💬 Rain Gauge

[flopp]

I have been using my tipping bucket for at least 6 month now and I also noticed that the last week I got some fake interrupt. We have had a very nice week in south Sweden so it must be something with the weather that makes the interrupt

[user2684]

@flopp I may have noticed something similar, while testing it, indoor, I had no fake interrupts at all (even if I did test it for a short time). When outside though, under the sunshine, I had frequent fake interrupts, like there is a voltage drop in that scenario causing it to trigger. I can of course survive with it but I was wondering if there may be a way to mitigate it somehow. I may try to "debounce" it by checking the input after the interrupt but not sure would be effective since I do expect the input to be HIGH again after the interrupt. Thanks

[flopp]

My node is batteri powered, can it have something with the battery why this happens?
I have a second rain gauge powered by USB and that one doesn't give fake interrupt

[user2684]

Mine is powered by USB but still I have fake interrupts. Agree with you, I guess powering it with batteries could be worse since it is more likely that the voltage would fluctuate so causing fake interrupts. Btw, I assumed the board cannot sleep for this sketch to work, am I wrong? Or are you keeping it awake but still powering it with batteries? Thanks

[flopp]

@user2684
My board is sleep and wake up every 2 hours to send battery voltage or it wake up by interrupt

[petewill]

@flopp & @user2684 Hmm. Strange. Mine has been running for around 2 years and I have never noticed this behavior. I live in an area where we get lots of nice weather so I'm sure I would have noticed it if it were happening to me. I know that's not helpful for you but hopefully we can get this fixed...
I don't have any great ideas on how to fix this but you may want to try updating to the latest MySensors bata library. There were some updates recently that fixed some interrupt issues.
Also, since this was not happening indoors is it possible that there is something else causing this issue like wind or heat?
Lastly, did you make any changes to the code or wiring for your sensors?

[flopp]

I am using version 1.5.?
I have not opened the rain-box for at least 4 month and not changed the code.
Maybe this error have been there since day one but I have not checked so often.
But now I am checking daily because of other nodes that I added recently and then I noticed this

[petewill]

@flopp What other types of nodes is this happening on? I'd definitely suggest updating to the latest version of the Beta code if you're having interrupt issues.

[flopp]

@petewill
I have never seen it on other nodes and I don't think I had this error when it was cold

[user2684]

As for myself, I'm using an over-simplified version of your code (https://github.com/mysensors/NodeManager/blob/v1.5-dev/NodeManager.cpp#L585) but the principle should be the same I hope (btw I didn't have the chance to tell you what a great project you put together!). I'm with the latest beta release but since using the arduino's attachInterrupt() in a non-sleeping board, the mysensors' library should not have an impact in my scenario I guess.

Something I want to check that may cause my issue I think is the power supply. I have a (chinese) USB wall plug connected to a (chinese) USB TTL connected to my arduino board. I wonder if a fluctuating power would generate this behavior (while indoor, it was connected to a different power supply). I'll try this way and report back.

Out of curiosity those are the logs from my controller (0.11 is 1 interrupt). So this is happening at every hour, up to 9 times per hour so the heat cannot be the issue I might say:

[2017-05-19 16:22:18] [plugin_mysensors.py:250 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1] presented as S_RAIN
[2017-05-19 17:22:07] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.88
[2017-05-19 19:21:45] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-19 20:21:35] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.66
[2017-05-19 21:21:25] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.33
[2017-05-19 22:21:16] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-19 23:21:07] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.66
[2017-05-20 00:21:00] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.33
[2017-05-20 01:20:53] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 02:20:47] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 03:20:41] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 04:20:33] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 05:20:28] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 06:20:24] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 07:20:18] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 08:20:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 09:20:04] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 10:19:56] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.77
[2017-05-20 11:19:48] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.22
[2017-05-20 12:19:37] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.44
[2017-05-20 13:19:23] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.22
[2017-05-20 14:19:09] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.22
[2017-05-20 15:18:55] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.99
[2017-05-20 16:18:43] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 17:18:31] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 18:18:21] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 19:18:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 20:18:03] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 21:17:55] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-20 22:17:50] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-20 23:17:44] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 00:17:39] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 01:17:32] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 02:17:24] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 03:17:16] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 04:17:10] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 05:17:05] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 06:16:58] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 07:16:52] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 08:16:45] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 09:16:38] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 10:16:32] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 11:16:25] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 12:16:16] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 13:15:53] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 14:15:30] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 15:15:15] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 16:15:02] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 17:14:47] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 18:14:35] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 19:14:23] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 19:14:23] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.00
[2017-05-21 20:14:11] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 20:14:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 20:14:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 20:14:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 20:14:12] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.11
[2017-05-21 21:14:01] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.44
[2017-05-21 22:13:49] [plugin_mysensors.py:253 - process_inbound()] INFO: [serial_1][5][1][SET][V_RAIN]: 0.44

[itbeyond]

I had fake interupts on my device - would work great on test bench then with a 5v dc converter that was noisey plus a longer cable to the bucket I was getting a lot of trips. My fix which solved all the issues was a 0.1uF ceramic cap from ground to the signal pin of the bucket (right at the adruino) coupled with an inline resistor 330ohm to the bucket and a 1Kohm resistor from +5v to the signal pin. This is a basic pull up and debounce system and it manages to hold the 5V via the cap with 100% reliability thus far for 3 weeks including a lot of rain over the last few days. I would draw a circuit diagram if someone could tell me the best program to use?

[user2684]

@itbeyond cool thanks! I'll try to put together something similar and report back the results. I guess in this way you don't need INPUT_PULLUP when setting up the pin since already there right? Thanks

[flopp]

Last 5 days all of them are fake, always during noon(12:00) isn't that strange?

[itbeyond]

@user2684 Yes make the line:
pinMode(TIP_SENSOR_PIN, INPUT);

I did make one other modification of installing an RF Choke and cap circuit on the input power supply but I am sure the cap & resistor mods made all the difference. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[petewill]

@itbeyond I don't know if it's the best but I use Fritzing to do my diagrams. It is very easy to learn and easy for new people to understand.

@user2684 I am powering my with a good power supply and I believe it's on the vcc pin (not using the ftdi adapter). Maybe you want to try that?

@flopp based on what others are saying here I suggest you try changing the power supply as well. Also, are you powering the radio from the arduino or from the power source? If you don't have one already I would add a 100uF capacitor on the radio.

[user2684]

@itbeyond I've put together today the changes you recommended to my project and see what will happen overnight and tomorrow before moving on and considering replacing the power supply. So far so good since during the last 4 hours I had 0.00 which never happened 4 times in a row so far before applying the resistors and the cap. Btw, my project is 3.3v powered and not 5v like yours, should I use different resistors/capacitors. I'm asking because I'm not 100% sure how you got there ;-) Thanks!

[itbeyond]

@user2684 Those values should be ok - maybe the 330 inline with the switch could be a little smaller but it should be fine with all those values. See how you go.

I kept my noisy power supply after making these and an RF Choke mod. The RF Choke if you are interested is a 330uH choke inline with the power supply and a cap at 22uF (I used electro) on the inbound power supply just as it hits the board.

Good luck and do let me know how it is going. I am sure it will sort it.

[user2684]

@itbeyond I can say it is working perfectly now, thanks! Always 0.00 during the night, I force two triggers this morning and I had the correct equivalent of rain.

@petewill I'd add this as a note on https://www.mysensors.org/build/rain, even if it is not a common issue, at least for those who will experience it can have a solution ready to use.

So if I understand correctly (which rarely happens), in a no rain situation it is like the bucket is unplugged and the pin is connected to Vcc through the 1k resistor (to limit the current right?) and also charging the capacitor. When it rains, it is like the bucket would connect the input pin to ground and I guess the capacitor and 330R resistor would smooth this so to actually debounce the signal. Is it the case? Thanks

[itbeyond]

@user2684 That is great news - your understanding is basically correct. When no rain the 1K is providing the pull up to 3.3/5v and charging the cap at the same time (current limit is really for when you go to ground not to hold the pin up). When the bucket tips the cap is discharged via the resistor to ground (bucket switch) and thus the pin goes low. Yes - simple and effective pull up and debounce system which works every time - in fact I use this on all interrupt triggered pins for all my projects.

@petewill it would be good to include something like this on most of the projects, would have saved me a lot of early angst in having faulty triggered interrupts. I suspect different cloned Arduino boards have different to zero internal pull ups (3 different ones I have tried seem to have none) and to be 100% sure it is much better to document an external arrangement. It will really help the beginners to get it right first time and keep some hair regardless of the quality of the board they are using. I needed this on my irrigation controller also - same problem with a 10cm cable to a push button.

[user2684]

@itbeyond thanks for the explanation! Last question even if not necessarily mysensors related: how did you size the cap the resistors? Thanks!