@rejoe2 Thanks, I actually have a counter but removed it from the code to keep it simple. It counts the pulses and sends the number for comparison and it matches actually. So the problem is at the beginning with the node "getting false pulses" from the machine. Any idea how that can be explained?

Thanks for your response. You are perfectly right. The counting happens on the server (counting the transmitted '1's coming via MQTT).

Hey guys,

I am currently working on a project in our company where I would like to use NodeMCU to count produced parts and send the data via MQTT. The NodeMCU is attached to one of the pulse generators (e.g. a cutter or welder) and the NodeMCU receives that signal but it seems like it is counting too many signals (like doubling the real value) and I cannot figure out why.

The highes frequency of pulses (produced parts) I have to deal with are about 2 - 3 per second.

This is my simple binary sketch:

// Enable debug prints to serial monitor
#define MY_DEBUG

// Use a bit lower baudrate for serial prints on ESP8266 than default in MyConfig.h
#define MY_BAUD_RATE 9600

#define MY_GATEWAY_MQTT_CLIENT
#define MY_GATEWAY_ESP8266

#define MCU_ID redacted

// Set MQTT client id
#define MY_MQTT_CLIENT_ID MCU_ID

// Set this node's subscribe and publish topic prefix
#define MY_MQTT_PUBLISH_TOPIC_PREFIX redacted
#define MY_MQTT_SUBSCRIBE_TOPIC_PREFIX redacted

// Enable these if your MQTT broker requires username/password
#define MY_MQTT_USER redacted
#define MY_MQTT_PASSWORD redacted

// Set WIFI SSID and password
#define MY_ESP8266_SSID redacted
#define MY_ESP8266_PASSWORD redacted

// MQTT broker ip address.
#define MY_CONTROLLER_URL_ADDRESS redacted

// The MQTT broker port to to open
#define MY_PORT 1883

#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>
#include <MySensors.h>
#include <Bounce2.h>

#define CHILD_ID 1
#define BUTTON_PIN  3

#define LEDRED 16
#define LEDGREEN 0

Bounce debouncer = Bounce(); 
int oldValue=-1;

MyMessage msg(CHILD_ID,V_STATUS);
MyMessage msgCount(CHILD_ID,I_LOG_MESSAGE);
MyMessage msgHeartbeat(CHILD_ID,I_HEARTBEAT_RESPONSE);

int countHeartbeat = 0;

void setup()   
{

  // Setup the button
  pinMode(BUTTON_PIN,INPUT);
  // Activate internal pull-up
  digitalWrite(BUTTON_PIN,HIGH);

  // After setting up the button, setup debouncer
  debouncer.attach(BUTTON_PIN);
  debouncer.interval(5);

  countHeartbeat = 0;

  //Setup the Pulse LED
  pinMode(LEDRED, OUTPUT);

  //Setup the Status LED
  pinMode(LEDGREEN, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(LEDGREEN, HIGH);
}

void presentation() {

  sendSketchInfo(MCU_ID, "1.0");
  present(CHILD_ID, S_BINARY);
  //present(HEARTBEAT_ID, S_BINARY); 
}


//  Check if digital input has changed and send in new value
void loop() 
{
  debouncer.update();
  // Get the update value
  int value = debouncer.read();
  countHeartbeat ++;
  if(countHeartbeat >= 1155000){
    //Serial.println("Heartbeat");
    send(msgHeartbeat.set(1));
    countHeartbeat = 0;
  }
  
  if (value != oldValue) {
     // Send in the new value
     send(msg.set(value==HIGH ? 0 : 1)); 
     oldValue = value;
     if ( value == 1) {
        //Serial.println("Off");
        digitalWrite(LEDRED, LOW);
        delay(30);
     } else {
        //Serial.println("On");
        digitalWrite(LEDRED, HIGH);
     }
     
  }
  //send(heartbeat.set(value==1));
}

I appreciate any hint or comment!

@gohan Thanks, I will try that!

We bought these: NRF24L01+ PCB Adapter

We do not use any capacitor.

What irritates me, the gateway works (ethernet gateway) with the +PA+LNA, whereas the sensor nodes do not. We have switched the PCB Adapters and antennas without any change.

NRF24L01+ PCB Adapter | Breakout Board - Breadboard Pinout Funk Modul

$3.81

468 available

@gohan I bought the voltage regulators for nrf24 and provide 5V, but still...

@Yveaux do you also use Grafana in order to visualize the data? I am not sure what fields/attributes are necessary despite "time" and "value" for a binary sensor.

It's weird, as it seems to work for my Gateway, but as soon as my sensors are connected with the +PA+LNA, they cannot register.

Thanks a lot guys. Can you recommend a suitable power supply? And what capacitator should I get?

And how does the RFM69 compare to the NRF24L01?

Thanks for your help, once again.

I have only connected it to the Nano's 3.3V port yet.
Unfortunately, I didn't know that disconnecting the antenna might damage the radio. But I did only try it with one of the radios.

How should I then connect it properly if the 3.3V is insufficient?

Thanks in advance.