General Discussion

Old topic, I know. Did anything ever come of this? I'm also thinking it would be easy & cheap to get the espnow working as a transport layer. I found this: https://www.mysensors.org/apidocs-beta/classESPNOW.html But it goes above my head and abilities when it comes to code.

@CodeGarage What I want is a lion powered Sensor if possible. And that in a case I can stick to the door frame. As I cannot screw or drill into the doorframe. But I have no idea how much current that draws.

Take a look on this article https://www.mysensors.org/build/rs485

@GLAB You can set the frequencies using the settings in MyConfig.h, which is in the MySensors folder. If you put any of the defines from MyConfig.h into your sketch, they will override the MyConfig.h setting for that sketch only. If you are using the RF24 radio, there are different channels which correspond to a given frequency. The default is channel 76. There is a list of typical channels in MyConfig.h. If you want to change the channel for all the sketches, change it in MyConfig.h. If you want to change it just for the sketch, add a define to the sketch. For example: #define MY_RF24_CHANNEL (84) The problem with changing the channel in a sketch is that the gateway has to be on the same channel to receive from the node. So, normally it makes sense to change in MyConfig.h because you usually want the gateway and all the nodes on the same channel. Other radio's like the RFM69 list the frequency instead of using a channel. They can be overridden in the sketch as well. You can find the defines that are needed in MyConfig.h

Thanks for the offer @TheoL ! I have moved on to a differenct project. Also, a lesson that I have learned many times, "If it works, don't fix it!" ;) -OSD

LiFePO4 batteries are a great choice because they have a long life cycle and are much safer than other lithium-based batteries. However, you need a solar charge controller that’s compatible with LiFePO4 to prevent overcharging and maintain efficiency. A good MPPT controller can significantly boost energy harvest from your panels. Also, ensure your solar panel output matches your power needs. If you're in solar ireland, you might find some local companies that offer tailored solutions for maximizing solar efficiency in lower light conditions.

Nice work so far @wint0178, great that you try expanding on the examples. Sorry for the late reply. If you look at https://github.com/mysensors/MySensorsArduinoExamples/blob/bba998bce09bc5139eb4ca7a05b0279f4083ff88/examples/PressureSensor/PressureSensor.ino#L90 you see where the existing child ids are defines. You just add another one for the gas sensor, with a unique number (incrementing by 1 is an easy way). Try that and report back on your result. If something is unclear, just post a followup.

@eiten Ran into the same error but of course the community is always at hand, ready to help! Great! I'm using MySensors 2.3.2 release version. Downgrading the ESP8266 board library to 2.7.4 as suggested by @OldSurferDude did the trick. I'm still clinging to MySensors. So simple and inexpensive to use! All sensors and other stuff connects over three MQTT GW in three locations back to my Home Assistant. PS: Get well soon! Regards, Gunnar

@OldSurferDude Thanks a very valued to know. I was wondering today why my (big) powerbanks fall down after short time. I have small 1 & 2-pieces powerbanks, they work very well. I use also BSM hw-168 or hw-107 for charging single 18650. Will try to use them outside also with small solarpanels.

@OldSurferDude My old 2.0 setup is with nRF24L01 radios. This is a link to the thread on some light switches that I designed and built. https://forum.mysensors.org/topic/7376/us-decora-wall-switch-continued/2 I am aware that you cannot have two MQTT gatways. When I designed my old setup I was not that familiar with MQTT so I never ended up implementing it. On the home assistant server that I have set up though, I have installed the MQTT broker on there so I should be able to comunicate with any MySensors stuff over MQTT in the future devices I make/set up. As I mentioned, I do have a Home Assistant box that I have started about 4 months ago and eventually want to migrate my Vera equipment to the HA box. As for the YAML and Python, I'll muddle my way through. used to program in PHP and have done enough on Arduino that I'm sure it won't hurt my brain too much.

@mimaret It was a pleasure. Thank you for your feedback!

It has been a long time but I’ve learned a few things that I wanted to share. This library of information (Thank you NeverDie and others) has been so helpful in my hobby developments. Software Defined Radios for signal analysis. With the help of Andreas Spiess explanation of IQ transformations, I learned about Software Defined Radios and I bought one (RTL-SDR). Using this I can clearly discriminate between effective 433 MHz transmitters and bad ones. Not only is the signal density displayed on the software (SDR#) but so is the frequency. Power Profiler Kit II has been indispensable in watching power usage and seeing into the details of the radio transmission. In effect this thing has saved me from buying an oscilloscope for my simple little bench. Tonight, I saw this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9nycymUd-I It describes common PCB errors. It is too advanced for me, but I did pick-up a few ideas about ground planes (tip #6 from the video). I hope this is of some value for folks.

After re-installing the previous 32bit raspbian version, the gateway seems to work ok. It seems to me there is a problem with the 64bit version.

Of possible interest: Here's a guy who is building an inexpensive open source ethernet controller for stepper motors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80j7L1H61Hw If you listen to the end, it's revealed that there is now generous funding available which allows people to do this kind of open-source development as a full time job, which is what he is now doing. For that reason, I think there's a good chance he will complete his project within the allowed 6 months., and so by the deadline it will likely be nicely polished.

@skywatch said in Awesome tip: run LinuxFX instead of Windows!: @NeverDie Thanks - Interestingly they show a free version on their site still. Did they revert due to bad publicity? https://www.linuxfx.org/ I stopped following it, but I seem to recollect that the free version was noticeably missing things--otherwise, who'd buy the paid-for version? Anyway, its standing on Distro-watch has fallen considerably. It may seem unfair to niche distros, but I think it's generally better to stick with the more popular distros, unless you have good reason to choose otherwise.

Some humidity sensors are known to lose accuracy with age. For instance, the Si7021 is known to have this problem. If that matters to you, then the best choice is to pick sensors that have datasheets and which have specs as to their expected longevity or accuracy over time. Then buy from mouser/digikey to be certain you're getting the real thing rather than factory rejects or counterfeits. For extra insurance, I avoid electrolytic capacitors entirely whenever possible. I buy only 7XR rated ceramic capacitors that are overspec'd. The difference in price is small compared to a failure down the road.

@Matt Yes, I was going to suggest this

Thank you @eiten for you suggestion. I will try it. I wanted to be independent from HA, just as a fail safe in case of problems. I am not relying on the time keeping of the arduino, but on a real time clock module.