"Choose the Serial Port" error with MySensors and RFXtrx433?

[Aron Sjöberg]

Hi!

I'm just starting with MySensors and have built a Serial Gateway using a Arduino Nano. I have a Vera Edge with a RFXtrx to control my 433mhz devices. I have a powered USB-port connected to the Veras single USB port to be able to have both RFXtrx transceiver and USB drive for DataMine2.

I have successfully uploaded the MySensors files for UI7 and created the MySensors device.

However, after I change the baud rate to 115200 for the MySensors device and reload the Vera, my RFXtrx stop working. I get a "RFXtrx plugin : Choose the Serial Port" error message. When I change the baud rate for the RFXtrx to 38400 (as it should be) and reload the My Sensors device stop working and I get a "MySensors plugin : Choose the Serial Port" error.

It seems I can only have either MySensors or RFXtrx enabled at the same time? The port seems to be the same (3481)? Is this the issue?

Is it possible to have both MySensors and RFXtrx on Vera?

[hek]

It should be possible to have both at the same time. Maybe the two devices draw too much power from the Vera USB port?

[miro]

I borrow this thread...

When I plug in my (mysensor Gateway) direct into vera edge it works perfect.
When I plug in my (RFXtrx) direct into vera edge it works perfect.

When I connect them to my usb hub that I bought, no one of them will work?

Mysensors GW are not changing when I click on start and stop for inclusion mode.
RFXtrx are not sending commands to the lamps. I click on one lamp that is off, and nothing happends.

It is a 4-ports 3.0 USB hub with separate power suply, brand new.

Could someone help me?

[Aron Sjöberg]

@hek: I don't think so. The hub is powered (5V, 2.5A) and the RFXtrx works fine. Does the Serial Gateway draw very much power?

Have ANYONE got RFXtrx and MySensors Serial Gateway to work using an USB hub? Is it possible at all?

[hek]

It depends on if you use the amplified radio or not. The vanilla version shouldn't be much of a problem.

If the both work individually I can't see any other problem (unless Vera has trouble enumerating more than one usb device).

Maybe you could measure the power consumption on the devices.

[Aron Sjöberg]

Hmm... I'm using the vanilla version av the gateway. Measured the power consumption and the powered USB hub should be able to provide enough power for both devices. There must be some configuration error, but I can't figure out what. The Vera can use both the RFXtrx and a USB drive (for logs) at the same time, also using the single USB port with a powered hub.

I don't have the technological skill to troubleshoot this, but until you can confirm there is another user that have gotten Vera to work with both a connected RFXtrx AND MySensors gateway this seems to be an issue.

[hek]

The next logical step would probably be to ssh into the Vera box to see which devices hat pops up using lsusb when you plug in/out devices.

But as the vera Luup engine is closed source we don't really know what it does.

Do you have another usb hub laying around to test with?

[Aron Sjöberg]

I think I have another powered hub laying around! Will try when I get home from work. I can check the 1usb-folder as well.

[Magnus]

@Aron-Sjöberg Did you solve your problem? I have a mysensors serial gateway, a rfxtrx433e and a USB stick connected to my Vera (Edge) through an externally powered USB hub (plexgear). They all work just fine.

[miro]

@Magnus

Do you have this one?

https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/dator-natverk/datortillbehor/usb-tillbehor/usb-hubbar/plexgear-usb-hubb-4-vags-med-stromforsorjning-p68296

I don`t have a second hub to try with so I need to buy a new one...

[Magnus]

@miro
I've got this one
https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/dator-natverk/datortillbehor/usb-tillbehor/usb-hubbar/plexgear-usb-3-0-hubb-4-vags-p61062

It's been up running for a year now.

[Aron Sjöberg]

No, still have the same issue with port conflict with the RFXtrx...

I'm going to try another hub and build the serial gateway again.

[Aron Sjöberg]

Argh!

I finally received my new USB-hub and tried a new serial gateway I built.

I STILL get the same error. I can't seem to have both my RFXtrx433E and the MySensor gateway connected (and working) at the same time.

@Magnus, could you post a screenshot of your settings in Vera Edge?

[miro]

I bought this one: https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/dator-natverk/datortillbehor/usb-tillbehor/usb-hubbar/plexgear-usb-hubb-7-vags-med-stromforsorjning-p68616

Now all is working fine for me.

[Magnus]

@Aron-Sjöberg
My config below:

[BartE]

@Magnus just a wild guess.

Did you try to compile the MySensors GW with baudrate set to 38400 so they both use the same baudrate?

[Aron Sjöberg]

@BartE Hmm... I didn't know you could choose the baudrate? I just followed the instructions on the website (https://www.mysensors.org/build/serial_gateway) but when I check the code I can clearly read that there is something in the sketch about the baud rate:

// Define a lower baud rate for Arduino's running on 8 MHz (Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V & SenseBender)
#if F_CPU == 8000000L
#define MY_BAUD_RATE 38400
#endif

However, I use the recommended Arduino Nano for my Vera Serial Gateway, not Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V or SenseBender.

How would I change the baud rate for the MySensor gateway if I can't use 38400 because it is used by my RFXtrx433E?

[Aron Sjöberg]

@Magnus Thank you for your trouble! Did you photoshop your screenshot or can you configure two different serial port devices at the same time? I only have one instance I can change settings for?

Otherwise my settings seems to be the same as yours.

[BartE]

@Aron-Sjöberg said in "Choose the Serial Port" error with MySensors and RFXtrx433?:

Add this line

#define MY_BAUD_RATE 38400

above the #include <SPI.h>

[miro]

@Aron-Sjöberg

Have you restart luup after you connected both usb-ports?

[Magnus]

@Aron-Sjöberg I can configure both ports at the same time. It looks exactly as in the posted picture.

@BartE I justfollowed the instructions on the website. This was probably a year ago and the code used for the serial GW was designed only for Arduino Nano 328p / 16MHz.

[Aron Sjöberg]

Thank you for your help!

Unfortunately nothing works. I have even tried to change the radio module from RFM69 to NRF24L01 to make sure it wasn't the connections that was badly soldered.

@Magnus Could you please post the sketch you use for your gateway? I tried to add #define MY_BAUD_RATE 38400 as @BartE suggested but this doesn't seem to make a difference.

I'm starting to think there is something wrong on Veras end. I don't get two different devices under the Serial Port configuration like @Magnus. You also have different ports (3482 for the serial gateway and 3481 for the RFXtrx).

As a last resort I guess I could install Domoticz on a RPi and import the devices to the Vera as virtual devices, but this seems like a hassle if it is possible for the gateway to work directly.

[korttoma]

Have you ever confirmed that the MySensors USB gateway works without the RFXtrx attached? Or checked that you really have an FTDI chip on the MySensors USB gateway? This is the only chip that the Vera can detect out of the box. A complete reboot of your Vera might also help.

[Aron Sjöberg]

I'm using a Arduino Nano. How do I check if it is a genuine FTDI chip?

[korttoma]

@Aron-Sjöberg the FTDI chip is on the under side of Arduino nanos and clearly sais FTDI. Please post pictures of your devise if your uncertain. I don't know if fake or real maters when used on Vera.

[Aron Sjöberg]

@korttoma said in "Choose the Serial Port" error with MySensors and RFXtrx433?:

Arduino nanos

It's a bit hard to read but the black chips on the back says:

A106

and

WCH
CH340G
202686635

and

AMS1117
5.0 DN628

on the front (where the button is)

ALMEL
MEGA328P
AU 1639

I can't find any mention of "FTDI". Should I assume it is not a genuine Arduino nano?

I DO have an unused Arduino Uno laying around. Maybe it would be easier to buy a ethernet shield and use a ethernet gateway instead of the serial gateway? Is it a W5100 ethernet shield I would need for the Uno?

[Magnus]

@Aron-Sjöberg I would guess the problems are due to the CH340G chip (instead of an FTDI chip). I use this nano for my gateway:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Nano-V3-0-Mini-USB-ATmega328-5V-16M-100-ORIGINAL-FTDI-FT232RL/32338360936.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.ZU4WHD

[Magnus]

@Aron-Sjöberg Used sketch below, I didn't make any changes to the original sketch:

/**
 * The MySensors Arduino library handles the wireless radio link and protocol
 * between your home built sensors/actuators and HA controller of choice.
 * The sensors forms a self healing radio network with optional repeaters. Each
 * repeater and gateway builds a routing tables in EEPROM which keeps track of the
 * network topology allowing messages to be routed to nodes.
 *
 * Created by Henrik Ekblad <henrik.ekblad@mysensors.org>
 * Copyright (C) 2013-2015 Sensnology AB
 * Full contributor list: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/graphs/contributors
 *
 * Documentation: http://www.mysensors.org
 * Support Forum: http://forum.mysensors.org
 *
 * This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
 * modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
 * version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
 *
 *******************************
 *
 * DESCRIPTION
 * The ArduinoGateway prints data received from sensors on the serial link. 
 * The gateway accepts input on seral which will be sent out on radio network.
 *
 * The GW code is designed for Arduino Nano 328p / 16MHz
 *
 * Wire connections (OPTIONAL):
 * - Inclusion button should be connected between digital pin 3 and GND  
 * - RX/TX/ERR leds need to be connected between +5V (anode) and digital pin 6/5/4 with resistor 270-330R in a series
 *
 * LEDs (OPTIONAL):
 * - To use the feature, uncomment WITH_LEDS_BLINKING in MyConfig.h
 * - RX (green) - blink fast on radio message recieved. In inclusion mode will blink fast only on presentation recieved
 * - TX (yellow) - blink fast on radio message transmitted. In inclusion mode will blink slowly
 * - ERR (red) - fast blink on error during transmission error or recieve crc error 
 * 
 */

#define NO_PORTB_PINCHANGES  

#include <MySigningNone.h>
#include <MyTransportRFM69.h>
#include <MyTransportNRF24.h>
#include <MyHwATMega328.h>
#include <MySigningAtsha204Soft.h>
#include <MySigningAtsha204.h>

#include <SPI.h>  
#include <MyParserSerial.h>  
#include <MySensor.h>  
#include <stdarg.h>
#include <PinChangeInt.h>
#include "GatewayUtil.h"

#define INCLUSION_MODE_TIME 1 // Number of minutes inclusion mode is enabled
#define INCLUSION_MODE_PIN  3 // Digital pin used for inclusion mode button
#define RADIO_ERROR_LED_PIN 4  // Error led pin
#define RADIO_RX_LED_PIN    6  // Receive led pin
#define RADIO_TX_LED_PIN    5  // the PCB, on board LED

// NRFRF24L01 radio driver (set low transmit power by default) 
MyTransportNRF24 transport(RF24_CE_PIN, RF24_CS_PIN, RF24_PA_LEVEL_GW);
//MyTransportRFM69 transport;

// Message signing driver (signer needed if MY_SIGNING_FEATURE is turned on in MyConfig.h)
//MySigningNone signer;
//MySigningAtsha204Soft signer;
//MySigningAtsha204 signer;

// Hardware profile 
MyHwATMega328 hw;

// Construct MySensors library (signer needed if MY_SIGNING_FEATURE is turned on in MyConfig.h)
// To use LEDs blinking, uncomment WITH_LEDS_BLINKING in MyConfig.h
#ifdef WITH_LEDS_BLINKING
MySensor gw(transport, hw /*, signer*/, RADIO_RX_LED_PIN, RADIO_TX_LED_PIN, RADIO_ERROR_LED_PIN);
#else
MySensor gw(transport, hw /*, signer*/);
#endif

char inputString[MAX_RECEIVE_LENGTH] = "";    // A string to hold incoming commands from serial/ethernet interface
int inputPos = 0;
boolean commandComplete = false;  // whether the string is complete

void parseAndSend(char *commandBuffer);

void output(const char *fmt, ... ) {
   va_list args;
   va_start (args, fmt );
   vsnprintf_P(serialBuffer, MAX_SEND_LENGTH, fmt, args);
   va_end (args);
   Serial.print(serialBuffer);
}

  
void setup()  
{ 
  gw.begin(incomingMessage, 0, true, 0);

  setupGateway(INCLUSION_MODE_PIN, INCLUSION_MODE_TIME, output);

  // Add interrupt for inclusion button to pin
  PCintPort::attachInterrupt(pinInclusion, startInclusionInterrupt, RISING);


  // Send startup log message on serial
  serial(PSTR("0;0;%d;0;%d;Gateway startup complete.\n"),  C_INTERNAL, I_GATEWAY_READY);
}

void loop()  
{ 
  gw.process();

  checkButtonTriggeredInclusion();
  checkInclusionFinished();
  
  if (commandComplete) {
    // A command wass issued from serial interface
    // We will now try to send it to the actuator
    parseAndSend(gw, inputString);
    commandComplete = false;  
    inputPos = 0;
  }
}


/*
  SerialEvent occurs whenever a new data comes in the
 hardware serial RX.  This routine is run between each
 time loop() runs, so using delay inside loop can delay
 response.  Multiple bytes of data may be available.
 */
void serialEvent() {
  while (Serial.available()) {
    // get the new byte:
    char inChar = (char)Serial.read(); 
    // if the incoming character is a newline, set a flag
    // so the main loop can do something about it:
    if (inputPos<MAX_RECEIVE_LENGTH-1 && !commandComplete) { 
      if (inChar == '\n') {
        inputString[inputPos] = 0;
        commandComplete = true;
      } else {
        // add it to the inputString:
        inputString[inputPos] = inChar;
        inputPos++;
      }
    } else {
       // Incoming message too long. Throw away 
        inputPos = 0;
    }
  }
}

[Aron Sjöberg]

Thanks @Magnus!

I'll order the one you linked to and see if that works better. I assume I can always use my current ones as base for sensors instead of a gateway. I'll order a ethernet shield as well, so I can try and build a ethernet gateway if my Vera Edge still doesn't recognize the new Nano.

However, your sketch is not the same as the one in the getting started guide? The sketch I've used is this, from https://www.mysensors.org/build/serial_gateway :

/**
* The MySensors Arduino library handles the wireless radio link and protocol
* between your home built sensors/actuators and HA controller of choice.
* The sensors forms a self healing radio network with optional repeaters. Each
* repeater and gateway builds a routing tables in EEPROM which keeps track of the
* network topology allowing messages to be routed to nodes.
*
* Created by Henrik Ekblad <henrik.ekblad@mysensors.org>
* Copyright (C) 2013-2015 Sensnology AB
* Full contributor list: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/graphs/contributors
*
* Documentation: http://www.mysensors.org
* Support Forum: http://forum.mysensors.org
*
* This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
* modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
* version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
*
*******************************
*
* DESCRIPTION
* The ArduinoGateway prints data received from sensors on the serial link.
* The gateway accepts input on seral which will be sent out on radio network.
*
* The GW code is designed for Arduino Nano 328p / 16MHz
*
* Wire connections (OPTIONAL):
* - Inclusion button should be connected between digital pin 3 and GND
* - RX/TX/ERR leds need to be connected between +5V (anode) and digital pin 6/5/4 with resistor 270-330R in a series
*
* LEDs (OPTIONAL):
* - To use the feature, uncomment any of the MY_DEFAULT_xx_LED_PINs
* - RX (green) - blink fast on radio message recieved. In inclusion mode will blink fast only on presentation recieved
* - TX (yellow) - blink fast on radio message transmitted. In inclusion mode will blink slowly
* - ERR (red) - fast blink on error during transmission error or recieve crc error
*
*/

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
#define MY_DEBUG


// Enable and select radio type attached
#define MY_RADIO_NRF24
//#define MY_RADIO_RFM69

// Set LOW transmit power level as default, if you have an amplified NRF-module and
// power your radio separately with a good regulator you can turn up PA level.
#define MY_RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_LOW

// Enable serial gateway
#define MY_GATEWAY_SERIAL

// Define a lower baud rate for Arduino's running on 8 MHz (Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V & SenseBender)
#if F_CPU == 8000000L
#define MY_BAUD_RATE 38400
#endif

// Enable inclusion mode
#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_FEATURE
// Enable Inclusion mode button on gateway
//#define MY_INCLUSION_BUTTON_FEATURE

// Inverses behavior of inclusion button (if using external pullup)
//#define MY_INCLUSION_BUTTON_EXTERNAL_PULLUP

// Set inclusion mode duration (in seconds)
#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_DURATION 60
// Digital pin used for inclusion mode button
//#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_BUTTON_PIN  3

// Set blinking period
#define MY_DEFAULT_LED_BLINK_PERIOD 300

// Inverses the behavior of leds
//#define MY_WITH_LEDS_BLINKING_INVERSE

// Flash leds on rx/tx/err
// Uncomment to override default HW configurations
//#define MY_DEFAULT_ERR_LED_PIN 4  // Error led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_RX_LED_PIN  6  // Receive led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_TX_LED_PIN  5  // the PCB, on board LED

#include <MySensors.h>

void setup()
{
    // Setup locally attached sensors
}

void presentation()
{
    // Present locally attached sensors
}

void loop()
{
    // Send locally attached sensor data here
}

This sketch seems to be the same as the one in the Ardinuo IDE named "GatewaySerial":

/**
* The MySensors Arduino library handles the wireless radio link and protocol
* between your home built sensors/actuators and HA controller of choice.
* The sensors forms a self healing radio network with optional repeaters. Each
* repeater and gateway builds a routing tables in EEPROM which keeps track of the
* network topology allowing messages to be routed to nodes.
*
* Created by Henrik Ekblad <henrik.ekblad@mysensors.org>
* Copyright (C) 2013-2015 Sensnology AB
* Full contributor list: https://github.com/mysensors/Arduino/graphs/contributors
*
* Documentation: http://www.mysensors.org
* Support Forum: http://forum.mysensors.org
*
* This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or
* modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
* version 2 as published by the Free Software Foundation.
*
*******************************
*
* DESCRIPTION
* The ArduinoGateway prints data received from sensors on the serial link.
* The gateway accepts input on seral which will be sent out on radio network.
*
* The GW code is designed for Arduino Nano 328p / 16MHz
*
* Wire connections (OPTIONAL):
* - Inclusion button should be connected between digital pin 3 and GND
* - RX/TX/ERR leds need to be connected between +5V (anode) and digital pin 6/5/4 with resistor 270-330R in a series
*
* LEDs (OPTIONAL):
* - To use the feature, uncomment any of the MY_DEFAULT_xx_LED_PINs
* - RX (green) - blink fast on radio message recieved. In inclusion mode will blink fast only on presentation recieved
* - TX (yellow) - blink fast on radio message transmitted. In inclusion mode will blink slowly
* - ERR (red) - fast blink on error during transmission error or recieve crc error
*
*/

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
#define MY_DEBUG


// Enable and select radio type attached
#define MY_RADIO_NRF24
//#define MY_RADIO_RFM69

// Set LOW transmit power level as default, if you have an amplified NRF-module and
// power your radio separately with a good regulator you can turn up PA level.
#define MY_RF24_PA_LEVEL RF24_PA_LOW

// Enable serial gateway
#define MY_GATEWAY_SERIAL

// Define a lower baud rate for Arduino's running on 8 MHz (Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V & SenseBender)
#if F_CPU == 8000000L
#define MY_BAUD_RATE 38400
#endif

// Enable inclusion mode
#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_FEATURE
// Enable Inclusion mode button on gateway
//#define MY_INCLUSION_BUTTON_FEATURE

// Inverses behavior of inclusion button (if using external pullup)
//#define MY_INCLUSION_BUTTON_EXTERNAL_PULLUP

// Set inclusion mode duration (in seconds)
#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_DURATION 60
// Digital pin used for inclusion mode button
//#define MY_INCLUSION_MODE_BUTTON_PIN  3

// Set blinking period
#define MY_DEFAULT_LED_BLINK_PERIOD 300

// Inverses the behavior of leds
//#define MY_WITH_LEDS_BLINKING_INVERSE

// Flash leds on rx/tx/err
// Uncomment to override default HW configurations
//#define MY_DEFAULT_ERR_LED_PIN 4  // Error led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_RX_LED_PIN  6  // Receive led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_TX_LED_PIN  5  // the PCB, on board LED

#include <MySensors.h>

void setup()
{
	// Setup locally attached sensors
}

void presentation()
{
	// Present locally attached sensors
}

void loop()
{
	// Send locally attached sensor data here
}