How to create a fake local sensor on Ethernet Gateway

[darkdude]

Hi,

I need some help in understanding the basics of MySensors library.

To make the long story short I'm a beginner in both programming and Arduino. In most cases I'm able to understand how things work by looking at a working example and then modyfing it to do what I want it to. However after a lot of searching and reading I still can't get what goes where in MySensors.

I want to make a thermostate based on Domoticz + Ethernet Gateway with locally attached sensors and one relay. For now I installed an example of 2.0 Ethernet Gateway that connects to Domoticz but obviously has nothing to present.

Is it possible to present a simple static value as a fake reading of a temp sensor so I can see how the message is formatted, what goes into presentation() etc. ?

I know it's all written in API section but I just don't get it.

Thanks in advance

[mfalkvidd]

@darkdude hi and welcome to the MySensors community.

Funny thing, @martim asked a similar question yesterday, which got me thinking.

Here is a simple example that will report the running time in seconds, once per second. So basically it will be a counter. Feedback is welcome.

/**
   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.

 *******************************

   REVISION HISTORY
   Version 1.0 - Henrik EKblad

   DESCRIPTION
   This sketch provides an example how to implement a distance sensor using HC-SR04
   http://www.mysensors.org/build/distance
*/

// Enable debug prints
#define MY_DEBUG

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

#include <MySensors.h>

#define CHILD_ID 1
unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 1000; // Sleep time between sends (in milliseconds)

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEXT);

void setup()
{

}

void presentation() {
  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo("Dummy sensor", "1.0");

  // Register all sensors to gw (they will be created as child devices)
  present(CHILD_ID, S_INFO);
}

void loop()
{
  unsigned int seconds = millis() / 1000;
  Serial.print("Seconds since start: ");
  Serial.println(seconds);

  send(msg.set(seconds));
  sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
}

[darkdude]

Hi,

Thanks for your answer!

I combined your code with my gateway setup:

/**
 * 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.
 *
 *******************************
 *
 * REVISION HISTORY
 * Version 1.0 - Henrik EKblad
 * Contribution by a-lurker and Anticimex,
 * Contribution by Norbert Truchsess <norbert.truchsess@t-online.de>
 * Contribution by Tomas Hozza <thozza@gmail.com>
 *
 *
 * DESCRIPTION
 * The EthernetGateway sends data received from sensors to the ethernet link.
 * The gateway also accepts input on ethernet interface, which is then sent out to the radio network.
 *
 * The GW code is designed for Arduino 328p / 16MHz.  ATmega168 does not have enough memory to run this program.
 *
 * LED purposes:
 * - 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
 *
 * See http://www.mysensors.org/build/ethernet_gateway for wiring instructions.
 *
 */

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
#define MY_DEBUG 

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

// Enable gateway ethernet module type 
#define MY_GATEWAY_W5100

// W5100 Ethernet module SPI enable (optional if using a shield/module that manages SPI_EN signal)
//#define MY_W5100_SPI_EN 4  

// Enable Soft SPI for NRF radio (note different radio wiring is required)
// The W5100 ethernet module seems to have a hard time co-operate with 
// radio on the same spi bus.
#if !defined(MY_W5100_SPI_EN) && !defined(ARDUINO_ARCH_SAMD)
  #define MY_SOFTSPI
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_SCK_PIN 14
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_MISO_PIN 16
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_MOSI_PIN 15
#endif  

// When W5100 is connected we have to move CE/CSN pins for NRF radio
#ifndef MY_RF24_CE_PIN 
  #define MY_RF24_CE_PIN 5
#endif
#ifndef MY_RF24_CS_PIN 
  #define MY_RF24_CS_PIN 6
#endif

// Enable to UDP          
//#define MY_USE_UDP

#define MY_IP_ADDRESS 192,168,1,122   // If this is disabled, DHCP is used to retrieve address
// Renewal period if using DHCP
//#define MY_IP_RENEWAL_INTERVAL 60000
// The port to keep open on node server mode / or port to contact in client mode
#define MY_PORT 5003      

// Controller ip address. Enables client mode (default is "server" mode). 
// Also enable this if MY_USE_UDP is used and you want sensor data sent somewhere. 
#define MY_CONTROLLER_IP_ADDRESS 192, 168, 1, 105  
 
// The MAC address can be anything you want but should be unique on your network.
// Newer boards have a MAC address printed on the underside of the PCB, which you can (optionally) use.
// Note that most of the Ardunio examples use  "DEAD BEEF FEED" for the MAC address.
#define MY_MAC_ADDRESS 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED

// Flash leds on rx/tx/err
#define MY_LEDS_BLINKING_FEATURE
// Set blinking period
#define MY_DEFAULT_LED_BLINK_PERIOD 300

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

// Uncomment to override default HW configurations
//#define MY_DEFAULT_ERR_LED_PIN 7  // Error led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_RX_LED_PIN  8  // Receive led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_TX_LED_PIN  9  // the PCB, on board LED

#include <SPI.h>

#if defined(MY_USE_UDP)
  #include <EthernetUdp.h>
#endif
#include <Ethernet.h>
#include <MySensors.h>

#define CHILD_ID 1
unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 1000; // Sleep time between sends (in milliseconds)

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEXT);


void setup()
{
}

void presentation() {
  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo("Dummy sensor", "1.0");

  // Register all sensors to gw (they will be created as child devices)
  present(CHILD_ID, S_INFO);
}

void loop()
{
  unsigned int seconds = millis() / 1000;
  Serial.print("Seconds since start: ");
  Serial.println(seconds);

  send(msg.set(seconds));
  sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
}

I had to enable client mode (it just restarted after every loop without it). However it still does nor register as a sensor in Domoticz.
In Domoticz log there is:

2016-10-18 13:10:17.041 MySensors: connected to: 192.168.1.122:5003

In Devices i have

MySensors Gateway with LAN interface
Version: ? 

Serial monitor gives:

0;255;3;0;9;Starting gateway (1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
0;255;3;0;9;Starting gateway (R-NGA-, 2.0.0)
IP: 192.168.1.122
0;255;3;0;9;No registration required
0;255;3;0;9;Init complete, id=0, parent=0, distance=0, registration=1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1
Seconds since start: 1

I added

seconds ++

to your code and it now counts correctly but still does not register as a sensor.

Regarding a need for a "Dummy" example.

In my case here the problem is in using libraries or understanding how they work. For now it's like:

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEXT);

CHILD_ID - OK, it's defined allright
V_TEXT - it's not edfined in this sketch and I don't know where it comes from

It's the same with

present(CHILD_ID, S_INFO);

After finishing some basic projects I would try to define S_INFO and send sensor data there...

However after seeing a dummy sensor actually register and "work" in Domoticz I should be able to play with it for a bit, change its value and then connect a real sensor. And that should give me enough knowledge to try other sensor types.

I asked especially for a dummy temp sensor because temp sensors are easy to use, they are a basic example in many Arduino courses.

Regards

[mfalkvidd]

@darkdude V_TEXT and S_INFO are described in the API documentation, https://www.mysensors.org/download/serial_api_20#presentation

Switch from

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEXT);
present(CHILD_ID, S_INFO);

to

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEMP);
present(CHILD_ID, S_TEMP);

to simulate a temperature sensor instead. This is shown in the temperature example.

I don't know why the sensor doesn't show up in Domoticz. I have no experience with ethernet gateway and I have never used V_TEXT/S_INFO, it could be that Domoticz handles them in a special way.

Having to add seconds++ is seriously strange. I don't have a clue why the millis function doesn't work on your device, and adding seconds++ should not work since the variable is re-initilaized each time the loop is run.

[Silviu Negoita]

Hi,
I tried to create an ethernet gateway + one dummy sensor , like in above exemple. My controller is domoticz for windows.
I tried this code :

/**
 * 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.
 *
 *******************************
 *
 * REVISION HISTORY
 * Version 1.0 - Henrik EKblad
 * Contribution by a-lurker and Anticimex,
 * Contribution by Norbert Truchsess <norbert.truchsess@t-online.de>
 * Contribution by Tomas Hozza <thozza@gmail.com>
 *
 *
 * DESCRIPTION
 * The EthernetGateway sends data received from sensors to the ethernet link.
 * The gateway also accepts input on ethernet interface, which is then sent out to the radio network.
 *
 * The GW code is designed for Arduino 328p / 16MHz.  ATmega168 does not have enough memory to run this program.
 *
 * LED purposes:
 * - 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
 *
 * See http://www.mysensors.org/build/ethernet_gateway for wiring instructions.
 *
 */

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
#define MY_DEBUG 

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

// Enable gateway ethernet module type 
#define MY_GATEWAY_W5100

// W5100 Ethernet module SPI enable (optional if using a shield/module that manages SPI_EN signal)
//#define MY_W5100_SPI_EN 4  

// Enable Soft SPI for NRF radio (note different radio wiring is required)
// The W5100 ethernet module seems to have a hard time co-operate with 
// radio on the same spi bus.
#if !defined(MY_W5100_SPI_EN) && !defined(ARDUINO_ARCH_SAMD)
  #define MY_SOFTSPI
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_SCK_PIN 14
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_MISO_PIN 16
  #define MY_SOFT_SPI_MOSI_PIN 15
#endif  

// When W5100 is connected we have to move CE/CSN pins for NRF radio
#ifndef MY_RF24_CE_PIN 
  #define MY_RF24_CE_PIN 5
#endif
#ifndef MY_RF24_CS_PIN 
  #define MY_RF24_CS_PIN 6
#endif

// Enable to UDP          
//#define MY_USE_UDP

#define MY_IP_ADDRESS 192,168,0,125  // If this is disabled, DHCP is used to retrieve address
// Renewal period if using DHCP
//#define MY_IP_RENEWAL_INTERVAL 60000
// The port to keep open on node server mode / or port to contact in client mode
#define MY_PORT 5003      

// Controller ip address. Enables client mode (default is "server" mode). 
// Also enable this if MY_USE_UDP is used and you want sensor data sent somewhere. 
#define MY_CONTROLLER_IP_ADDRESS 192, 168, 0, 100  
 
// The MAC address can be anything you want but should be unique on your network.
// Newer boards have a MAC address printed on the underside of the PCB, which you can (optionally) use.
// Note that most of the Ardunio examples use  "DEAD BEEF FEED" for the MAC address.
#define MY_MAC_ADDRESS 0xDE, 0xAD, 0xBE, 0xEF, 0xFE, 0xED

// Flash leds on rx/tx/err
#define MY_LEDS_BLINKING_FEATURE
// Set blinking period
#define MY_DEFAULT_LED_BLINK_PERIOD 300

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

// Uncomment to override default HW configurations
//#define MY_DEFAULT_ERR_LED_PIN 7  // Error led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_RX_LED_PIN  8  // Receive led pin
//#define MY_DEFAULT_TX_LED_PIN  9  // the PCB, on board LED

#include <SPI.h>

#if defined(MY_USE_UDP)
  #include <EthernetUdp.h>
#endif
#include <Ethernet.h>
#include <MySensors.h>

#define CHILD_ID 1
unsigned long SLEEP_TIME = 1000; // Sleep time between sends (in milliseconds)

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID, V_TEMP);
unsigned int seconds = 0;

void setup()
{
}

void presentation() {
  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo("Dummy sensor", "1.0");

  // Register all sensors to gw (they will be created as child devices)
  present(CHILD_ID, S_TEMP);
}

void loop()
{
  seconds = seconds + 1;
  Serial.print("Seconds since start: ");
  Serial.println(seconds);

  send(msg.set(seconds, 1));
  sleep(SLEEP_TIME);
}

Controller seems to connect to gateway but no devices were found:

Also, serial monitor gives:

Any ideas why my dummy sensor is not recognized ?

UPDATE: I managed to make above code run by removing

#define MY_CONTROLLER_IP_ADDRESS 192, 168, 0, 100  

Regards