Hello,

few days ago I accidentally came across mysensors (how is it that I did not find it earlier as I am looking into rpi, arduino and home automation for about 2 years?) and I was exited from the first moment . For some time now I was working on several small sensors for my home but did not really like any of the solutions I met so far - my idea was ethernet + poe + rest api + simple progressive mobile UI. Closest I got was arduino pro mini with W5500 + 5V poe splitter + custom sketch using webduino to provide REST API + mozilla iot gateway.

I had (nearly) finished the HW for my window/door reed switches. But I got into trouble with REST API + mozilla iot gateway. Testing the REST API worked ok from browser but somehow the mozilla iot gateway was unable to load all the presented switches reliably. I have to say that until this problem I had quite a good experience with it - I had it connected to few thermometers and relays to operate heating.

I saw the sample sketches for mysensors + mycontroller.org and it "just clicked" to my idea. I edited the sketch and installed mycontroller and successfully tested both Ethernet Gateway and MQTT Gateway in few hours. I think I will stick with MQTT for more compatibility (I did not find any description about the mysensors communication protocol so I have no idea how standardized it is).

So I want to share my HW + say thanks for the great project!

Designed to be powered over usb micro (so it can run without poe) as these chargers are everywhere now.

The barrel connector is temporary until I modify the poe splitter output to usb micro.

Sample connection - I have such reed switches installed in my windows and doors.

Of course I will be happy for any constructive criticism and suggestions (I do not have any education in electronics so try not to be very harsh about my circuit design and soldering though ).

Prototype of room sensor for stardard electric box

• arduino pro mini 3.3V
• sx1276 radio
• bme680
• 2x1.5V AA battery holder
• battery measuring circuit according to https://www.mysensors.org/build/battery
• ABB Tango cover (drilled)

Cover is not fully closed to allow air circulation. But I would preffer some method to drill holes/grill into it - any tips to get decent looking result?

Hello

(brainstorming)

If you have the "original choice selector" you can tap to each wire and see what happens over individual wires when you press each button. An then simulate this from MCU (like arduino).

Or open the "original choice selector" and connect wires to the existing buttons. (That will probably void warranty.) That wires then you can connect to some MCU and "push" the buttons programmatically.

Tomas

I would like to thank everyone for suggestions and comments.

I did 3 quick tests with two SX1276 based chips (868MHz LoRa) I already had.

I made simple 5V poe powered mysensors mqtt gateway with arduino pro mini 3.3V, W5500 lite and SX1276 radio

Simple 9V battery powered mysensors passive node with arduino pro mini 3.3V, BME680 (for some reason the sensor does not work when connected over SPI with the radio module at the same time - I have to investigate that ) and SX1276 radio

First test was inside house - I placed the node inside the freezer on the opposite side of house (approx 15m from gw) with concrete ceiling between. All messages were delivered.

Second test was outside the house - I placed the node under the beehives (approx 50m from gw). All messages were delivered.

Third test was also outside the house - I placed the node at the end of our property (approx 140m from gw). But no message was delivered.

I expected 140m would not be problem for LoRa chip but I think this may be improved with some antenna fiddling. But overall I am very happy with the results. So my current decision is to go with this setup but to use 2 or 3 1.5V AA batteries instead of 9V.

@zboblamont It is not electrical noise but audio noise I can hear. Sorry if I use improper terms.

MYS PoE MQTT Gateway with 868Mhz LoRa radio in IP55 85mm x 85mm box

• arduino pro mini 3.3V clone
• SX1276 with spring antenna
• W5500 lite
• 5V 802.3at power over ethernet splitter (gutted)
• SPELSBERG IP55 box

@mfalkvidd I did not see it - thanks for mentioning it.

I think this is what I was looking for - the sketch uses one MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP); for values from all DS18B20 with such code construction

  // Read temperatures and send them to controller 
  for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {
      ...
      // Send in the new temperature
      send(msg.setSensor(i).set(temperature,1));
      ...
  }

I thought I will need to set up MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP) x number_of_sensors which would be terrible.

I guess if I extend the code with MyMessage msg(0,V_ID) to send also the 1wire address it will be what I am looking for.

Thanks!

Hello, also beginner here so take my advice with some reserve.

1 - It seems to me that your ethernet connection does not work - https://www.mysensors.org/apidocs/group__MyGatewayTransportgrp.html

17:21:06.386 -> 2580 !GWT:TIN:ETH FAIL

Can you ping the gateway?

2 - I am also using openHab but with MQTT gateway and MQTT binding as I did not find mysensors binding in the official list. But there is no autodiscovery - but I prefer to configure it manually anyway.

So I ordered Arduino Uno for programming my Pro Minis. And going to experiment with 2xAA or 3xAA setup without step up booster (they are whining anyway so I will be happy if I get rid of it

Thank everyone for help!

@zboblamont Thanks for the tip. I am trying to avoid hardcoding any addresses - maybe I find out that it will be necessary at some point. But so far it looks fine:

23:08:43.873 -> 0 MCO:BGN:INIT GW,CP=R-NGA---,FQ=8,REL=255,VER=2.3.2
23:08:44.438 -> 585 GWT:TPC:IP=192.168.1.113
23:08:45.468 -> 1589 MCO:BGN:STP
23:08:45.468 -> 1591 MCO:REG:NOT NEEDED
23:08:45.468 -> 1595 MCO:BGN:INIT OK,TSP=NA
23:08:45.468 -> 1597 GWT:TPC:IP=192.168.1.113
23:08:46.464 -> 2600 GWT:RMQ:CONNECTING...
23:08:46.464 -> 2611 GWT:RMQ:OK
23:08:46.464 -> 2613 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/0/0/17,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> 2619 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/3/0/11,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> 2625 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/3/0/12,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> DBG: loop start
23:08:47.559 -> 0 : 280838211713012D
23:08:47.559 -> 3704 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/0/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.592 -> 0 : 5A014B467FFF0C1044 : 21.62
23:08:47.626 -> 3753 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/0/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.692 -> 1 : 28A82B7D17130189
23:08:47.692 -> 3825 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/1/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.692 -> 1 : 53014B467FFF0C102D : 21.19
23:08:47.758 -> 3876 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/1/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.824 -> 2 : 28949D2816130138
23:08:47.824 -> 3948 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/2/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.824 -> 2 : 5F014B467FFF0C1012 : 21.94
23:08:47.858 -> 3999 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/2/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.924 -> 3 : 282C3C2A16130167
23:08:47.924 -> 4071 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/3/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.957 -> 3 : 56014B467FFF0C107B : 21.37
23:08:47.990 -> 4122 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/3/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.057 -> 4 : 28FC801F16130104
23:08:48.057 -> 4194 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/4/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.057 -> 4 : 5C014B467FFF0C10D7 : 21.75
23:08:48.123 -> 4245 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/4/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.190 -> 5 : 2832312A161301C3
23:08:48.190 -> 4317 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/5/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.190 -> 5 : 58014B467FFF0C10C2 : 21.50
23:08:48.223 -> 4368 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/5/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.322 -> 6 : 28CAD31F16130180
23:08:48.322 -> 4440 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/6/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.322 -> 6 : 57014B467FFF0C1038 : 21.44
23:08:48.356 -> 4489 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/6/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.422 -> 7 : 28FFE4493118014F
23:08:48.422 -> 4560 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/7/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.422 -> 7 : 58014B467FFF0C10C2 : 21.50
23:08:48.488 -> 4612 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/7/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.555 -> 8 : 28FF345E311801AF
23:08:48.555 -> 4683 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/8/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.555 -> 8 : 5B014B467FFF0C1007 : 21.69
23:08:48.621 -> 4734 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/8/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.687 -> 9 : 28FF094131180165
23:08:48.687 -> 4806 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/9/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.687 -> 9 : 55014B467FFF0C10BE : 21.31
23:08:48.721 -> 4855 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/9/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.787 -> 10 : 28FFE513311802A3
23:08:48.787 -> 4927 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/10/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.820 -> 10 : 51014B467FFF0C10AB : 21.06
23:08:48.853 -> 4980 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/10/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.920 -> 11 : 28FF2B1F31180231
23:08:48.920 -> 5052 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/11/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.920 -> 11 : 56014B467FFF0C107B : 21.37
23:08:48.986 -> 5103 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/11/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.986 -> DBG: loop end

Today I came across interesting project https://github.com/nerdralph/ArduinoShrink that promises smaller and faster code for ATmega168 and 328 MCUs at 4 to 16 MHZ.

But the library is not compatible with mysensors

wiring.c.o (symbol from plugin): In function `delayMicroseconds':
(.text+0x0): multiple definition of `main'
sketch/mys-868-node.ino.cpp.o (symbol from plugin):(.text+0x0): first defined here
collect2: error: ld returned 1 exit status
exit status 1
Error compiling for board Arduino Pro or Pro Mini.

Would it be possible to make it compatible? Is the problem maybe in the know limitation that when the pin is not known at compile time?

@Gilles-BILLARD Damn! Why did I order UNO if I could use another Pro Mini for programming...

In case someone is interested in the code for mysensors mqtt gateway using the DS2482.h library from https://github.com/paeaetech/paeae. The temperature conversion code is from example. I am omitting the mysensors setup.

...

#include <DS2482.h>
#include <Ethernet.h>
#include <MySensors.h>
#include <Wire.h>


DS2482 ds( 0 );  //channels ds2482-800 is 0 to 7, DS2482-100 is just set 0
byte dsData[8]; //holding for onewire capture
byte dsAddr[8]; //1wire wire address and CRC

MyMessage msgAddr( 0, V_ID );
MyMessage msgTemp( 0, V_TEMP );


void setup() {

  //Uses Wire library to communicate with DS2482 so be sure to call Wire.begin() before using the library.
  Wire.begin();
  ds.reset();

}

void presentation() {

  // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo( SKETCH_NAME, SKETCH_MAJOR_VER "." SKETCH_MINOR_VER );

}

void loop() {

  #ifdef MY_DEBUG
    Serial.println( "DBG: loop start" );
  #endif

  ds.wireResetSearch();
  ds.wireReset();
  ds.wireSkip();
  //need to send high power to bus??  Adding 5 volts to devices makes it work.
  ds.wireWriteByte( 0x44 ); //convert temperature on all devices
  delay( 1000 );

  byte sensorId = 0;
  while( ds.wireSearch( dsAddr ) ) {

    #ifdef MY_DEBUG
      Serial.print( sensorId );
      Serial.print( " : " );
    #endif

    char sensorAddr[17]; //eg. 280838211713012D

    for( int i = 0; i < 8; i++ ) {
      
      sensorAddr[i*2] = ( dsAddr[i] >> 4 ) + 0x30;
      if ( sensorAddr[i*2] > 0x39 ) {
        sensorAddr[i*2] += 7;
      }
      
      sensorAddr[i*2+1] = ( dsAddr[i] & 0x0f ) + 0x30;
      if ( sensorAddr[i*2+1] > 0x39 ) {
        sensorAddr[i*2+1] += 7;
      }

    }

    sensorAddr[16]  = '\0'; //always zero terminate string
    
    #ifdef MY_DEBUG
      Serial.print( sensorAddr );
      Serial.print( "\n" );
    #endif

    send( msgAddr.setSensor( sensorId ).set( sensorAddr ) );

    #ifdef MY_DEBUG
      Serial.print( sensorId );
      Serial.print( " : " );
    #endif

    if ( ds.crc8( dsAddr, 7 ) != dsAddr[7] ) {
      Serial.print( "CRC is not valid!" );
      return;
    }

    /*
    //test if device code DS18B20
    if ( dsAddr[0]==0x28 ) {

    //test if device code MAX31850
    if ( dsAddr[0]==0x3B ) {
    */

    //read temperature data.
    ds.wireReset(); //ds.reset();
    ds.selectChannel( 0 ); //necessary on -800
    ds.wireSelect( dsAddr );
    ds.wireWriteByte( 0xbe ); // Read Scratchpad command

    //display hex values of scratchpad
    for ( int i = 0; i < 9; i++ ) { // we need 9 bytes
      dsData[i] = ds.wireReadByte();

      #ifdef MY_DEBUG
        if ( dsData[i] < 16 ) {
          Serial.print( "0" );
        }
        Serial.print( dsData[i], HEX );
      #endif
    }
    
    //convert to decimal temperature
    int LowByte = dsData[0];
    int HighByte = dsData[1];
    int TReading = ( HighByte << 8 ) + LowByte;
    int SignBit = TReading & 0x8000; // test most sig bit
    if ( SignBit ) // negative
    {
            TReading = ( TReading ^ 0xffff ) + 1; // 2's comp
    }

    float Tc_100 = (double) TReading * 0.0625;

    if ( SignBit ) { // If its negative
            Tc_100 = 0 - Tc_100;
    }

    //print temp for each device
    #ifdef MY_DEBUG
      Serial.print( " : " );
      Serial.println( Tc_100 );
    #endif

    send ( msgTemp.setSensor( sensorId ).set( Tc_100, 2 ) );

    sensorId++;
  }

  #ifdef MY_DEBUG
    Serial.println( "DBG: loop end" );
  #endif

  delay( 60000 );
}

I am of course happy for any feedback. Especially if I am doing anything stupid as I am no programmer

@zboblamont Thanks for the tip. I am trying to avoid hardcoding any addresses - maybe I find out that it will be necessary at some point. But so far it looks fine:

23:08:43.873 -> 0 MCO:BGN:INIT GW,CP=R-NGA---,FQ=8,REL=255,VER=2.3.2
23:08:44.438 -> 585 GWT:TPC:IP=192.168.1.113
23:08:45.468 -> 1589 MCO:BGN:STP
23:08:45.468 -> 1591 MCO:REG:NOT NEEDED
23:08:45.468 -> 1595 MCO:BGN:INIT OK,TSP=NA
23:08:45.468 -> 1597 GWT:TPC:IP=192.168.1.113
23:08:46.464 -> 2600 GWT:RMQ:CONNECTING...
23:08:46.464 -> 2611 GWT:RMQ:OK
23:08:46.464 -> 2613 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/0/0/17,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> 2619 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/3/0/11,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> 2625 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/255/3/0/12,MSG SENT
23:08:46.497 -> DBG: loop start
23:08:47.559 -> 0 : 280838211713012D
23:08:47.559 -> 3704 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/0/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.592 -> 0 : 5A014B467FFF0C1044 : 21.62
23:08:47.626 -> 3753 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/0/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.692 -> 1 : 28A82B7D17130189
23:08:47.692 -> 3825 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/1/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.692 -> 1 : 53014B467FFF0C102D : 21.19
23:08:47.758 -> 3876 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/1/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.824 -> 2 : 28949D2816130138
23:08:47.824 -> 3948 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/2/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.824 -> 2 : 5F014B467FFF0C1012 : 21.94
23:08:47.858 -> 3999 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/2/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:47.924 -> 3 : 282C3C2A16130167
23:08:47.924 -> 4071 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/3/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:47.957 -> 3 : 56014B467FFF0C107B : 21.37
23:08:47.990 -> 4122 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/3/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.057 -> 4 : 28FC801F16130104
23:08:48.057 -> 4194 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/4/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.057 -> 4 : 5C014B467FFF0C10D7 : 21.75
23:08:48.123 -> 4245 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/4/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.190 -> 5 : 2832312A161301C3
23:08:48.190 -> 4317 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/5/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.190 -> 5 : 58014B467FFF0C10C2 : 21.50
23:08:48.223 -> 4368 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/5/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.322 -> 6 : 28CAD31F16130180
23:08:48.322 -> 4440 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/6/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.322 -> 6 : 57014B467FFF0C1038 : 21.44
23:08:48.356 -> 4489 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/6/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.422 -> 7 : 28FFE4493118014F
23:08:48.422 -> 4560 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/7/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.422 -> 7 : 58014B467FFF0C10C2 : 21.50
23:08:48.488 -> 4612 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/7/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.555 -> 8 : 28FF345E311801AF
23:08:48.555 -> 4683 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/8/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.555 -> 8 : 5B014B467FFF0C1007 : 21.69
23:08:48.621 -> 4734 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/8/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.687 -> 9 : 28FF094131180165
23:08:48.687 -> 4806 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/9/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.687 -> 9 : 55014B467FFF0C10BE : 21.31
23:08:48.721 -> 4855 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/9/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.787 -> 10 : 28FFE513311802A3
23:08:48.787 -> 4927 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/10/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.820 -> 10 : 51014B467FFF0C10AB : 21.06
23:08:48.853 -> 4980 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/10/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.920 -> 11 : 28FF2B1F31180231
23:08:48.920 -> 5052 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/11/1/0/42,MSG SENT
23:08:48.920 -> 11 : 56014B467FFF0C107B : 21.37
23:08:48.986 -> 5103 GWT:TPS:TOPIC=1wire-out/0/11/1/0/0,MSG SENT
23:08:48.986 -> DBG: loop end

@mfalkvidd I did not see it - thanks for mentioning it.

I think this is what I was looking for - the sketch uses one MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP); for values from all DS18B20 with such code construction

  // Read temperatures and send them to controller 
  for (int i=0; i<numSensors && i<MAX_ATTACHED_DS18B20; i++) {
      ...
      // Send in the new temperature
      send(msg.setSensor(i).set(temperature,1));
      ...
  }

I thought I will need to set up MyMessage msg(0,V_TEMP) x number_of_sensors which would be terrible.

I guess if I extend the code with MyMessage msg(0,V_ID) to send also the 1wire address it will be what I am looking for.

Thanks!

Hello

I build mqtt mysensors gateway with DS2482-100 to handle many (currently 15 DS18B20) 1wire sensors.

My idea was that the gateway will dynamically start to report each attached 1wire sensors 1wire address and value automatically without necessity to change the sketch before attaching new sensor. But from what I see I need to set MyMessage(uint8_t childSensorId, uint8_t variableType); first.

Is there some best practice pattern how to do it?

Thanks

Tomas

So I ordered Arduino Uno for programming my Pro Minis. And going to experiment with 2xAA or 3xAA setup without step up booster (they are whining anyway so I will be happy if I get rid of it

Thank everyone for help!

@skywatch said in Battery Powered Sensors:

I think you will find that all the 'good stuff' from the low power library is included in mysensors sleep function anyway.

So when I use sleep() mysensors library overloads the generic arduino sleep?

I suggest using minicore (it is easy to install and all works from within the arduino IDE you are used to) and set internal oscillator and disable BoD. You will need a programmer (a few dollars) or you can use another arduino as programmer. but that is more time consuming to set up and easier to mess up as well!

I look at the git repo and I more confused now. I thought it is some kind of bootloader/firmware I flash. What is Arduino core? I never heard that term.

Good that you got rid of the booster!

I wonder why the booster is recommended here https://www.mysensors.org/build/battery ? Or did I misinterpreted?

@tssk said in Battery Powered Sensors:

I removed the step up booster connected + directly to VCC but the node stopped working - only the arduino onboard led is constantly on.

The problem was that the batteries I used were not completely fresh. I googled that Arduino pro mini need at least 2.7V to operate. Using fresh batteries the node is working. And it shows 6.0mA in sleep and 25.4mA when transmitting.

So using the stepup booster adds 6.5mA in sleep and 65mA when transmitting to consumption?

I also found LowPower library (https://github.com/rocketscream/Low-Power) but it seems to interfere with mysensors library (https://github.com/rocketscream/Low-Power/issues/80). Any experience?

I removed the step up booster connected + directly to VCC but the node stopped working - only the arduino onboard led is constantly on.

I also tried to measure the step up booster alone and it is showing 0.05 at 20mA on multimeter settings.

I am now really confused and I am not sure what to conclude from that...