I had a look at the Home Assistant logs and I think I have been blaming the wrong beast, my code seems to be innocent.

I use appdaemon to execute actions in/from Home Assistant. There I can see exactly when a "ghost"-update was received.

Matching those timestamps with timestamps from the Home Assistant log was spot on:

Appdaemon log:

2020-03-11 09:38:23.092076 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 09:39:48.834817 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 09:48:03.398937 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 09:49:19.742706 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:05:24.735442 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:06:58.973448 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:38:26.141511 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:39:42.890820 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:47:59.874830 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 10:49:16.437996 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 11:15:23.592502 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 11:16:40.138025 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 11:18:05.195990 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 11:19:39.443632 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:27:05.469657 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:28:22.691106 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:35:15.985303 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:36:33.073911 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:40:29.881660 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585
2020-03-11 12:42:01.804079 INFO Living_Room_IR: ir_value: 551505585

Here is the corresponding part of the home assistant log:

{"log":"2020-03-11 09:38:22 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T08:38:22.931537407Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 09:39:48 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T08:39:48.650792534Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 09:48:03 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T08:48:03.210220912Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 09:49:19 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T08:49:19.579932619Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:05:24 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:05:24.564205929Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:06:58 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:06:58.804235809Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:38:25 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:38:25.95710773Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:39:42 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:39:42.703318764Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:47:59 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:47:59.694853604Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 10:49:16 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T09:49:16.294815751Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 11:15:23 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T10:15:23.452517606Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 11:16:39 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T10:16:39.957885612Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 11:18:05 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T10:18:05.045447402Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 11:19:39 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T10:19:39.270413469Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:27:05 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:27:05.326243334Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:28:22 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:28:22.519338238Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:35:15 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:35:15.805191381Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:36:32 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:36:32.903939567Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:40:29 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:40:29.720752968Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:01.635196016Z"}

So it seems that every time a Node update was triggered Home Assistant was told that there was a new value received from the IR-sensor.

Here is the whole log from Home Assistant:

{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:00 DEBUG (MainThread) [mysensors.handler] n:0 c:255 t:3 s:9 p:11494641 TSF:MSG:RE
AD,3-3-0,s=0,c=1,t=1,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:38.4\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:00.295978262Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:00 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 0\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:00.311538101Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:00 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 0: value_type 1, value = 38.4\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:00
.415847867Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:00 DEBUG (MainThread) [mysensors.handler] n:0 c:255 t:3 s:9 p:11495280 TSF:MSG:RE
AD,3-3-0,s=2,c=1,t=37,pt=7,l=5,sg=0:45.0\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:00.93325235Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:00 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 2\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:00.950559479Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 2: value_type 37, value = 45.0\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:0
1.058505324Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [mysensors.handler] n:0 c:255 t:3 s:9 p:11495962 TSF:MSG:RE
AD,3-3-0,s=255,c=3,t=0,pt=1,l=1,sg=0:22\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:01.618936799Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.gateway] Node update: n
ode 3 child 255\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:01.635196016Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 0: value_type 1, value = 38.4\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:01
.738527926Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 1: value_type 0, value = 22.4\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:01
.743098362Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 3: value_type 50, value = 624502100\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11
:42:01.747319859Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 3: value_type 33, value = 551505585\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11
:42:01.748432047Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:01 DEBUG (MainThread) [homeassistant.components.mysensors.device] Entity update:
mysensors_wohnzimmer_main 3 2: value_type 37, value = 45.0\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:0
1.752559045Z"}
{"log":"2020-03-11 12:42:02 DEBUG (SyncWorker_3) [mysensors.persistence] Saving sensors to persistence fil
e /config/mysensorsserial.json\n","stream":"stderr","time":"2020-03-11T11:42:02.441267303Z"}

Does anybody have an idea how I can prevent these updates? Or should I continue this thread in the Home Assistant forum of mysensors?

Seems you where both right. A short drained the battery (which I didn't notice) and getting rid of the short and using a new set of rechargeables solved the problem.

Thank you very much!

@KevinT

Thank you for your feedback!

I have (or at least I think) a decoupling cap on the pcb (C2). And you are right, I should have added the schematics from the start.

I tried doing it on openhardware.io but now the pics of the pcb itself show an older version (the schematics are fine though, I'll add them here too).

I added pins for a HDC1080 temperature/humidity sensor, because that's what I'll probably end up adding anway.

1 interrupt should be all that I need, but if I need more I'll probably use this workaround. But thank you for letting me know about the micro, didn't even know that existed

@mfalkvidd

I am a bit embarrassed that I didn't post them straight away. I'll collect a bit of data during the night and send the logs tomorrow. Thanks!

@mfalkvidd

Good catch, I didn't do that. Before I saw your message I checked the wiring and I introduced a new bug apparently because now the MQTT-gateway doesn't start anymore either, so I'll have to rewire.

I'll write again after I did that. Thanks for the help!

@sundberg84 I did, thanks, I discovered ISRs. Thanks for the support.

@mfalkvidd

I am planning on using a booster, so that's very good to know, thanks!

@mfalkvidd @phildefer

I can confirm that the code compiles and runs on my rasbperry pi 4 model b. I am using a rfm69 radio and that seems to be working too. I couldn't test it yet though since I haven't wired any rfm69 nodes up yet.

So this was either a faulty module or bad soldering. I soldered a new module and now everything works as expected. Thanks for the help!

@electrik perfect, thank you both!

@KevinT

hmmm, that's really not the case atm. I just ordered the first batch and will report back once I assembled the first sensor. If it's an issue I'll rearrange the footprints. Thanks for the info!

@KevinT

Thank you for your feedback!

I have (or at least I think) a decoupling cap on the pcb (C2). And you are right, I should have added the schematics from the start.

I tried doing it on openhardware.io but now the pics of the pcb itself show an older version (the schematics are fine though, I'll add them here too).

I added pins for a HDC1080 temperature/humidity sensor, because that's what I'll probably end up adding anway.

1 interrupt should be all that I need, but if I need more I'll probably use this workaround. But thank you for letting me know about the micro, didn't even know that existed

Hi,

How do you attach/place your sensor boxes close to the door in a way that is visually appealing but also doesn't make it too hard to get to the sensor for code and battery changes?

I thought about Tesa Power Strips but maybe there are better solutions out there?

Hi,

To increase the WAF of my door/window sensors I created this small PCB. It connects a RFM69 to an Arduino Pro Mini with the lowest footprint I could come up with. There is additional space for a booster and a voltage divider though the voltage divider is optional (Just cut it if you don't need it).

Criticism/Feedback and everything in between is very much welcome since I literally have no idea what I am doing and I hope somebody can point out issues before I order my first batch. So: so far this is untested, please don't order it until I got my hands on the first batch.

I was also hoping that somebody could tell me how to set up the project so that mysensors gets a few dollars for every ordered batch, I've seen other projects do that and I want to give back to the community too.

If, unexpectedly, there are no issues with the PCB the next step in the project will be to create a 3D-printable enclosure (I am leaning towards tinkercad, but again, I have no idea what I am doing and I am open to suggestions).

Small pro mini rfm69 shield

Does anybody have a link to a fixed version of this board? It's exactly what I am looking for form-wise, but I'd be nice if VCC was wired to 3.3v out of the box. Thanks!!

So, I finally got this done and it works just like I want it to. I used my initial schematics (plus radio, of course) and 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: Yveaux
 * 
 * DESCRIPTION
 * This sketch provides an example of how to implement a humidity/temperature
 * sensor using a Si7021 sensor.
 *  
 * For more information, please visit:
 * http://www.mysensors.org/build/humiditySi7021
 * 
 */

// Enable debug prints
#define MY_DEBUG

#define MY_OWN_DEBUG

#ifndef MY_OWN_DEBUG //disable serial in production compile, potentially saves few uA in sleep mode
     #define MY_DISABLED_SERIAL
#endif


// Enable and select radio type attached
#define MY_RADIO_RFM69
#define MY_IS_RFM69HW
#define MY_RFM69_NEW_DRIVER


#define MY_NODE_ID 5
#define CHILD_ID_TXT 0
#define OUTPIN 8
#include <MySensors.h>


#define SKETCH_NAME "media_pc_switch"
#define SKETCH_MAJOR_VER "1"
#define SKETCH_MINOR_VER "0"

static bool metric = true;

MyMessage msgTxt(CHILD_ID_TXT, V_TEXT);
void presentation()
{
   // Send the sketch version information to the gateway and Controller
  sendSketchInfo(SKETCH_NAME, SKETCH_MAJOR_VER "." SKETCH_MINOR_VER);
  present(CHILD_ID_TXT, S_INFO);
}
void setup()
{ 
   pinMode(OUTPIN, OUTPUT);    //
   digitalWrite(OUTPIN, LOW);
   #ifdef MY_OWN_DEBUG
      Serial.print("Starting: ");
  #endif
  send(msgTxt.set("Ready"));
}

void receive(const MyMessage &msg)
{
  uint16_t ms;
  Serial.print("Received a message: ");
  Serial.println(msg.getString());
  send(msgTxt.set(msg.getString()));
  ms = msg.getUInt();
  if (ms > 10000 || ms < 1){return;}
  send(msgTxt.set("Received"));
  Serial.println("Pulling pin high");
  digitalWrite(OUTPIN, HIGH);
  Serial.print("Waiting for "); Serial.println(ms);
  delay(ms);
  Serial.println("Switching off");
  digitalWrite(OUTPIN, LOW);
  Serial.println("Delaying a few seconds to ignore message resends.");
  send(msgTxt.set("Sleeping"));
  delay(10000);
  send(msgTxt.set("Ready"));
  
  
}

Now I can use this sequence in HA to start my PC even when the power was cut:

wzimmer_ms_start_htpc:
  alias: Use mysensors node 5 to start the mediapc in the living room
  sequence:
    repeat:
      sequence:
        #don't run if htpc already running
          - condition: not
            conditions:
            - condition: state
              entity_id: binary_sensor.htpc
              state: 'on'
        #send start signal to mysensors
          - service: notify.mysensors
            data:
              target: "media_pc_switch 5 0"
              message: 1000
        #wait for timeout seconds whether a message has been received
          - wait_for_trigger:
            - platform: state
              entity_id: sensor.media_pc_switch_5_0
              to: "Received"
            timeout: '00:00:04'
      until:
          # Did it work?
          - condition: state
            entity_id: sensor.media_pc_switch_5_0
            state: Received

Thank you, @cabat for your help and your patience!!!

@cabat

If I wanted this protection where would I put it in my schematic?

Between ground an 3.3v?

/edit: no between the arduino and 3.3v from the Mainboard, right?

@cabat

Ah, ok, I get it now. The diode protects me from wiring this up with POWER and GND switched. So I would use it like this

But I guess I can't because of the voltage drop. I think that's out of specs for the PC817. And anyway there is a very low chance that I will wiring this side of the schematic up wrong.

I guess I was just confused by the lower part of your drawing.

Thank you VERY much for your patience! I'll supply pictures when I have this hooked up in the hopes they will help others.

Have a nice weekend!

@cabat

To protect from polarity reversing, like you did in your sketch. Sorry if that's a stupid question!

@cabat

Cool, thank you for your help!

Should I use a diode between 3.3v and GND too? And do I need a resistor in the mainboard-side of the schematic? Some people used them to protect the optocoupler from high current but I guess there isn't a high current when the power button is pressed?