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sensors in boxes

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  • GuyPG Offline
    GuyPG Offline
    GuyP
    wrote on last edited by
    #5

    Project has now been running for over a month. The study is the Longest running sensor at closer to 2 months.

    As you can see the batteries are still in very good shape... Also I'm still polling every 30seconds for the temp. So if I was worried about the battery I could reduce the poll to say once every 5 minutes and not lose anything in resolution.

    batteryLevels.png

    1 Reply Last reply
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    • 5546dug5 Offline
      5546dug5 Offline
      5546dug
      wrote on last edited by
      #6

      @GuyP would you care to share your code for this project?

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      • GuyPG Offline
        GuyPG Offline
        GuyP
        wrote on last edited by GuyP
        #7

        Sure no problem.. It's the stock code for the dallas temperature sensor with the simple addition for the battery monitoring.

        oh and just as an update on that.. still haven't replaced the batteries in the sensors and they are still reporting 82%, which is a run time of over 4 months now.

        BatteryStatus.tiff

        
        // Example sketch showing how to send in OneWire temperature readings
        #include <MySensor.h>  
        #include <SPI.h>
        #include <DallasTemperature.h>
        #include <OneWire.h>
        
        #define ONE_WIRE_BUS 3 // Pin where dallase sensor is connected 
        #define MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20 16
        unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 30000; // Sleep time between reads (in milliseconds)
        OneWire oneWire(ONE_WIRE_BUS);
        DallasTemperature sensors(&oneWire);
        MySensor gw;
        float lastTemperature[MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20];
        int numSensors=0;
        boolean receivedConfig = false;
        boolean metric = true; 
        // Initialize temperature message
        MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP);
        MyMessage msgvolt(1,V_VOLTAGE);
        int BATTERY_SENSE_PIN = A0;
        int oldBatteryPcnt = 0;
        
        void setup()  
        { 
          analogReference(INTERNAL);
          // Startup OneWire 
          sensors.begin();
        
          // Startup and initialize MySensors library. Set callback for incoming messages. 
          gw.begin(); 
        
          // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
          gw.sendSketchInfo("Temperature Sensor", "1.0");
        
          // Fetch the number of attached temperature sensors  
          numSensors = sensors.getDeviceCount();
        
          // Present all sensors to controller
          for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {   
             gw.present(i, S_TEMP);
          }
        }
        
        
        void loop()     
        {     
          // Process incoming messages (like config from server)
          gw.process(); 
        
          // Fetch temperatures from Dallas sensors
          sensors.requestTemperatures(); 
          
          // Battery Monitoring
          int sensorValue = analogRead(BATTERY_SENSE_PIN);
          float batteryV = sensorValue * 0.003363075;
          int batteryPcnt = sensorValue / 10;
          
          Serial.print("Battery Voltage: ");
          Serial.print(batteryV);
          Serial.println(" V");
          
          Serial.print("Battery percent: ");
          Serial.print(batteryPcnt);
          Serial.println(" %");
          
          if (oldBatteryPcnt != batteryPcnt) {
            gw.send(msgvolt.set(batteryPcnt,1));
            oldBatteryPcnt = batteryPcnt;
          }
          // Read temperatures and send them to controller 
          for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {
         
            // Fetch and round temperature to one decimal
            float temperature = static_cast<float>(static_cast<int>((gw.getConfig().isMetric?sensors.getTempCByIndex(i):sensors.getTempFByIndex(i)) * 10.)) / 10.;
         
            // Only send data if temperature has changed and no error
            if (lastTemperature[i] != temperature && temperature != -127.00) {
         
              // Send in the new temperature
              gw.send(msg.setSensor(i).set(temperature,1));
              lastTemperature[i]=temperature;
            }
          }
          gw.sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
        }
        
        
        
        
        Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • GuyPG GuyP

          Sure no problem.. It's the stock code for the dallas temperature sensor with the simple addition for the battery monitoring.

          oh and just as an update on that.. still haven't replaced the batteries in the sensors and they are still reporting 82%, which is a run time of over 4 months now.

          BatteryStatus.tiff

          
          // Example sketch showing how to send in OneWire temperature readings
          #include <MySensor.h>  
          #include <SPI.h>
          #include <DallasTemperature.h>
          #include <OneWire.h>
          
          #define ONE_WIRE_BUS 3 // Pin where dallase sensor is connected 
          #define MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20 16
          unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 30000; // Sleep time between reads (in milliseconds)
          OneWire oneWire(ONE_WIRE_BUS);
          DallasTemperature sensors(&oneWire);
          MySensor gw;
          float lastTemperature[MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20];
          int numSensors=0;
          boolean receivedConfig = false;
          boolean metric = true; 
          // Initialize temperature message
          MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP);
          MyMessage msgvolt(1,V_VOLTAGE);
          int BATTERY_SENSE_PIN = A0;
          int oldBatteryPcnt = 0;
          
          void setup()  
          { 
            analogReference(INTERNAL);
            // Startup OneWire 
            sensors.begin();
          
            // Startup and initialize MySensors library. Set callback for incoming messages. 
            gw.begin(); 
          
            // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
            gw.sendSketchInfo("Temperature Sensor", "1.0");
          
            // Fetch the number of attached temperature sensors  
            numSensors = sensors.getDeviceCount();
          
            // Present all sensors to controller
            for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {   
               gw.present(i, S_TEMP);
            }
          }
          
          
          void loop()     
          {     
            // Process incoming messages (like config from server)
            gw.process(); 
          
            // Fetch temperatures from Dallas sensors
            sensors.requestTemperatures(); 
            
            // Battery Monitoring
            int sensorValue = analogRead(BATTERY_SENSE_PIN);
            float batteryV = sensorValue * 0.003363075;
            int batteryPcnt = sensorValue / 10;
            
            Serial.print("Battery Voltage: ");
            Serial.print(batteryV);
            Serial.println(" V");
            
            Serial.print("Battery percent: ");
            Serial.print(batteryPcnt);
            Serial.println(" %");
            
            if (oldBatteryPcnt != batteryPcnt) {
              gw.send(msgvolt.set(batteryPcnt,1));
              oldBatteryPcnt = batteryPcnt;
            }
            // Read temperatures and send them to controller 
            for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {
           
              // Fetch and round temperature to one decimal
              float temperature = static_cast<float>(static_cast<int>((gw.getConfig().isMetric?sensors.getTempCByIndex(i):sensors.getTempFByIndex(i)) * 10.)) / 10.;
           
              // Only send data if temperature has changed and no error
              if (lastTemperature[i] != temperature && temperature != -127.00) {
           
                // Send in the new temperature
                gw.send(msg.setSensor(i).set(temperature,1));
                lastTemperature[i]=temperature;
              }
            }
            gw.sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
          }
          
          
          
          
          Moshe LivneM Offline
          Moshe LivneM Offline
          Moshe Livne
          Hero Member
          wrote on last edited by
          #8

          @GuyP what kind of chip is the big one? Does not look like nano or pro mini. Terrific run time so must be efficient.

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • GuyPG Offline
            GuyPG Offline
            GuyP
            wrote on last edited by
            #9

            It's an ATMEGA328P, which is the Arduino processor, I buy them in bulk from China, write the boot loader and flash the code onto them using an uno board.

            Moshe LivneM H 2 Replies Last reply
            0
            • GuyPG GuyP

              It's an ATMEGA328P, which is the Arduino processor, I buy them in bulk from China, write the boot loader and flash the code onto them using an uno board.

              Moshe LivneM Offline
              Moshe LivneM Offline
              Moshe Livne
              Hero Member
              wrote on last edited by
              #10

              @GuyP Cool! these are really cheap and they save on cutting the LED and voltage regulator.... it looks like they are even more economical in energy then the modified (no LED no voltage reg) pro mini. Can you detail for a complete idiot the bootloader and flash thing?

              GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • GuyPG GuyP

                I'm running everything at 3 volts from the 2 AAA batteries. The box is 3D printed and integrates the battery box. I'm not using any screws, just slide rails for the PCB , top and back.

                TempSensorBase.stl

                I have two board types now. One with just the single Dallas temp sensor on it, which turns out to be what I need most of.
                tempSensor.png

                I also created another board which has three Connectors, JP1-3, which allows to additional Dallas Temp sensors. I have these in locations where I can run wires more easily, like my loft spaces.

                tempSensor+.png

                I'm etching everything myself. Very simple really. I'm using the print on to glossy paper and transfer onto copper board, using a laminator, method. Works really well. As these boards are small I tend to etch a few at a time onto a single copper board and then cut the board at the end.

                DrJeffD Offline
                DrJeffD Offline
                DrJeff
                wrote on last edited by
                #11

                @GuyP Can you post the pdf images of the boards, I want to etch some I like the use of 328P chip, The only problem the png file is scaled wrong too large.

                GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • GuyPG GuyP

                  It's an ATMEGA328P, which is the Arduino processor, I buy them in bulk from China, write the boot loader and flash the code onto them using an uno board.

                  H Offline
                  H Offline
                  hawk_2050
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #12

                  @GuyP Do you have a favourite seller for those mega328 DIP parts? Mostly when I've looked on eBay the clone Arduino Mini's come in cheaper than a DIP package mega328 IC. I also would prefer to use a design that utilises the mega328 DIP directly rather than an Arduino Mini if I could. Cost per node is very important to me to enable affordable expansion of my network. Thanks.

                  Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • H hawk_2050

                    @GuyP Do you have a favourite seller for those mega328 DIP parts? Mostly when I've looked on eBay the clone Arduino Mini's come in cheaper than a DIP package mega328 IC. I also would prefer to use a design that utilises the mega328 DIP directly rather than an Arduino Mini if I could. Cost per node is very important to me to enable affordable expansion of my network. Thanks.

                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                    Moshe LivneM Offline
                    Moshe Livne
                    Hero Member
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #13

                    @hawk_2050 look here

                    That is much cheaper.... 1.4$/node

                    GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • Moshe LivneM Moshe Livne

                      @hawk_2050 look here

                      That is much cheaper.... 1.4$/node

                      GuyPG Offline
                      GuyPG Offline
                      GuyP
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #14

                      @hawk_2050 I buy them from banggood.com where they discount for quantity so I'm usually paying about £1.66 a chip and free delivery.

                      However looking at @Moshe-Livne he's found a cheaper place.. so I think I'll be using them from now on :)

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • Moshe LivneM Moshe Livne

                        @GuyP Cool! these are really cheap and they save on cutting the LED and voltage regulator.... it looks like they are even more economical in energy then the modified (no LED no voltage reg) pro mini. Can you detail for a complete idiot the bootloader and flash thing?

                        GuyPG Offline
                        GuyPG Offline
                        GuyP
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #15

                        @Moshe-Livne the boot loader..

                        https://www.arduino.cc/en/Hacking/Bootloader?from=Tutorial.Bootloader

                        I use this method to write the boot loaders using an uno..

                        https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadboard

                        works great. I use a Zero insertion socket for the chip and rattle through the chips in a seconds.

                        Moshe LivneM 1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • DrJeffD DrJeff

                          @GuyP Can you post the pdf images of the boards, I want to etch some I like the use of 328P chip, The only problem the png file is scaled wrong too large.

                          GuyPG Offline
                          GuyPG Offline
                          GuyP
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #16

                          @DrJeff Sure no problem..

                          TempSensor.pdf

                          I've also now built a "Repeater Board", this board can either act as a repeater, and be powered by USB mini, or battery (Best not on battery when in repeater mode). It also has the expansion to add multiple Dallas Temperature sensors. JP1-3 sensors can be daisy chained up to around 16 in total. I have these boards in loft spaces, and garage where I want to watch temperature in lots of locations and I don't mind a few wires.

                          RepeaterBoard.png

                          TempSensorRepeater.pdf

                          Let me know if those work out better...

                          DrJeffD 1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • GuyPG GuyP

                            @Moshe-Livne the boot loader..

                            https://www.arduino.cc/en/Hacking/Bootloader?from=Tutorial.Bootloader

                            I use this method to write the boot loaders using an uno..

                            https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadboard

                            works great. I use a Zero insertion socket for the chip and rattle through the chips in a seconds.

                            Moshe LivneM Offline
                            Moshe LivneM Offline
                            Moshe Livne
                            Hero Member
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #17

                            @GuyP That looks pretty simple... what boot loader do you write? do you really remove the processor from the uno or did you make a dedicated one? do you use the minimal breadboard version? This system also has the upside of not having to deal with the irritating counterfeit or ch340 ftdi chips, so bonus points...

                            GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • GuyPG GuyP

                              @DrJeff Sure no problem..

                              TempSensor.pdf

                              I've also now built a "Repeater Board", this board can either act as a repeater, and be powered by USB mini, or battery (Best not on battery when in repeater mode). It also has the expansion to add multiple Dallas Temperature sensors. JP1-3 sensors can be daisy chained up to around 16 in total. I have these boards in loft spaces, and garage where I want to watch temperature in lots of locations and I don't mind a few wires.

                              RepeaterBoard.png

                              TempSensorRepeater.pdf

                              Let me know if those work out better...

                              DrJeffD Offline
                              DrJeffD Offline
                              DrJeff
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #18

                              @GuyP Cool thanks, Time to etch some boards, have you used this method/setup for other nodes? Just trying to get some ideas :grinning:

                              GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • Moshe LivneM Moshe Livne

                                @GuyP That looks pretty simple... what boot loader do you write? do you really remove the processor from the uno or did you make a dedicated one? do you use the minimal breadboard version? This system also has the upside of not having to deal with the irritating counterfeit or ch340 ftdi chips, so bonus points...

                                GuyPG Offline
                                GuyPG Offline
                                GuyP
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #19

                                @Moshe-Livne When writing the boot loader you need to keep the uno chip in the board.

                                Once you've written all the board loaders, then you can pull the chip from uno and replace it with all the new ones to write the temperature sensor codes.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • DrJeffD DrJeff

                                  @GuyP Cool thanks, Time to etch some boards, have you used this method/setup for other nodes? Just trying to get some ideas :grinning:

                                  GuyPG Offline
                                  GuyPG Offline
                                  GuyP
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #20

                                  @DrJeff At the moment just temperature sensors.. however the plan is to also control my heating system around the house.

                                  I will put putting controllers on all the radiators around the house, and replacing the controller in the house with simple radio buttons which feed back to openhab for manual over ride.

                                  Just not had time yet! :(

                                  DrJeffD 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • GuyPG GuyP

                                    @DrJeff At the moment just temperature sensors.. however the plan is to also control my heating system around the house.

                                    I will put putting controllers on all the radiators around the house, and replacing the controller in the house with simple radio buttons which feed back to openhab for manual over ride.

                                    Just not had time yet! :(

                                    DrJeffD Offline
                                    DrJeffD Offline
                                    DrJeff
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #21

                                    @GuyP Yes we always got to deal with real life! On the board I assume the red lines are wires due to the single sided board?

                                    GuyPG 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • DrJeffD DrJeff

                                      @GuyP Yes we always got to deal with real life! On the board I assume the red lines are wires due to the single sided board?

                                      GuyPG Offline
                                      GuyPG Offline
                                      GuyP
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #22

                                      @DrJeff yes correct.. I'm just etching single sided. I couldn't solve the it completely so four links.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • G Offline
                                        G Offline
                                        gigaguy
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #23

                                        @GuyP Are you using the MYS or the Uno bootloader?

                                        1 Reply Last reply
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                                        • GuyPG Offline
                                          GuyPG Offline
                                          GuyP
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #24

                                          I'm just flashing with the uno boot loader...

                                          I have been looking at doing away with the boot loader, but really the advantages such as extra space and boot speed are not important at the moment.

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