richard <sp...@spam.com> wrote:

>SNIP
>>
>> Ouch. So, could you point me to the cheapest RF Link kit that would work
>> with a Pi(3) please (if such are available)? I've Googled about but
>> can't filter the generic 433 Transceivers from the Nemcon Pi compatible
>> gateway board (if I'm getting it correctly)?
>
>An RF Link kit is available here:
>https://www.nodo-shop.nl/en/rflink-gateway/127-rflink-arduino-
>antenna.html?search_query=rflink&results=13

Yes, I saw that but suggests it's for the Arduino Mega (that I happen
to also have as we use them on the 3D printer) but I thought this was
for the Pi?

>
>SNIP
>.
>>
>> I think I'll first try it on my Acer netbook as that will give me the
>> basics quickly and easily and if I like it, I can put it on my Pi3 as
>> it's now spare as I have my Dymo LabelWriter printserver running on my
>> Pi1 with a USB WiFi dongle (assuming most of the hardware will run on
>> most platforms etc).
>>
>Yep Domoticz will work on Windows

It does and at least gave me a quick way to see what it is all about.
I did try to add AccuWeather on it but not sure if I can without
requesting stuff (API's?) or knowing more about it etc. I would just
like to see something doing something. Do you have any thermometers on
your system Richard or what would be a cheap but useful (and easy)
device to add to see something working please?

>etc but will not log data unless the
>host PC is running.

Understood. If I were to run it on Windows I have a couple of MSI Atom
powered Netbooks doing nothing ...

>Hence a PI is ideal as easy to leave running all the
>time.

Understood ... I'm currently plodding my way though installing it on
my Pi3, well, I will, when 'sudo apt-get upgrade' finishes. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

p.s. I noticed it could collect the Call Log information from a
FritzBox and as I have a FritzBox Fon Wan voip router I thought I'd
give it a try. Initially the Domoticz log showed 'Can not connect ...'
and then I enabled the feature via the telephone handset connected to
the router and then it seemed to connect but hung for ages then
eventually timed out. At least it was trying. ;-)

[Richard]

On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:57:06 +0000, T i m wrote:

> On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:36:12 -0600, Richard <sp...@spam.com> wrote:
>
>>SNIP

> Yes, I saw that but suggests it's for the Arduino Mega (that I happen to
> also have as we use them on the 3D printer) but I thought this was for
> the Pi?

I have Domoticz running on a PI with a second hand RFXCOM Tx/Rx I sourced
from ebay.

My understanding is that for RF Link you need the Arduino Mega (supplied
as part of the kit) to run the RF Link SW to encode / decode the many
different 433 MHz protocols and provide the USB interface

Then the RF Link PCB provides the antenna connection and wiring interface
between the different options for the 433 MHz Tx/Rx modules and the
Arudino.

The Arduino then connects to the PI/PC/NAS etc, running Domoticz, via USB.

>SNIP .

> Do you have any thermometers on
> your system Richard or what would be a cheap but useful (and easy)
> device to add to see something working please?

All my devices are via the RFXCOM, An external Lidl temp & humidity
sensor, an Orgeon scientific Temp senose, the OWL CM119 etc

I also obtained a free weather underground API by following this guide:
http://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Virtual_weather_devices
and can log & view some locally situated weather stations data.
The guide is not perfect / a bit out of date but I muddled through...

A cheap an simple sensor would be a BMP180 pressure sensor which can be
hard-wired to the PI. https://www.domoticz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9454
Avoid the newer BMP280 as it is reported not to work with Domotciz.

SNIP

>
> Understood. If I were to run it on Windows I have a couple of MSI Atom
> powered Netbooks doing nothing ...

Fair enough :-)

>
> Understood ... I'm currently plodding my way though installing it on my
> Pi3, well, I will, when 'sudo apt-get upgrade' finishes. ;-)

:-)

>
> p.s. I noticed it could collect the Call Log information from a FritzBox
> and as I have a FritzBox Fon Wan voip router I thought I'd give it a
> try. Initially the Domoticz log showed 'Can not connect ...'
> and then I enabled the feature via the telephone handset connected to
> the router and then it seemed to connect but hung for ages then
> eventually timed out. At least it was trying. ;-)

I have barely scratched the surface of what Domoticz can do.
I plan to write a script to control the CH & HW etc
I have the RF switches just need to get round to it!

Others have also created their own 433 MHz sensors using an Arudino nano
to interface with the sensor and format the X10 RF data protocol and feed
it into one of the cheap chin ease 433 MHz OOK transmitters.

Richard

[T i m]

On Wed, 18 Jan 2017 07:35:03 -0600, Richard <nos...@nospam.spam>

wrote:

>On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 21:57:06 +0000, T i m wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:36:12 -0600, Richard <sp...@spam.com> wrote:
>>
>>>SNIP
>> Yes, I saw that but suggests it's for the Arduino Mega (that I happen to
>> also have as we use them on the 3D printer) but I thought this was for
>> the Pi?
>
>I have Domoticz running on a PI with a second hand RFXCOM Tx/Rx I sourced
>from ebay.

Ok.

>
>My understanding is that for RF Link you need the Arduino Mega (supplied
>as part of the kit) to run the RF Link SW to encode / decode the many
>different 433 MHz protocols and provide the USB interface

Ah, yes, I did get there in the end by myself. The Mega and TX and RX
modules is a more d-i-y alternative for the likes of the RFXCOM unit.

And I'm interested to hear you say 'protocolS' as talking elsewhere
(RPi n/g) it seemed that there wasn't come 'standard' protocol (or
even variant of the 433 Mhz frequency) so we weren't sure if you would
need multiple 'transceivers' to handle more than one.

>
>Then the RF Link PCB provides the antenna connection and wiring interface
>between the different options for the 433 MHz Tx/Rx modules and the
>Arudino.

Understood. I mistakenly thought the use of an Arduino was instead of
a RPi, not that the Arduino was used as an addon to the Pi. Again,
till you see the 'bigger picture' it can all be very confusing. ;-(

>
>The Arduino then connects to the PI/PC/NAS etc, running Domoticz, via USB.

Check. So the Pi/PC/NAS are the USB hosts and the Arduino the USB
device.

>
>>SNIP .
>> Do you have any thermometers on
>> your system Richard or what would be a cheap but useful (and easy)
>> device to add to see something working please?
>
>All my devices are via the RFXCOM, An external Lidl temp & humidity
>sensor, an Orgeon scientific Temp senose, the OWL CM119 etc

So (trying to understand what people do with this stuff better), would
I be right in thinking the Lidl sensor would have come with an indoor
display and you don't use that now (just using the Domoticz
dashboard)? And / or can you use the supplied display as well or is
there a two way conversation between the host and device (so it might
not be happy talking to two hosts). Or maybe some of the remote
sensors are simplex and others (half) duplex?

>
>I also obtained a free weather underground API by following this guide:
>http://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Virtual_weather_devices
>and can log & view some locally situated weather stations data.
>The guide is not perfect / a bit out of date but I muddled through...

Ok, thanks, I'll check that out.

>
>A cheap an simple sensor would be a BMP180 pressure sensor which can be
>hard-wired to the PI. https://www.domoticz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9454
>Avoid the newer BMP280 as it is reported not to work with Domotciz.

All, all the traps and holes etc ... ;-(

>
>SNIP
>>
>> Understood. If I were to run it on Windows I have a couple of MSI Atom
>> powered Netbooks doing nothing ...
>Fair enough :-)
>
>>
>> Understood ... I'm currently plodding my way though installing it on my
>> Pi3, well, I will, when 'sudo apt-get upgrade' finishes. ;-)
> :-)
>
>>
>> p.s. I noticed it could collect the Call Log information from a FritzBox
>> and as I have a FritzBox Fon Wan voip router I thought I'd give it a
>> try. Initially the Domoticz log showed 'Can not connect ...'
>> and then I enabled the feature via the telephone handset connected to
>> the router and then it seemed to connect but hung for ages then
>> eventually timed out. At least it was trying. ;-)
>
>I have barely scratched the surface of what Domoticz can do.

It does seem pretty powerful. OOI, have you researched any of the
other solutions Richard and then settled on Domoticz or was that the
first one you really tried? The good news is if there are free and run
on the same hardware there isn't any real host hardware commitment if
you do change software later on.

>I plan to write a script to control the CH & HW etc

Cool!

>I have the RF switches just need to get round to it!

And that's the thing isn't it ... and why I was *considering*
commercial solutions that may have done *just* what I was looking for
but then wouldn't have done all I might later have wanted / liked to
do.

>
>Others have also created their own 433 MHz sensors using an Arudino nano
>to interface with the sensor and format the X10 RF data protocol and feed
>it into one of the cheap chin ease 433 MHz OOK transmitters.

(I have use the Nanos and have a few here doing nothing). I remember
X10 from a while back and am still not sure if there is anything I
would want to control that way that isn't already working fine
(thermostats and timers on electric radiators etc)? However, if being
able to (also) support X10 means I have access to another range of
devices then it make sense. ;-)

Is there a good n/g or forum for this sort of thing please Richard as
I don't like to keep pestering you?

Cheers, T i m

p.s. We went round my Mums last night and I worked on a Pi OMV server
for my friend. We did have it working at his but we weren't able to
browse to the file share from the Windows machine but the Linux PC saw
the shares ok. So I guessed it might be a Samba issue but in spite of
trying all sorts of things we couldn't seem to fix it. A similar setup
is working here pretty well (and advertising itself to the Windows
machines) but I don't know what I did different. Unfortunately, mates
Pi was a 1 and so everything took ages. ;-(

[Richard]

SNIP

> Ah, yes, I did get there in the end by myself. The Mega and TX and RX
> modules is a more d-i-y alternative for the likes of the RFXCOM unit.

Yes :-)

> And I'm interested to hear you say 'protocolS' as talking elsewhere (RPi
> n/g) it seemed that there wasn't come 'standard' protocol (or even
> variant of the 433 Mhz frequency) so we weren't sure if you would need
> multiple 'transceivers' to handle more than one.

Check out the "supported devices list" and the "protocol reference" links
on the RF Link website http://www.nemcon.nl/blog2/
Only one RFXCOM receiver is required which can handle the different
protocols I believe the same is true for RF Link.

SNIP

> So (trying to understand what people do with this stuff better), would I
> be right in thinking the Lidl sensor would have come with an indoor
> display and you don't use that now (just using the Domoticz dashboard)?
> And / or can you use the supplied display as well or is there a two way
> conversation between the host and device (so it might not be happy
> talking to two hosts). Or maybe some of the remote sensors are simplex
> and others (half) duplex?

The Lidl display is operating simultaneously with Domoticz. The 433 MHz
RF kit appears to be one way "fire & forget" no handshaking etc. If a
transmission is lost then it is lost.
Whilst this is OK for monitoring outside temps, it is not so good for
control. I see the commercial RF thermostats send the control message
periodically every few minutes and not only when the state changes.
SNIP

> have you researched any of the other
> solutions Richard and then settled on Domoticz or was that the first one
> you really tried? The good news is if there are free and run on the same
> hardware there isn't any real host hardware commitment if you do change
> software later on.

Domoticz was the first one I found and tried. It seems to more that I
need and is free!

SNIP

>
> Is there a good n/g or forum for this sort of thing please Richard as I
> don't like to keep pestering you?

Chcekout the Domoticz forums.
I find it easier to use Google to search for Domoticz and whatever I want
it do. It usually throws a forum link or two up.

>
> p.s. We went round my Mums last night and I worked on a Pi OMV server
> for my friend. We did have it working at his but we weren't able to
> browse to the file share from the Windows machine but the Linux PC saw
> the shares ok. So I guessed it might be a Samba issue but in spite of
> trying all sorts of things we couldn't seem to fix it. A similar setup
> is working here pretty well (and advertising itself to the Windows
> machines) but I don't know what I did different. Unfortunately, mates Pi
> was a 1 and so everything took ages. ;-(

Windows networking – shiver :-(

[T i m]

On Wed, 18 Jan 2017 07:35:03 -0600, Richard <nos...@nospam.spam>
wrote:

<snip>

>I also obtained a free weather underground API by following this guide:
>http://www.domoticz.com/wiki/Virtual_weather_devices
>and can log & view some locally situated weather stations data.

So can I now, Domoticz is actually doing something! I often find a
gentle prod in the right direction works wonders so thanks for that
Richard. ;-)

>The guide is not perfect / a bit out of date but I muddled through...
>

Getting the AP went easily enough but according to the log it wouldn't
connect. Then I realised I had the device setup as a AccuWeather
rather than Weather Underground ... (Doh).

Oh well, I think you learn more when it goes wrong. ;-)

Following on from that ... if I was to turn on say temperature logging
it will go to the SD card. So, would one typically send such logs to
say a USB stick plugged into the Pi or possibly a remote share?

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2017 08:23:00 -0600, Richard <nos...@nospam.spam>
wrote:
<snip>

>Check out the "supported devices list" and the "protocol reference" links
>on the RF Link website http://www.nemcon.nl/blog2/
>Only one RFXCOM receiver is required which can handle the different
>protocols I believe the same is true for RF Link.

Cool, thanks.

>
>SNIP
>> So (trying to understand what people do with this stuff better), would I
>> be right in thinking the Lidl sensor would have come with an indoor
>> display and you don't use that now (just using the Domoticz dashboard)?
>> And / or can you use the supplied display as well or is there a two way
>> conversation between the host and device (so it might not be happy
>> talking to two hosts). Or maybe some of the remote sensors are simplex
>> and others (half) duplex?

>The Lidl display is operating simultaneously with Domoticz.

Ok.

>The 433 MHz
>RF kit appears to be one way "fire & forget" no handshaking etc. If a
>transmission is lost then it is lost.

Understood.

>Whilst this is OK for monitoring outside temps, it is not so good for
>control.

Quite, and hence why the common interface (RFXCOM / RF Link etc)
is a transceiver, not just a receiver.

> I see the commercial RF thermostats send the control message
>periodically every few minutes and not only when the state changes.
>SNIP

Ok.

>
>> have you researched any of the other
>> solutions Richard and then settled on Domoticz or was that the first one
>> you really tried? The good news is if there are free and run on the same
>> hardware there isn't any real host hardware commitment if you do change
>> software later on.

>Domoticz was the first one I found and tried. It seems to more that I
>need and is free!

But I think there are quite a few Free / Open solutions and wasn't
sure if this was considered the go-to one.

>
>SNIP
>>
>> Is there a good n/g or forum for this sort of thing please Richard as I
>> don't like to keep pestering you?

>Chcekout the Domoticz forums.
>I find it easier to use Google to search for Domoticz and whatever I want
>it do. It usually throws a forum link or two up.

That's what I've been doing so far (and do in general with any subject
etc) but I was thinking more if when I need to ask a specific
question.

Like ... I believe I've configured the remote access to the my
Domoticz server (port forwarded TCP and port 8080 to the local ip:8080
but I can't connect to that port using my WAN ip from my phone (mobile
data), or from another PC out there on the iNET. My Mrs was able to
connect locally using her own account and password (I've not enabled
'don't ask locals to authenticate feature' as yet). Do you have
external access working please Richard (then at least I know it's
possible etc)?

>
>>
>> p.s. We went round my Mums last night and I worked on a Pi OMV server
>> for my friend. We did have it working at his but we weren't able to
>> browse to the file share from the Windows machine but the Linux PC saw

>> the shares ok. So I guessed it might be a Samba issue but in spite of
>> trying all sorts of things we couldn't seem to fix it. A similar setup
>> is working here pretty well (and advertising itself to the Windows
>> machines) but I don't know what I did different. Unfortunately, mates Pi
>> was a 1 and so everything took ages. ;-(

>Windows networking – shiver :-(

Hehe, I guess because I've been doing it since WFW it's all pretty
easy for me ... the problem seems to be when trying to make a square
peg fit into a round hole and getting Linux offer Samba shares etc
(that normally also works, in the end). ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[Richard]

SNIP

> That's what I've been doing so far (and do in general with any subject
> etc) but I was thinking more if when I need to ask a specific question.
>

You could regsiter on the Domoticz forums and post thre.

> Like ... I believe I've configured the remote access to the my Domoticz
> server (port forwarded TCP and port 8080 to the local ip:8080 but I
> can't connect to that port using my WAN ip from my phone (mobile data),
> or from another PC out there on the iNET. My Mrs was able to connect
> locally using her own account and password (I've not enabled 'don't ask
> locals to authenticate feature' as yet). Do you have external access
> working please Richard (then at least I know it's possible etc)?

I have not tried to access Domoticz from the WAN as I used OpenVPN on my
mobile to connect into my home LAN.

I think Domoticz does work from the WAN based on: http://
lightwaverfcommunity.org.uk/forums/topic/remotely-accessing-domoticz/
https://www.domoticz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10374
Can you see any connection attempts in the log files on the Domoticz
server?

Richard

[T i m]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2017 12:27:06 -0600, Richard <sp...@spam.com> wrote:

>
>SNIP
>> That's what I've been doing so far (and do in general with any subject
>> etc) but I was thinking more if when I need to ask a specific question.
>>
>You could regsiter on the Domoticz forums and post thre.

Ok, I may well do (thanks).

>
>> Like ... I believe I've configured the remote access to the my Domoticz
>> server (port forwarded TCP and port 8080 to the local ip:8080 but I
>> can't connect to that port using my WAN ip from my phone (mobile data),
>> or from another PC out there on the iNET. My Mrs was able to connect
>> locally using her own account and password (I've not enabled 'don't ask
>> locals to authenticate feature' as yet). Do you have external access
>> working please Richard (then at least I know it's possible etc)?

>I have not tried to access Domoticz from the WAN as I used OpenVPN on my
>mobile to connect into my home LAN.

Using VPN seems to be a common answer to those asking for help
accessing Domoticz from the Net. I think I have used one but that was
years ago (so more stuff to read up on). ;-)

>
>I think Domoticz does work from the WAN based on: http://
>lightwaverfcommunity.org.uk/forums/topic/remotely-accessing-domoticz/
>https://www.domoticz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10374

Thanks for those. I'd already found the first one (as you say,
Googling for the right words) but found nothing that has helped so
far.

>Can you see any connection attempts in the log files on the Domoticz
>server?

I did look but no, so I think it's more to do with my Router. I even
briefly put the Pi in a DMZ but still couldn't get though so I'll have
to look closer at the networking / router etc (I have a VM cable
router that was set as a modem (only) but I'll check it out in case
it's set itself back as a router etc (I have a hunch it might be
something to do with that as my Fritzbox seems to think the Wan port
is on 192.168.0.2. That said I do still get a valid VM address when I
check my external address).

Cheers, T i m

[T i m]

On Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:10:16 +0000, T i m <ne...@spaced.me.uk> wrote:

<snip>

>>Can you see any connection attempts in the log files on the Domoticz
>>server?
>
>I did look but no, so I think it's more to do with my Router. I even
>briefly put the Pi in a DMZ but still couldn't get though so I'll have
>to look closer at the networking / router etc (I have a VM cable
>router that was set as a modem (only) but I'll check it out in case
>it's set itself back as a router etc

<snip>

Which it had and now I can connect via the web easily.

I even set up a noip DDNS service from the router and that also works.
;-)

I even added my cousins 'Goodwe' solar battery, not that it shows
much. ;-(

Cheers, T i m

[Richard]

<snip>
>
> Which it had and now I can connect via the web easily.
>
> I even set up a noip DDNS service from the router and that also works.
> ;-)

Excellent :-)

>
> I even added my cousins 'Goodwe' solar battery, not that it shows much.
> ;-(

If your cousin has roof mounted solar panels, I hope he or she did not
let the installers drill through the slates or tiles to anchor the panels.

They install "a rubber bung" to seal the hole and when it eventually
fails, then lets water in, which will rot the roof timber -guess who
picks up the cost of repair :-(

Better panel installations do not drill through the tiles / slates.

Richard

[T i m]

On Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:10:17 -0600, Richard wrote:

> <snip>
>>
>> Which it had and now I can connect via the web easily.
>>
>> I even set up a noip DDNS service from the router and that also works.
>> ;-)
> Excellent :-)
>
>
>> I even added my cousins 'Goodwe' solar battery, not that it shows much.
>> ;-(
> If your cousin has roof mounted solar panels,

He does.

> I hope he or she did not
> let the installers drill through the slates or tiles to anchor the
> panels.
>
> They install "a rubber bung" to seal the hole and when it eventually
> fails, then lets water in, which will rot the roof timber -guess who
> picks up the cost of repair :-(

Great.

>
> Better panel installations do not drill through the tiles / slates.

I'll ask him if was there when they did it. I'm not sure if it helps
(him) but he just uses the electricity, the suppliers paid for, fitted,
maintain the panels and claim the FIT theft.

Cheers, T i m