Energy Monitoring
- Thread starter Teken
- Start date
evanstange
New member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2012
- Messages
- 1
Hey Teken,
Awesome write-up!! I've always been interested in HA but so far haven't invested in much. I'd love to know more about the "SEG" 3rd party monitoring site you've talked about. I've Googled it and can't seem to find anything. I'd just love to see more screenshots and samples of the "dashboard" available through SEG.
Thanks Teken!!
Evan
Awesome write-up!! I've always been interested in HA but so far haven't invested in much. I'd love to know more about the "SEG" 3rd party monitoring site you've talked about. I've Googled it and can't seem to find anything. I'd just love to see more screenshots and samples of the "dashboard" available through SEG.
Thanks Teken!!
Evan
The more times I read through this thread, the more I want a GEM simply for the sheer volume of detailed information it provides on EVERY circuit in the house. Other than the web interface, have you come across any way to display the data at the house? Have the guys at Brultech finished their linux mini-computer yet? (It sounds like the Raspberry Pi I've got upstairs).
I've dabbled in HA (x10). I just ordered parts to build a 7-day programmable water heater timer. (why settle for a simple mechanical timer with pegs and uniform daily programming?) I'm still in the process of self-installing PV (if I can ever get my structural engineering design completed, then I'll go back to writing the thread I started on that subject).
I've dabbled in HA (x10). I just ordered parts to build a 7-day programmable water heater timer. (why settle for a simple mechanical timer with pegs and uniform daily programming?) I'm still in the process of self-installing PV (if I can ever get my structural engineering design completed, then I'll go back to writing the thread I started on that subject).
Hello Evan,
Please follow this link to read more about the SEG website: http://smartenergygroups.com/
The GEM allows the end user to either display the data locally or via a third party web hosting site such as the SEG.
The data can be pushed to both data collection services should it be required. I am in the middle of deploying a on site server to capture all of the same information in case the SEG web site ever goes down.
In terms of which method to use, it comes down to how much you're a power user. There a quite a few programmers who are power users, and as such have come up with quite complex and powerful data capturing software / programs.
I opted for the SEG as it was off site, reliable, and capable of processing all of the data streams into meaningful charts, graphs, and provided the ability to recall historic data, which is the main driver for me.
I am in the mist of ordering my Enphase solar array. Just doing some more research and pricing with a few on line vendors.
My goal is to be below 20 kWh a day. As you can see I am under 20 kWh a day pretty consistently during the the month of December.
There were a few days that broke 20 Kwh due to the X-Mas season of cooking, baking, and endless entertaining! 
My personal goal has been to be below 600 kWh per month. For the month of December the combined power use is 576.66 for both green & blue bars. I have both service feeds separately being monitored due to specific needs for the future.
Below is the graph for the months of Aug to January 2013.
Below are some monthly stats for consumption and various temperature readings in the home. As a reminder the SEG site allows the end user to see very granular, and bulk data reports.
Right now, this is just set for a *at a glance* view to know at any point in time what devices are on, and how I am doing as a family.
I believe that the mini Linux server will be available in the next few months. Brultech has already informed me that a few customers are beta testing the device and putting the little box through its paces.
I plan on purchasing this little box as I can't build a box that will consume less than 5 watts no matter how hard I try. I was going to use the Pi for this project and it would have helped me achieve the low power consumption I was looking for. But, I didn't want to waste the power of this device on something so simple.
Teken . . .
1. I am indeed using the ISY in conjunction with the GEM. The information is *pushed* to my iPhone via text and e-mail. When a condition is met based on the fuzzy logic I have laid out. The ISY will react and turn on, off, vent, close, open, secure, increase / decrease speed, temperature, water, pressure.
2. All of the data you see in this thread is generated via the SEG website. The GEM pushes all of the electrical data to the SEG site. The SEG site collects and processes this information for the end user to view, segment, and import / export, and print should it be required.
Teken . . .
Zeke
Well-known member
Jeezus, I just found this thread and after reading the first page, my head exploded.
I worked with primitive energy management and savings over 20 years ago with Honeywell. This was for markets that paid for energy costs at their highest demand rate. The whole idea then was sequential switching.
I have an idea that we're headed that way for residential energy costs not just by the time of day, but also by spikes in usage during any period. So, sequential and priority switching may be back in vogue. Maybe this was covered somewhere in Teken's treatise, I don't know as I'm now working with no brain.
But anything that monitors all that data should damn well be able to be proactive in saving energy. Otherwise, it is too geeky.
I worked with primitive energy management and savings over 20 years ago with Honeywell. This was for markets that paid for energy costs at their highest demand rate. The whole idea then was sequential switching.
I have an idea that we're headed that way for residential energy costs not just by the time of day, but also by spikes in usage during any period. So, sequential and priority switching may be back in vogue. Maybe this was covered somewhere in Teken's treatise, I don't know as I'm now working with no brain.
But anything that monitors all that data should damn well be able to be proactive in saving energy. Otherwise, it is too geeky.
Oddly, after a discussion with a co-worker, he researched a bit and sent me a link to this thread. I started to read and then noticed the author...
Teken - I've seen your posts on other forums (brultech/insteon, if i recall correctly), so it's good to see you've got the unit up and running. It's also interesting to see someone on the same various forums that I read on a normal basis.
Anyway, I'm curious how you have it setup with your ISY. How do you push the info to that? Do you use Mobilinc Pro or Orchestrated Mobilelinc for the iphone/ipad? I'm wondering if it plays nicely with that as well.
Thanks for the big explanation, etc. I'm of a similar mind as you: hoping to monitor for the knowledge/history as well as finding faults that may already exist and then being alerted if any develop.
As I'd also be monitoring my separate shop with such a unit, I'll be sure to update if/once I get one. I'm interested to know just how much is running through various circuits in the shop, as well as certain events such as the heater running, etc.
I nearly placed an order for a GEM a little while ago, but I was unsure about the interaction with my ISY setup so I held off. I'm anxious to hear how your's is running.
Teken - I've seen your posts on other forums (brultech/insteon, if i recall correctly), so it's good to see you've got the unit up and running. It's also interesting to see someone on the same various forums that I read on a normal basis.
Anyway, I'm curious how you have it setup with your ISY. How do you push the info to that? Do you use Mobilinc Pro or Orchestrated Mobilelinc for the iphone/ipad? I'm wondering if it plays nicely with that as well.
Thanks for the big explanation, etc. I'm of a similar mind as you: hoping to monitor for the knowledge/history as well as finding faults that may already exist and then being alerted if any develop.
As I'd also be monitoring my separate shop with such a unit, I'll be sure to update if/once I get one. I'm interested to know just how much is running through various circuits in the shop, as well as certain events such as the heater running, etc.
I nearly placed an order for a GEM a little while ago, but I was unsure about the interaction with my ISY setup so I held off. I'm anxious to hear how your's is running.
Modern Jess
Well-known member
Excellent write up! As a data junkie, I completely "get it".
Awesome.
Awesome.
So members have asked me what are some practical uses for the GEM module? Below is a quick snap shot of my mini solar array. I am just in the beginning stages of deploying my solar system to off set my daily consumption.
With the GEM & SEG I am able to record and display my daily, weekly, monthly, yearly costs and solar generation.
The day is not over and I have already generated $0.11 from just four solar panels.
In my GEM system I have set it up so I am able to monitor each electrical feed separately. On the left side is the *Main Left* at this moment in time it shows total consumption of only 0.11 Kwh
Below is another chart that shows the difference in terms of consumption and the amount of power I have been able to generate to offset my daily costs. You will note *Main Left* is down 78.4% in power use compared to the previous day.
The *Main Right* is down 15.1%, not bad for a mini solar set up. Also with beautiful blue skies, and warmer weather!
This is just a snap shot of the kwh generated at this very moment. Again, just from my small solar array which I hope to grow in the next 24 months.
The next graph is the power generation for the up to the minute solar generation. You can see clearly what time I start to make power, the peak, and as the day goes bye how it tapers off. You will notice one quick dip in power generation.
That was me standing in front of the panels for about 30 seconds to secure a few cables in place. My fat *** blocked the sun, the GEM & SEG was able to capture this drop in production / consumption.
This is how a person can tell if something is out of sort, amiss, or needs attention.
In this chart it shows you how my solar project was progressing. Because it was so cold and the snow in my back yard is over 5 feet. I was only able to install one solar panel. During this whole period it was cloudy and not a sun spot could be seen for more than 3.5 weeks.
The chart clearly shows the crappy weather I had. This chart displays the *mean average* of power generated. On the right you can see after some nice days with a mix of sun and cloud my *mean average* has risen for a average of 98.35 watts.
This chart shows you the total solar generation I have produced since install. So far 13.4 Kwh for this mini system in place for about a week. I hope to get the next 4 solar panels up in the next few months. From there the other 8 units when I figure out the best mounting arrangement that can harvest the most sun for my area.
And just another view of how I am doing as a family. Seeing all of the blue negative arrows makes me smile!
So, as I am writing this entire post here is a live view of what the GEM is doing for me and how my electrical use is being diverted and costs reduced.
Main left is the power being sent back on this circuit. It was at 0.07 Kwh, Main Right 4.41 Kwh.
As you can see in this image *Main Left* continues to drop to 0.06 Kwh, and *Main Right* which has the normal standby loads is steadily going up and is at 4.44 Kwh.
At the bottom of each meter is the daily costs. As you can see the *Main Left* is at $0.00 up to this point. The *Main Right* is currently at $0.33 for the day.
My family uses about $0.68 - $1.25 a day in electricity. This also depends upon the season. But the mean average is about $1.00 a day, which is $31.00 per month before any tax's etc.
Regardless, we are a very energy efficient family!
This last image is where my solar generation day is just about over. On the *Main Left* you will see that I am still producing enough power where it shows -4 watts. Once the sun goes down this meter will show aprox 26 watts in standby consumption.
All these years watching others make free power, and reaping the rewards for doing so. I would like to think in the next 10 years this whole solar generation thing will be more financially doable for all.
Right now in my neck of the woods its been about small milestones. Those who have been able to do the whole thing in one shot. I solute you, and the Government who made it possible for those, I am indeed jealous!
This will be pretty much the last few minutes of solar generation: The 26 watts the solar panels generate is the 0 mark of what this circuit consumes. Right now the meter below is at zero, but will climb back up to 26 watts once the days over.
With the GEM & SEG I am able to record and display my daily, weekly, monthly, yearly costs and solar generation.
The day is not over and I have already generated $0.11 from just four solar panels.
In my GEM system I have set it up so I am able to monitor each electrical feed separately. On the left side is the *Main Left* at this moment in time it shows total consumption of only 0.11 Kwh
Below is another chart that shows the difference in terms of consumption and the amount of power I have been able to generate to offset my daily costs. You will note *Main Left* is down 78.4% in power use compared to the previous day.
The *Main Right* is down 15.1%, not bad for a mini solar set up. Also with beautiful blue skies, and warmer weather!
This is just a snap shot of the kwh generated at this very moment. Again, just from my small solar array which I hope to grow in the next 24 months.
The next graph is the power generation for the up to the minute solar generation. You can see clearly what time I start to make power, the peak, and as the day goes bye how it tapers off. You will notice one quick dip in power generation.
That was me standing in front of the panels for about 30 seconds to secure a few cables in place. My fat *** blocked the sun, the GEM & SEG was able to capture this drop in production / consumption.
This is how a person can tell if something is out of sort, amiss, or needs attention.
In this chart it shows you how my solar project was progressing. Because it was so cold and the snow in my back yard is over 5 feet. I was only able to install one solar panel. During this whole period it was cloudy and not a sun spot could be seen for more than 3.5 weeks.
The chart clearly shows the crappy weather I had. This chart displays the *mean average* of power generated. On the right you can see after some nice days with a mix of sun and cloud my *mean average* has risen for a average of 98.35 watts.
This chart shows you the total solar generation I have produced since install. So far 13.4 Kwh for this mini system in place for about a week. I hope to get the next 4 solar panels up in the next few months. From there the other 8 units when I figure out the best mounting arrangement that can harvest the most sun for my area.
And just another view of how I am doing as a family. Seeing all of the blue negative arrows makes me smile!
So, as I am writing this entire post here is a live view of what the GEM is doing for me and how my electrical use is being diverted and costs reduced.
Main left is the power being sent back on this circuit. It was at 0.07 Kwh, Main Right 4.41 Kwh.
As you can see in this image *Main Left* continues to drop to 0.06 Kwh, and *Main Right* which has the normal standby loads is steadily going up and is at 4.44 Kwh.
At the bottom of each meter is the daily costs. As you can see the *Main Left* is at $0.00 up to this point. The *Main Right* is currently at $0.33 for the day.
My family uses about $0.68 - $1.25 a day in electricity. This also depends upon the season. But the mean average is about $1.00 a day, which is $31.00 per month before any tax's etc.
Regardless, we are a very energy efficient family!
This last image is where my solar generation day is just about over. On the *Main Left* you will see that I am still producing enough power where it shows -4 watts. Once the sun goes down this meter will show aprox 26 watts in standby consumption.
All these years watching others make free power, and reaping the rewards for doing so. I would like to think in the next 10 years this whole solar generation thing will be more financially doable for all.
Right now in my neck of the woods its been about small milestones. Those who have been able to do the whole thing in one shot. I solute you, and the Government who made it possible for those, I am indeed jealous!
This will be pretty much the last few minutes of solar generation: The 26 watts the solar panels generate is the 0 mark of what this circuit consumes. Right now the meter below is at zero, but will climb back up to 26 watts once the days over.
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One of the reasons I purchased the GEM was to monitor our local power supply. I have some portable and expensive monitoring devices I use on occasion to confirm for clients if their problems are due to bad power.
The only problem with using a portable ACR device is that it can only capture 3000-5000 events, and this is dependent upon the amount of data you require. Setting the ACR to capture all events which encompass: Sags, over voltage, surge / spikes, noise, interference, etc will reduce the amount of data points you can capture.
Below is snap shot over an extended period of months for my home. As you can see our hydro electric is very steady and clean.
Below is the resolution for the day. Power fluctuates from 120 - 123 volts during the transmission period into the home.
This is at a 6 hour interval. Again more resolution to determine how the grid is performing and what impact there may be on your home and its electronics.
Finally, we have a live up to the minute snap shot for the hour.
Below is a tracking and notification area from the SEG site. If communications is lost from the GEM to the SEG site, an e-mail alert will be sent to the user. I have many monitoring / alert devices which inform me of a power condition.
But, having another layer of notification is always great and welcomed. In this snap shot there was a firmware update to the GEM. The reason for this update was to allow me to apply the net metering you see in the graphs today.
There was some sort of lock up after the firmware upgrade which left me out of service for more than 3 hours. So what do you do if you're out and not communicating to the SEG site? 
The beauty of the SEG is that all is not lost. You can enter / import the lost data to ensure your captured and rendered data is as accurate as possible.
During the next few hours I will be adding in the missing information to ensure accuracy. This is also another reason I have opted to use the SEG site, instead of just a stand alone home based data capture tool.
Teken . . .
The only problem with using a portable ACR device is that it can only capture 3000-5000 events, and this is dependent upon the amount of data you require. Setting the ACR to capture all events which encompass: Sags, over voltage, surge / spikes, noise, interference, etc will reduce the amount of data points you can capture.
Below is snap shot over an extended period of months for my home. As you can see our hydro electric is very steady and clean.
Below is the resolution for the day. Power fluctuates from 120 - 123 volts during the transmission period into the home.
This is at a 6 hour interval. Again more resolution to determine how the grid is performing and what impact there may be on your home and its electronics.
Finally, we have a live up to the minute snap shot for the hour.
Below is a tracking and notification area from the SEG site. If communications is lost from the GEM to the SEG site, an e-mail alert will be sent to the user. I have many monitoring / alert devices which inform me of a power condition.
But, having another layer of notification is always great and welcomed. In this snap shot there was a firmware update to the GEM. The reason for this update was to allow me to apply the net metering you see in the graphs today.
There was some sort of lock up after the firmware upgrade which left me out of service for more than 3 hours.
So what do you do if you're out and not communicating to the SEG site? The beauty of the SEG is that all is not lost. You can enter / import the lost data to ensure your captured and rendered data is as accurate as possible.
During the next few hours I will be adding in the missing information to ensure accuracy. This is also another reason I have opted to use the SEG site, instead of just a stand alone home based data capture tool.
Teken . . .
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As it was stated up top I had experienced a 3 hour gap in data upload to the SEG site because unbeknown to me the GEM was in a locked state . 
This was in part due to the new firmware upload tool Brultech had supplied me.
In the default state you will see in the image below the COM radial button is pre selected. In all cases loading the COM firmware is done first, then the Engine firmware. I was able to load the COM firmware with out incident.
For clarity sake the following will happen: While loading the COM firmware there will be a scrolling (. . . .) in the window. This process will take about 3-5 minutes. You will notice that the left LED on the GEM will flash and alternate from green / red. The right side LED will be dark and unlit.
Upon completion the firmware loader tool will display a finished / complete status.
Below in the next image what do you guys see? As I stated after a successful COM load, the user will continue to load the Engine firmware.
In all my years I have never seen a toggle radial button allow two selections to be placed??
As you can guess, I did not see or expect that when I selected the Engine radial button that the COM button would remain selected!
The end result was the GEM displayed a solid red LED on the left side. I can not impress upon those in the future. DO NOT unplug the unit while in this state as the outcome will not be pretty!
The best course of action is to close out the firmware loader tool. Then, initiate another COM upload, then continue with the Engine firmware load.
Below is what can also be done which is not stated by Brultech:
As you can clearly see above, the software actually allows the user to de select both radial buttons??
Needless to say I advised Ben of this strange behavior and believe this will be corrected in the next iterations of the tool.
After both COM & Engine firmware has been loaded. The user must unplug both transformers. At that point the internal coin battery cell must be removed and the GEM left unpowered for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Once that period has passed, apply power to both transformers, and than install the coin cell. That in the ideal world is what needs to be done to upgrade the GEM. In my case the unit came back up after the POPO, but was not transmitting any data to the SEG.
This latest 1.88 COM & 1.41 Engine adds a new web based menu that was not present before. With in this web page are all the internal settings to the GEM ( I will need to screen capture this later )
The reason I mention this section is that it is where you need to make the net metering and also apply the polarity to the channel you wish to show *generated power* back to the grid etc.
It also was the only method I could use to reboot both the COM & Engine portions of the GEM module. Unplugging and applying power had no affect on the lack of communications to the SEG site. I hope this insight will save another person 3 hours of pulling their hair out!
Teken . . .
This was in part due to the new firmware upload tool Brultech had supplied me.In the default state you will see in the image below the COM radial button is pre selected. In all cases loading the COM firmware is done first, then the Engine firmware. I was able to load the COM firmware with out incident.
For clarity sake the following will happen: While loading the COM firmware there will be a scrolling (. . . .) in the window. This process will take about 3-5 minutes. You will notice that the left LED on the GEM will flash and alternate from green / red. The right side LED will be dark and unlit.
Upon completion the firmware loader tool will display a finished / complete status.
Below in the next image what do you guys see? As I stated after a successful COM load, the user will continue to load the Engine firmware.
In all my years I have never seen a toggle radial button allow two selections to be placed??
As you can guess, I did not see or expect that when I selected the Engine radial button that the COM button would remain selected! The end result was the GEM displayed a solid red LED on the left side. I can not impress upon those in the future. DO NOT unplug the unit while in this state as the outcome will not be pretty!
The best course of action is to close out the firmware loader tool. Then, initiate another COM upload, then continue with the Engine firmware load.
Below is what can also be done which is not stated by Brultech:
As you can clearly see above, the software actually allows the user to de select both radial buttons??
Needless to say I advised Ben of this strange behavior and believe this will be corrected in the next iterations of the tool.
After both COM & Engine firmware has been loaded. The user must unplug both transformers. At that point the internal coin battery cell must be removed and the GEM left unpowered for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Once that period has passed, apply power to both transformers, and than install the coin cell. That in the ideal world is what needs to be done to upgrade the GEM. In my case the unit came back up after the POPO, but was not transmitting any data to the SEG.
This latest 1.88 COM & 1.41 Engine adds a new web based menu that was not present before.
With in this web page are all the internal settings to the GEM ( I will need to screen capture this later )The reason I mention this section is that it is where you need to make the net metering and also apply the polarity to the channel you wish to show *generated power* back to the grid etc.
It also was the only method I could use to reboot both the COM & Engine portions of the GEM module. Unplugging and applying power had no affect on the lack of communications to the SEG site. I hope this insight will save another person 3 hours of pulling their hair out!
Teken . . .
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Teken, I'm Still Jealous. Thank you for the updates and photos. I'm still jealous of your minimal consumption. I've only gotten as low as 13kWh in a day (all electric house)
If you were closer, I'd let you borrow ten 235W 60 cell PV panels, and 10 M215 inverters for a month. (you'd have to supply your own trunk cable and envoy). If you're having this much fun with a few 12V panels, the 235W 36V panels and M215's would have you waiting for sunrise every morning.
I'm slightly confused that you are reading solar output with the GEM. I thought the solar panels were going to charge the batteries in the pelican cases. Are you reading what you were putting into the batteries, or AC?
If you were closer, I'd let you borrow ten 235W 60 cell PV panels, and 10 M215 inverters for a month. (you'd have to supply your own trunk cable and envoy). If you're having this much fun with a few 12V panels, the 235W 36V panels and M215's would have you waiting for sunrise every morning.
I'm slightly confused that you are reading solar output with the GEM. I thought the solar panels were going to charge the batteries in the pelican cases. Are you reading what you were putting into the batteries, or AC?
I would be in heaven! The feeling is like waiting for Santa Claus on X-Mas day. Every morning I wake up since installing this solar system I look forward to what the system will produce.
Right now the system is temporarily configured on a island protected circuit to send the DC power into a grid tie AC inverter. I am actually trying to accomplish a few things given the limited time and resources I have at the moment.
I am first trying to validate the grid tie, and the off grid system. The intent is to confirm my wiring and mechanical schema to ensure when I attach the portable system to the grid tie system that it will operate as expected.
Because I have so many elements still pending arrival I had to perform some work out of order.
My first objective was to upgrade the GEM and learn the proper programming to allow me to capture the data correctly. I believe this portion has been nailed down.The next step was to prove and validate my mounting and wiring of the off grid solar array. This portion needs some work as the solar panels are not mounted in an ideal orientation or hinged to track the sun as of yet.
My (temp) wiring needs to be properly routed, grounded, and affixed to the mounting points.
I have done no fusing, breakers, or otherwise. . .
This is the portion I am designing now to ensure safety, isolation and have the ability to work on any system with out danger or complexity.The Lifepro4 batteries still have not arrived so I can't send the power anywhere at this point so might as well send it back to the grid and validate my install as each mile stone is done.
As always your feed back and insight is appreciated!
Teken . . .
Rickcnc
Well-known member
Your power company is OK with this?
I see guys in Ontario offering plug and play solar systems that tie to the grid.. I wonder how this can be done without involving the local power authority being involved.
http://www.solarpowersystemsbyrjs.com
Most of the pre production paper work has already been submitted to the POCO. Because safety is paramount not only for me, but a linemen. The following safety's have been put into place to ensure no one gets hurt.
The grid tie inverter has an island protector. This system detects if the grid is down, if so no power is allowed on to the grid.
Most folks would be fine with just using this proven feature. But, I have also wired in several other safety's into place. The primary service feed is wired with a sensor / monitor.
Should the service entrance exceed *** volts, or be below *** volts. The system will disconnect the inverter / charger. On another independent system my HA controller monitors the voltage as well. If God forbid both systems fail, and the controller detects zero volts on the main lines.
It will initiate a complete shut down of the solar array and won't allow it to come back up until a manual turn on is initiated. This is more of a dead man switch as it relies solely on the fact that 120 VAC must be present. Should voltage drop off suddenly, than the dead man switch will disengage the back fed power.
The appropriate warning stickers have been placed on the main power feed, along with dual power source warnings. I hope this address's some of the members concerns.
Teken . . .
So I have been trying to resolve a strange problem that was not quite apparent to me. I have a software gadget configured on the SEG site to monitor my daughters electrical feed.
She has a ancient Dell laptop that is about to die. But, I am in the mist of saving up some cash to replace it. Because its so old I have to monitor and manage her computer use as its power supply and brick consume an insane amount of power when on.
What concerned me was when ever her laptop would ramp up and start eating 200+ watts the increase in consumption was not appearing in one of the two main feeds?
Why does it matter?
It matters because the Kwh and costs will not be accurately reflected.
So, below is a screen capture of this one circuit at idle before any changes.
Below is the same circuit once I figured the GEM correctly. This reading is obviously almost 3 times lower. This would affect the Kwh and the costs respectively.
The problem lies here with in the GreenEye Monitor Setup V1.7. Each channel is configured with the type of CT's (current transformers).
You will see this circled in red under *Presets* The channel 28 is the one in question that was giving wrong readings. Normally when you select the *Update Summary* tab in the window.
It would inform the user of the CT settings applied and used. In this case the CT showed a Micro 40, but in reality it was set to something else??
Once this CT entry was corrected everything was pretty much spot on.
The next screen capture is related to how the information is captured and displayed in the SEG site. For everyones reference I have two 200 amp CT's connected to the main service feeds.
Below you can see the round power dial called 1 - main left & 2 - main right. In this instance you see my electric hot water tank. I created a thread about the expected behavior and what I wanted to see etc here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191527
My concern was having the ability to see and capture the true *power* being consumed. After checking all my wiring and confirming how many CT's used to monitor this circuit.
In this case its only one CT. The remaining issue is that again there is a setting in the GEM not selected correctly for a 240 volt load.
Below is the *Internal* web page to the GEM. To allow me to accurately capture and record the electric hot water tank the following changes need to be made as this is a 240 VAC appliance with no neutral.
By default the 2 CT/ 240 is selected which is not correct. So the solution is to enable 1 CT / 240. This I hope will render the correct information on the SEG and track my real world consumption.
I will report back if this is right, wrong, or completely off base.
Teken . . .
She has a ancient Dell laptop that is about to die. But, I am in the mist of saving up some cash to replace it. Because its so old I have to monitor and manage her computer use as its power supply and brick consume an insane amount of power when on.
What concerned me was when ever her laptop would ramp up and start eating 200+ watts the increase in consumption was not appearing in one of the two main feeds?
Why does it matter?
It matters because the Kwh and costs will not be accurately reflected.
So, below is a screen capture of this one circuit at idle before any changes.
Below is the same circuit once I figured the GEM correctly. This reading is obviously almost 3 times lower. This would affect the Kwh and the costs respectively.
The problem lies here with in the GreenEye Monitor Setup V1.7. Each channel is configured with the type of CT's (current transformers).
You will see this circled in red under *Presets* The channel 28 is the one in question that was giving wrong readings. Normally when you select the *Update Summary* tab in the window.
It would inform the user of the CT settings applied and used. In this case the CT showed a Micro 40, but in reality it was set to something else??
Once this CT entry was corrected everything was pretty much spot on.
The next screen capture is related to how the information is captured and displayed in the SEG site. For everyones reference I have two 200 amp CT's connected to the main service feeds.
Below you can see the round power dial called 1 - main left & 2 - main right. In this instance you see my electric hot water tank. I created a thread about the expected behavior and what I wanted to see etc here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191527
My concern was having the ability to see and capture the true *power* being consumed. After checking all my wiring and confirming how many CT's used to monitor this circuit.
In this case its only one CT. The remaining issue is that again there is a setting in the GEM not selected correctly for a 240 volt load.
Below is the *Internal* web page to the GEM. To allow me to accurately capture and record the electric hot water tank the following changes need to be made as this is a 240 VAC appliance with no neutral.
By default the 2 CT/ 240 is selected which is not correct. So the solution is to enable 1 CT / 240. This I hope will render the correct information on the SEG and track my real world consumption.
I will report back if this is right, wrong, or completely off base.
Teken . . .
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gatchel
Well-known member
Teken,
Have you used the new little mini computer (Dashbox) at all or have you just been using the website?
Have you used the new little mini computer (Dashbox) at all or have you just been using the website?
I have been using the GreenEye Setup Control Panel v1.7, the new internal GEM website which you see above. The Dash Box is not out yet for public consumption but has made it to a few members for Beta testing.
I will be purchasing the Dash Box in a few months once I am fully set up with the ISY-994iZ IR Pro. Unlike others I will be using the RS232 method to connect to the GEM with the Dash Box.
This is to allow me to have both ISY-994iZ IR Pro, and Dash Box connected to the GEM with out communication problems. It will also free up my other RS232 port and Wi-Fi connection for the future Dash Box hot spot repeater.
Once everything is set up and tested to be working 100%. My end goal is to pump all the data to the ISY-994iZ IR Pro to manage the electrical loads via Insteon communications.
I am just in the middle of getting four different project under way and finances are spread thin.
Trying to accomplish too much in ways of mini goals but ended up with huge targets I can't complete on time.ie. Automated window blinds, solar, back up generator, etc. Oh and still working on grass!
Teken . . .
So quite a few of my friends who are getting into this whole Energy Monitoring thing have asked me to post up what the new GEM web page is able to render and provide. For reference this new internal website to the GEM is only available starting with the following firmware updates.
If you're below the following comm / engine firmware levels the following must be done after the firmware process has been completed.
Below is the home page of the GEM's new internal website. Several key things must be noted about the new internal web page. When you enter the web page you must also press the *Exit Setup Mode* failure to do so can leave the GEM in a none responsive state.
What that means is that the unit will come back up, but will not send any data to your server or any third party hosting site. You can confirm this is so because the left LED will not blink at all and will stay solid green along with the other LED.
If you fail to exit properly the GEM by default will resume operations in 15 minutes. You will also note on the top right is a at a glance of what firmware level you're on etc.
Always keep your Engine software up to date as it ensure new features are added and any lingering bugs are resolved.
In the same top right where it indicates the COM / Engine firmware is the *Packet Send Interval* this is important to confirm and be aware.
Why??
Because if you use a third party hosting site as I do at SEG. Some of the gadgets will only update every 30 seconds. The GEM captures all live data every second, but only pushes this data to the SEG every 30 seconds.
This is done to ensure there are no rounding errors, or flooding of data to the SEG network. Reducing the time to less than 30 seconds will results in power readings to be either too low, or too high.
I have been told a send time of 30-60 seconds is ideal based on the Java code that rounds the SEG engine YMMV.
Below is the *Channel Options* tab. In this window you can set the PT Type and PT Range. The PT Type is important to note because this is what references the GEM to the grids power line.
If you ever notice that the power readings are out of range. Using a RMS DMM to confirm the homes electrical feed will allow you to fine tune the voltage to the GEM.
This will ensure the measured and captured values are correct and consistent with real world voltage / Kwh consumed. In the same window you can change the channels to be standard or net metering.
As some of you may know I have channel 5 in my home which is back feeding solar power to the grid. The process is quite simple and all it is required is to select the channel in my case (channel 5) click on the net metering, hit save.
Below this option is the single channel polarity. This will allow you to send data in (-) negative values so it can deduct its production from the SEG website. If this is done you also need to change the channel 5 in the SEG and select *Green*
This will ensure the charts show green and is also going the opposite direction.
Below is the Channel CT tab. This tab is important to note because this determines what attributes are applied to the CT's you're using to capture your power consumption.
If some of you recall I had at least two channels giving me wonky numbers and it was not reflected in the GEM / SEG correctly.
For any appliance which is 240 you will select 1 CT or 2 CT which applies to your setup. Once done there will be a 1 in the 240 column.
To make changes to a channel you will do the following in this order:
Chan: <-- Enter the channel you want to change.
Select CT: <-- Select the correct Micro CT that is attached for the device
click save and you will notice that the CT Type & CT Range will change.
Below is the temperature tab which will allow you to configure C / F. It will also allow you to enable / disable each sensor separately for maintenance etc. The one wire MAC code is also displayed for reference should it be required.
Teken . . .
If you're below the following comm / engine firmware levels the following must be done after the firmware process has been completed.
Below is the home page of the GEM's new internal website. Several key things must be noted about the new internal web page. When you enter the web page you must also press the *Exit Setup Mode* failure to do so can leave the GEM in a none responsive state.
What that means is that the unit will come back up, but will not send any data to your server or any third party hosting site. You can confirm this is so because the left LED will not blink at all and will stay solid green along with the other LED.
If you fail to exit properly the GEM by default will resume operations in 15 minutes. You will also note on the top right is a at a glance of what firmware level you're on etc.
Always keep your Engine software up to date as it ensure new features are added and any lingering bugs are resolved.
In the same top right where it indicates the COM / Engine firmware is the *Packet Send Interval* this is important to confirm and be aware.
Why??
Because if you use a third party hosting site as I do at SEG. Some of the gadgets will only update every 30 seconds. The GEM captures all live data every second, but only pushes this data to the SEG every 30 seconds.
This is done to ensure there are no rounding errors, or flooding of data to the SEG network. Reducing the time to less than 30 seconds will results in power readings to be either too low, or too high.
I have been told a send time of 30-60 seconds is ideal based on the Java code that rounds the SEG engine YMMV.
Below is the *Channel Options* tab. In this window you can set the PT Type and PT Range. The PT Type is important to note because this is what references the GEM to the grids power line.
If you ever notice that the power readings are out of range. Using a RMS DMM to confirm the homes electrical feed will allow you to fine tune the voltage to the GEM.
This will ensure the measured and captured values are correct and consistent with real world voltage / Kwh consumed. In the same window you can change the channels to be standard or net metering.
As some of you may know I have channel 5 in my home which is back feeding solar power to the grid. The process is quite simple and all it is required is to select the channel in my case (channel 5) click on the net metering, hit save.
Below this option is the single channel polarity. This will allow you to send data in (-) negative values so it can deduct its production from the SEG website. If this is done you also need to change the channel 5 in the SEG and select *Green*
This will ensure the charts show green and is also going the opposite direction.
Below is the Channel CT tab. This tab is important to note because this determines what attributes are applied to the CT's you're using to capture your power consumption.
If some of you recall I had at least two channels giving me wonky numbers and it was not reflected in the GEM / SEG correctly.
For any appliance which is 240 you will select 1 CT or 2 CT which applies to your setup. Once done there will be a 1 in the 240 column.
To make changes to a channel you will do the following in this order:
Chan: <-- Enter the channel you want to change.
Select CT: <-- Select the correct Micro CT that is attached for the device
click save and you will notice that the CT Type & CT Range will change.
Below is the temperature tab which will allow you to configure C / F. It will also allow you to enable / disable each sensor separately for maintenance etc. The one wire MAC code is also displayed for reference should it be required.
Teken . . .
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Below is the packet set up and send intervals as stated above. The GEM can send various data packets like ASCII, Binary, SEG, ISY etc. As noted before the send interval determines when the GEM will push, broadcast its captured data.
For a home server setting it to 5-10 seconds may be OK. Doing so to a third party service like SEG can impact the accuracy of the data presented to the end user on the site. As I understand it the Java code used in the SEG has limitations and there for can not accept a flood of data lower than 30 seconds.
Doing so will result in values being hundreds to thousands of watts to be displayed!
The internal GEM website also allows you to see live electrical consumption on the fly. This is helpful in trouble shooting initial set up to a data server and to a 3rd party hosting service like SEG.
It also allows you to skip the delay and see live events as they happen. Very handy in testing and diagnosing electrical faults.
Below is the area where you can select channels and devices to be broad casted to services like the ISY HA controller, SEG, your own hosting service etc.
Below is a larger and expanded view CT Settings tab. You can see and confirm at a glance the GEM channel, type, range, CT model, and if a channel is indeed programmed for 240 monitoring.
As stated some where in the process my two channels got buggered up. Thus giving wrong and inaccurate data from these two channels. Next month will give me a 100% snap shot of my power consumption, I hope!
Below is the window to enable the Zigbee options for the Brultech and the ISY-994iZ home automation controller.
I have been informed by both UDI / Brultech that this area is still under development and progress continues to be made. There has been conflicting reports, feed back about the two units working together.
The following facts are these: The ISY-994iZ IR Pro can communicate with the older 1240 Brultech energy monitor and can *see* and communicate with only 7 channels.
The GEM can be configured to send data to the ISY using the legacy 1240 standard. But, at present can not communicate simultaneously with the SEG, ISY, and Dash Box.
Ben at Brultech has advised me that this aspect is being developed and I hope its forth coming soon. As we are so very close in gluing all aspects of Energy management with Home Automation for the little guy!
As I have been informed the long term goal for me will be to have the Dash Box connected to the GEM. The ISY HA Controller will send data via Zigbee, the Dash Box will be connected via RS232, and resolve the data through its own Ethernet ports to send the data to the SEG site.
This will allow all three devices and services to work in unison . . .
Below are options in the Advanced tab. The screen was too long so I have to split the image into several parts, sorry.
Advanced tab second level screen capture:
Below is the live watts being consumed in each channel a user is monitoring. You can also see at a glance the voltage at the mains, temperature for the eight 1 wire sensors, and pulse sensors like water and gas.
Below is the accumulated watts hours for the system since install.
Below is the status tab indicating the essentials of the GEM.
Below is the GreenEye Setup Control Panel. Please note there is at least four ways to first set up, connect, and control the GEM. Some of the elements to connect and control the GEM is almost mind numbing to say the least!
To help others in the future I wanted to show you where and how to see if something is not set correctly. Below is a screen capture of the CT's as they are identified by the software.
You will notice on the lower right side are four channels named ch 29, 30, 31, 32. The Type and range are indicated as Type 145, Range 2.
This is what one of the channels were set at instead of Micro 40! The end result is that you will either see missing power, or power that simply doesn't add up to what you're using in real time.
Below is the screen capture of last nights COM update to 1.91 for the GEM. I wanted to show the members of what the .... bars looked like and what to expect.
These .... will continue until the stated notes in the window almost disappear. Again when the COM firmware is loading the user will see the GEM's left side LED blink and alternate from red / green. The right side LED will be dark and unlit.
Anything other than this sequence is not good and you may have to reload and enjoy doing this process again.
The whole thing takes about 4 minutes to complete.
For a home server setting it to 5-10 seconds may be OK. Doing so to a third party service like SEG can impact the accuracy of the data presented to the end user on the site. As I understand it the Java code used in the SEG has limitations and there for can not accept a flood of data lower than 30 seconds.
Doing so will result in values being hundreds to thousands of watts to be displayed!
The internal GEM website also allows you to see live electrical consumption on the fly. This is helpful in trouble shooting initial set up to a data server and to a 3rd party hosting service like SEG.
It also allows you to skip the delay and see live events as they happen. Very handy in testing and diagnosing electrical faults.
Below is the area where you can select channels and devices to be broad casted to services like the ISY HA controller, SEG, your own hosting service etc.
Below is a larger and expanded view CT Settings tab. You can see and confirm at a glance the GEM channel, type, range, CT model, and if a channel is indeed programmed for 240 monitoring.
As stated some where in the process my two channels got buggered up. Thus giving wrong and inaccurate data from these two channels. Next month will give me a 100% snap shot of my power consumption, I hope!
Below is the window to enable the Zigbee options for the Brultech and the ISY-994iZ home automation controller.
I have been informed by both UDI / Brultech that this area is still under development and progress continues to be made. There has been conflicting reports, feed back about the two units working together.
The following facts are these: The ISY-994iZ IR Pro can communicate with the older 1240 Brultech energy monitor and can *see* and communicate with only 7 channels.
The GEM can be configured to send data to the ISY using the legacy 1240 standard. But, at present can not communicate simultaneously with the SEG, ISY, and Dash Box.
Ben at Brultech has advised me that this aspect is being developed and I hope its forth coming soon. As we are so very close in gluing all aspects of Energy management with Home Automation for the little guy!
As I have been informed the long term goal for me will be to have the Dash Box connected to the GEM. The ISY HA Controller will send data via Zigbee, the Dash Box will be connected via RS232, and resolve the data through its own Ethernet ports to send the data to the SEG site.
This will allow all three devices and services to work in unison . . .
Below are options in the Advanced tab. The screen was too long so I have to split the image into several parts, sorry.
Advanced tab second level screen capture:
Below is the live watts being consumed in each channel a user is monitoring. You can also see at a glance the voltage at the mains, temperature for the eight 1 wire sensors, and pulse sensors like water and gas.
Below is the accumulated watts hours for the system since install.
Below is the status tab indicating the essentials of the GEM.
Below is the GreenEye Setup Control Panel. Please note there is at least four ways to first set up, connect, and control the GEM. Some of the elements to connect and control the GEM is almost mind numbing to say the least!
To help others in the future I wanted to show you where and how to see if something is not set correctly. Below is a screen capture of the CT's as they are identified by the software.
You will notice on the lower right side are four channels named ch 29, 30, 31, 32. The Type and range are indicated as Type 145, Range 2.
This is what one of the channels were set at instead of Micro 40!
The end result is that you will either see missing power, or power that simply doesn't add up to what you're using in real time.
Below is the screen capture of last nights COM update to 1.91 for the GEM. I wanted to show the members of what the .... bars looked like and what to expect.
These .... will continue until the stated notes in the window almost disappear. Again when the COM firmware is loading the user will see the GEM's left side LED blink and alternate from red / green. The right side LED will be dark and unlit.
Anything other than this sequence is not good and you may have to reload and enjoy doing this process again.
The whole thing takes about 4 minutes to complete.
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I wanted to document the steps of how to accomplish loading and accessing the GEM. There are more than one way to do this so this is why I am writing this out for those in the future who happen to stumble upon this task.
Again, this is how I do it and if you find a better, faster method please do let me know!
You first need the EtherX tool: This tool will configure the network elements of the GEM to connect to your computer and network. It is also used to initiate communications to the internal GEM website, and any 3rd party hosting site.
Making any changes in this tool will either allow you to connect to the GEM, or sever the connection to the on site data server computer, hosting site, etc.
This is the default view and selections for my environment. In this mode the data from the GEM is pushed to the SEG and you can see the DNS settings along with the DHCP settings to
Below are the required changes to the EtherX tool to allow you to connect using the either of the following tools: GreenEye Setup Control Panel v2.1, GEM Internal Website, and the Firmware Upgrade Tool v1.5.
1. Change the IP Configuration Method from DHCP to Static.
2. Uncheck the Use DNS, this will allow you to enter the Operation Mode.
3. Under the Operation mode change it from Client to Server.
4. Enter the server IP of the GEM along with the port your using. In this case its listed above.
5. Select save. A pop up window will appear and hit OK.
The EtherX software can be launched multiple times (instances). This is NOT good, and can add to the frustrations you may encounter. If you believe more than one instance is running kill that process in Windows.
Not knowing, or doing so will leave the GEM in a bricked state in terms of you being able to connect, or even change its network settings!
Once this is done you can enter the same local IP address of the GEM into a browser to access. In this case it would be 192.168.100.104:7967
This will let you access the GEM's internal website to make any global changes. These same changes can be done using the GreenEye Setup Tool v2.1
This is where it confuses the hell out of people . . . The system allows you to make changes in any of the two, so be aware.
If you intend to upgrade the firmware than this tool is used to complete this end task.
1. Double click on the tool and it will launch.
2. Enter the client IP and Port.
3. Select COM: You must always load COM firmware first! As noted in several posts above. This application will allow a unsuspecting user to select both COM, Engine radial buttons! It will also allow you to deselect both radial buttons.
4. Once the COM firmware is complete as is listed below.
5. You may proceed to load the Engine firmware. Taking special care and note to deselect the COM radial button. Wait for the firmware to load and the system to reboot.
As listed way back in another post if you come from v1.71 etc you need to follow the power down sequence to ensure the GEM accepts the firmware and does not leave your GEM bricked.
Once you have either finished poking around in the GEM internal website, or firmware loading tool, or green eye setup control panel. You will need to reverse all the settings on the EtherX tool.
This will ensure the GEM is pushing the data to the on site data server, 3rd party hosting site, or what ever. The key element is to see the left side LED on the GEM blink every 30 seconds indicating its broadcasting this data.
If the unit never blinks, the GEM is not sending data. YMMV on how to recover from this. I have tried various methods of unplugging both transformers and waiting 30 seconds, to using the EtherX tool and hitting the fucken save button 9999999999999 times, to toggling back and forth changing the network settings to make the device start broadcasting.
Again YMMV in how this happens . . .
Once its all set, just leave it alone because messing around with it will cause you great stress, pains, and a ulcer . . .
Teken . . .
Again, this is how I do it and if you find a better, faster method please do let me know!
You first need the EtherX tool: This tool will configure the network elements of the GEM to connect to your computer and network. It is also used to initiate communications to the internal GEM website, and any 3rd party hosting site.
Making any changes in this tool will either allow you to connect to the GEM, or sever the connection to the on site data server computer, hosting site, etc.
This is the default view and selections for my environment. In this mode the data from the GEM is pushed to the SEG and you can see the DNS settings along with the DHCP settings to
Below are the required changes to the EtherX tool to allow you to connect using the either of the following tools: GreenEye Setup Control Panel v2.1, GEM Internal Website, and the Firmware Upgrade Tool v1.5.
1. Change the IP Configuration Method from DHCP to Static.
2. Uncheck the Use DNS, this will allow you to enter the Operation Mode.
3. Under the Operation mode change it from Client to Server.
4. Enter the server IP of the GEM along with the port your using. In this case its listed above.
5. Select save. A pop up window will appear and hit OK.
The EtherX software can be launched multiple times (instances). This is NOT good, and can add to the frustrations you may encounter. If you believe more than one instance is running kill that process in Windows.
Not knowing, or doing so will leave the GEM in a bricked state in terms of you being able to connect, or even change its network settings!
Once this is done you can enter the same local IP address of the GEM into a browser to access. In this case it would be 192.168.100.104:7967
This will let you access the GEM's internal website to make any global changes. These same changes can be done using the GreenEye Setup Tool v2.1
This is where it confuses the hell out of people . . . The system allows you to make changes in any of the two, so be aware.
If you intend to upgrade the firmware than this tool is used to complete this end task.
1. Double click on the tool and it will launch.
2. Enter the client IP and Port.
3. Select COM: You must always load COM firmware first! As noted in several posts above. This application will allow a unsuspecting user to select both COM, Engine radial buttons!
It will also allow you to deselect both radial buttons.4. Once the COM firmware is complete as is listed below.
5. You may proceed to load the Engine firmware. Taking special care and note to deselect the COM radial button. Wait for the firmware to load and the system to reboot.
As listed way back in another post if you come from v1.71 etc you need to follow the power down sequence to ensure the GEM accepts the firmware and does not leave your GEM bricked.
Once you have either finished poking around in the GEM internal website, or firmware loading tool, or green eye setup control panel. You will need to reverse all the settings on the EtherX tool.
This will ensure the GEM is pushing the data to the on site data server, 3rd party hosting site, or what ever. The key element is to see the left side LED on the GEM blink every 30 seconds indicating its broadcasting this data.
If the unit never blinks, the GEM is not sending data. YMMV on how to recover from this. I have tried various methods of unplugging both transformers and waiting 30 seconds, to using the EtherX tool and hitting the fucken save button 9999999999999 times, to toggling back and forth changing the network settings to make the device start broadcasting.
Again YMMV in how this happens . . .
Once its all set, just leave it alone because messing around with it will cause you great stress, pains, and a ulcer . . .
Teken . . .
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So it looks like the corrections and changes I made in the GEM module for channel 24 for the hot water heater have worked. Below you can see the two round power dials which monitor the left and right side of the service feed.
The electric hot water tank is currently on. Both mains show power of 2K plus each. Going down stairs and reading the service tag for the Bradford White tank indicates each top and bottom element consume 2200 watts each when on.
So far it looks good and is reflective of real world power consumption and does show up in both service feeds since its a 240 device.
Below is another gadget that allows me to see each single channel and review more detailed stats about the device(s).
The proof in the pudding is to see the combined load on that single channel. As you can see its showing a whopping 4443 watts which is correct. So this whole 5-6 months I have been under recording my true power values.
As an aside I have recently changed the water heaters thermostat to be at *hot* and measured the water. Before it was a scalding 80'C / 176'F to a more safer and cost saving 65'C / 149'F.
Below is a before and after power capture in this chart. This is the beauty of the GEM / SEG site as it lets a user to recall events from any period. As you can see the previous recording were only 2K plus. Clearly I was living a lie and was not recording the actual power use.
To the right of the graph you see the true 4K power consumption which reflects real world conditions. I believe with the corrections in the GEM, and lowered temps to the hot water tank my hopes are the readings will be wash, and my electrical bill will go down just a smidgen!
Cheap ******* I am . . .
Teken . . .
Below you can see the two round power dials which monitor the left and right side of the service feed.The electric hot water tank is currently on. Both mains show power of 2K plus each. Going down stairs and reading the service tag for the Bradford White tank indicates each top and bottom element consume 2200 watts each when on.
So far it looks good and is reflective of real world power consumption and does show up in both service feeds since its a 240 device.
Below is another gadget that allows me to see each single channel and review more detailed stats about the device(s).
The proof in the pudding is to see the combined load on that single channel. As you can see its showing a whopping 4443 watts which is correct. So this whole 5-6 months I have been under recording my true power values.
As an aside I have recently changed the water heaters thermostat to be at *hot* and measured the water. Before it was a scalding 80'C / 176'F to a more safer and cost saving 65'C / 149'F.
Below is a before and after power capture in this chart. This is the beauty of the GEM / SEG site as it lets a user to recall events from any period. As you can see the previous recording were only 2K plus. Clearly I was living a lie and was not recording the actual power use.
To the right of the graph you see the true 4K power consumption which reflects real world conditions.
I believe with the corrections in the GEM, and lowered temps to the hot water tank my hopes are the readings will be wash, and my electrical bill will go down just a smidgen!Cheap ******* I am . . .
Teken . . .
This is the new GEM Network Utility v1.5 this tool replaces the EtherX tool. Below are some of the screen shots of the new tool. As stated before there were several other tools that had similar features and abilities which could access and control the GEM.
This tool has the same look and feel of the older EtherX tool with obvious enhancements and capabilties.
Enjoy . . .
Teken . . .
This tool has the same look and feel of the older EtherX tool with obvious enhancements and capabilties.
Enjoy . . .
Teken . . .
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So many people have asked me to clarify a few things for them in terms of what are some of the acronyms I keep using in this thread etc. What is it that I am referring to all time that controls so many elements of my HA (Home Automation) system.
People often see me refer to the ISY, this HA controller is made and developed by the great people of UDI (Universal Devices Incorporated) and can be found here:http://www.universal-devices.com/
The heart of the system in my home is this device: Two ISY-99i IR Pro, ISY-994iZ IR Pro these three controllers manage and control all elements of the homes Heating, AC, Lights, Access Control, Windows, Irrigation, and Force Protection elements.
The end goal is to have the ISY controller, GEM (Green Eye Monitor) , Dash Box, Security all linked and communicating with one another. Unlike others I have purposely decided to leave the primary security system independent, yet self aware of the other elements of the HA system.
The final goal is to have a bi-directional communication in terms of status. Not so much as to be reactive and be able to control one or the other. Again, the reason I leave the security system separate is that I personally don't believe HA is at the point where it can be 100% relied upon to ensure force protection and security.
There are many people who have done so with great success. But, my views and 25 years of experience in the security field keep me grounded and stop me from integrating my HA into the security system.
Below is what the ISY-994iZ IR Pro looks like out of the box. Now you all know what a ISY is and what it looks like.
Whats in the box? Inside you get the controller, antenna, quick start guide, 5 volt DC power supply.
This model is the ISY-994iZ IR Pro. This controller is equipped with a high power ZigBee radio antenna. This unit is configured and firmware upgraded to perform energy management, hence why its being used to communicate to the GEM.
Zigbee radio antenna and the ISY-994iZ IR Pro out of the box.
The front of the unit which has all of the status indicators, Micro SD card, IR receiver.
To clarify one point for anyone not familiar with HA. This controller can control and communicate with the Insteon home automation system. The *Port A* is wired to a PLM, the PLM is a small box that contains all of the data, links, etc of the Insteon devices in the network.
The ISY is the brains which allows control and management of the basic Insteon system. The ISY controller can be used to initiate timers, events, schedules, or react to or programmed to use variables, if, then, else, clauses.
It can be programmed to use dusk to dawn, status, control, events in programs which allow the user unlimited possibilities in how the home will react to the users commands or occupancy.
For my purpose the GEM will be tied to the ISY controller. It will be able to see the devices power use and based on programs I have initiated it will perform various tasks to ensure the home is as efficient, safe, and secure att all times.
Right now its simply a matter of getting all parties involved in the final development and completion of this end goal.
Teken . . .
People often see me refer to the ISY, this HA controller is made and developed by the great people of UDI (Universal Devices Incorporated) and can be found here:http://www.universal-devices.com/
The heart of the system in my home is this device: Two ISY-99i IR Pro, ISY-994iZ IR Pro these three controllers manage and control all elements of the homes Heating, AC, Lights, Access Control, Windows, Irrigation, and Force Protection elements.
The end goal is to have the ISY controller, GEM (Green Eye Monitor) , Dash Box, Security all linked and communicating with one another. Unlike others I have purposely decided to leave the primary security system independent, yet self aware of the other elements of the HA system.
The final goal is to have a bi-directional communication in terms of status. Not so much as to be reactive and be able to control one or the other. Again, the reason I leave the security system separate is that I personally don't believe HA is at the point where it can be 100% relied upon to ensure force protection and security.
There are many people who have done so with great success. But, my views and 25 years of experience in the security field keep me grounded and stop me from integrating my HA into the security system.
Below is what the ISY-994iZ IR Pro looks like out of the box. Now you all know what a ISY is and what it looks like.
Whats in the box?
Inside you get the controller, antenna, quick start guide, 5 volt DC power supply.
This model is the ISY-994iZ IR Pro. This controller is equipped with a high power ZigBee radio antenna. This unit is configured and firmware upgraded to perform energy management, hence why its being used to communicate to the GEM.
Zigbee radio antenna and the ISY-994iZ IR Pro out of the box.
The front of the unit which has all of the status indicators, Micro SD card, IR receiver.
To clarify one point for anyone not familiar with HA. This controller can control and communicate with the Insteon home automation system. The *Port A* is wired to a PLM, the PLM is a small box that contains all of the data, links, etc of the Insteon devices in the network.
The ISY is the brains which allows control and management of the basic Insteon system. The ISY controller can be used to initiate timers, events, schedules, or react to or programmed to use variables, if, then, else, clauses.
It can be programmed to use dusk to dawn, status, control, events in programs which allow the user unlimited possibilities in how the home will react to the users commands or occupancy.
For my purpose the GEM will be tied to the ISY controller. It will be able to see the devices power use and based on programs I have initiated it will perform various tasks to ensure the home is as efficient, safe, and secure att all times.
Right now its simply a matter of getting all parties involved in the final development and completion of this end goal.
Teken . . .
This is the Dash Box made by a Canadian company called Brultech. You may see more of their offerings here: http://brultech.com/
This little mini Linux box will be the back up system to the SEG energy website which currently hosts all of the energy stats for my home. The reason I will be using both services is to ensure fail over.
There have been times where the SEG site has been down for service maintenance and upgrades. When this happens it leaves the user with a gap in data. The time it takes to inject all the missing values can be at times quite tedious.
Therefor I have decided to purchase this Dash Box in hopes of having at least one system always available and on line to compensate for the other.
To see a preliminary website for the dash box please go here: http://www.mypowerpanel.com/web-server/
This device will be wired to the GEM using RS232 communications. Once tied in the Dash Box will forward the same data captured by the GEM to the third party energy hosting site of SEG.
I hope the following threads, links, and over view gives enough information to all to either pursue, or consider taking the jump into energy management and into the great and fantastic world of home automation (HA).
This time 30 years ago mere mortal could not even imagine the amount of control, power, and capability one could have at their finger tips. Those who could afford such power had more money than God.
Those of us who live on a Kraft Dinner (KD) budget could only dream of such things. Now, its 2013 and its safe to say many Average Joe's can take part and enjoy these simple pleasures and enjoy their homes even more.
Teken . . .
This little mini Linux box will be the back up system to the SEG energy website which currently hosts all of the energy stats for my home. The reason I will be using both services is to ensure fail over.
There have been times where the SEG site has been down for service maintenance and upgrades. When this happens it leaves the user with a gap in data. The time it takes to inject all the missing values can be at times quite tedious.
Therefor I have decided to purchase this Dash Box in hopes of having at least one system always available and on line to compensate for the other.
To see a preliminary website for the dash box please go here: http://www.mypowerpanel.com/web-server/
This device will be wired to the GEM using RS232 communications. Once tied in the Dash Box will forward the same data captured by the GEM to the third party energy hosting site of SEG.
I hope the following threads, links, and over view gives enough information to all to either pursue, or consider taking the jump into energy management and into the great and fantastic world of home automation (HA).
This time 30 years ago mere mortal could not even imagine the amount of control, power, and capability one could have at their finger tips. Those who could afford such power had more money than God.
Those of us who live on a Kraft Dinner (KD) budget could only dream of such things. Now, its 2013 and its safe to say many Average Joe's can take part and enjoy these simple pleasures and enjoy their homes even more.
Teken . . .
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So others have asked me to provide some more detailed charts of the install. Here are some gadgets that track and record energy consumption for my home. Below I will also provide a few screen captures of all the gadgets that the SEG can provide the end user.
I do not use them all, as some of them do not apply to my install / environment.
The following are the GEM single channels which monitor each circuit in the home. This is just a snap shot at 8:00 AM.
Each *Gadget* can provide the instantaneous consumed power, along with the accumulated KWH for that day. These gadgets must be refreshed in the web browser and do not auto update like the other ones do.
Clicking on the blue arrow will expand the channel in question and will allow the end user to see more details about the load.
Captions will follow to show you what to look for.
Below are the gadgets that the SEG can render and provide to the end user should it be required.
In terms of practical use the GEM / SEG can inform the user of the minimum, maximum, average, and load factor of any device.
I have used these elements to determine if the device is a power hog, is it with in standard operating power use compared to the makers label?
Is the device set correctly for duty cycle, on / off events, is the TSTAT set too high, too low?
Is that light bulb, TV, Water Pump been left on all day? Is the motor for the pool been cycling on / off and will burn out?
This is why I track my items and hope to be aware of things around me.
I do not use them all, as some of them do not apply to my install / environment.
The following are the GEM single channels which monitor each circuit in the home. This is just a snap shot at 8:00 AM.
Each *Gadget* can provide the instantaneous consumed power, along with the accumulated KWH for that day. These gadgets must be refreshed in the web browser and do not auto update like the other ones do.
Clicking on the blue arrow will expand the channel in question and will allow the end user to see more details about the load.
Captions will follow to show you what to look for.
Below are the gadgets that the SEG can render and provide to the end user should it be required.
In terms of practical use the GEM / SEG can inform the user of the minimum, maximum, average, and load factor of any device.
I have used these elements to determine if the device is a power hog, is it with in standard operating power use compared to the makers label?
Is the device set correctly for duty cycle, on / off events, is the TSTAT set too high, too low?
Is that light bulb, TV, Water Pump been left on all day? Is the motor for the pool been cycling on / off and will burn out?
This is why I track my items and hope to be aware of things around me.
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wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
In regards to your water heater, all the electric water heaters i know of only use one element at a time! Maybe yours is different but if it isnt then u should only be seeing juice consumption equal to the listed wattage of one element! What size breaker feeds your water heater?
A 30 amp breaker supplies power to the electric water heater. I don't know when the two heaters come on to be honest. The unit requires 240 AC to power the device, all I care about is being able to see the correct power consumption.
After making the software corrections on the GEM the load that I see is correct and reflects the makers listed panel consumption when on.
Teken . . .
So after several weeks of trouble shooting and trying to figure out why my new ISY-994iZ IR Pro, would not connect to the GEM. Several things came to light and have since been resolved.
The most current GEM COM Firmware is 1.96, Engine 1.41. Please ensure you update your GEM to the latest COM 1.96 as it resolves a few small bugs not known. Release notes are available from Brultech so you can determine if this impacts you.
After flashing the GEM to various COM firmware levels with out any success to connect to the GEM. Issuing endless strings of commands via the Green Eye Setup Tool v2.1 nothing I did would allow me to connect to the ISY.
Below is the root cause of all the headaches and sleepless nights I endured. In this image there is a field called PAN ID. This PAN ID is the GEM's internal address to connect to.
The previous ISY manual I received, had a screen capture showing a leading zero (0345). Changing the PAN ID to 345, allowed the ISY to see and poll the data from the GEM.
Configurations on the ISY-994iZ IR Pro:
1. Ensure your ISY is using the latest firmware (4.04 RC)
2. Go to the Configuration Tab -> ZigBee Settings
3. Select the Enabled check box
4. Leave the Link Key / Network Key blank
5. Select Compatibility Mode
6. Click Save
At this point you will see in the *Staus* the message from Down, Establishing, Established. As you see in the image capture above.
Below this shows the ZigBee in the ISY is *Down* and not connected
This shows the ISY is attempting to connect to the GEM.
This shows the ISY is connected to the GEM. This does NOT mean its communicating to the ISY! As it has been stated before up top just because you see this does not mean you will see any nodes in the device tree.
Pressing the Diagnostics with in the ISY ZigBee area should present you with this information. If you see information similar to this in the window you're 99% there.
If you don't see any new nodes in the Main Tab -> Network -> My Lighting. The most likely reason is the PAN ID is incorrect. As stated up top the ISY manual states its 0345, when in fact its 345. This PAN ID can be changed to anything you want by issuing the correct command line entry.
Below is the F&*^% PAN ID that caused all the delays and headaches for all. As you can see the PAN ID entered here has a leading zero (0). The GEM was programmed with out the (0) and thus would not allow the final hand shake to allow the ISY / GEM to communicate fully.
I hope this key part helps someone down the line . . .
Configurations on the GEM Module
1. Connect to the GEM first by changing the network settings. This can be done by using the EtherX v2.2 Tool or GEM Network Utility Tool v3.6
How to change the network settings has been listed way up in this thread.
2. Enter the GEM's internal web page and change the following attributes in the GEM module.
3. Go to the *Packet Send* Tab listed below and change the Secondary Packet Format to 1: Multi ECM-1240 Simulation as circled in red below. Ensure the send interval is set to 30 seconds like it is for the primary.
Click Save . . .
4. Scroll down the page and change the number of ECM-1250 devices to simulate from 3, to 1 as it is circled in red below. This will allow the ISY to see the first (7) of the 32 channels of the GEM.
Click Save . . .
5. Select the Advanced Tab. Scroll all the way down the page and select the Go button to *Set Zigbee for ISY* this will instruct the GEM to write the required AT commands to connect to the ISY controller.
6. Once you press the Go *Set ZigBee for ISY* the GEM will change to another screen which is listed below. The page will request that you wait 30 seconds before hitting the click here button.
At this point in time clicking the HERE button does not return the user back to the main GEM web page. I have advised Ben at Brultech of this condition as it will result in a page not found.
Once you waited the 30 seconds. Simply close the browser and log back into the GEM's internal web page.
The following things should be confirmed to be ON, and active to ensure the GEM is indeed configured correctly. If not you will surely be pulling out ever strand of hair on your head.
Below are some of the correct and not so correct settings you should see. This screen capture indicates that both COM 1 & 2 are active, which they should be.
As the COM 1 is used to send the SEG data, COM 2 is used to send ISY data. Right now the COM 2 is sending a Binary Code and not the ISY code hence why it can only see 7 of the 32 channels etc.
Firmwware COM 1.96 has been deployed as it corrected a previous bug which would disable one or both COM ports when the GEM was powered cycled. Please ensure you have COM 1.96 installed to ensure communications are enabled and rock solid.
Under the *Status* Tab you will want to confirm again that both COM ports are enabled and active. You will really want to confirm that your GEM's hardware configuration is also correct.
In my case, during the endless trouble shooting it was determined my hardware configurations were not correct. My GEM was configured to ZigBee, and not with ZigBee & Ethernet.
This will impact your system from operating as expected.
If you find that your GEM is not configured with the correct hardware. Please contact Ben at Brultech. He will provide you a password to access the Factory Settings Page.
This will allow you to configure your GEM correctly, this same information should be confirmed in the Status Tab as you saw above.
The most current GEM COM Firmware is 1.96, Engine 1.41. Please ensure you update your GEM to the latest COM 1.96 as it resolves a few small bugs not known. Release notes are available from Brultech so you can determine if this impacts you.
After flashing the GEM to various COM firmware levels with out any success to connect to the GEM. Issuing endless strings of commands via the Green Eye Setup Tool v2.1 nothing I did would allow me to connect to the ISY.
Below is the root cause of all the headaches and sleepless nights I endured. In this image there is a field called PAN ID. This PAN ID is the GEM's internal address to connect to.
The previous ISY manual I received, had a screen capture showing a leading zero (0345). Changing the PAN ID to 345, allowed the ISY to see and poll the data from the GEM.
Configurations on the ISY-994iZ IR Pro:
1. Ensure your ISY is using the latest firmware (4.04 RC)
2. Go to the Configuration Tab -> ZigBee Settings
3. Select the Enabled check box
4. Leave the Link Key / Network Key blank
5. Select Compatibility Mode
6. Click Save
At this point you will see in the *Staus* the message from Down, Establishing, Established. As you see in the image capture above.
Below this shows the ZigBee in the ISY is *Down* and not connected
This shows the ISY is attempting to connect to the GEM.
This shows the ISY is connected to the GEM. This does NOT mean its communicating to the ISY! As it has been stated before up top just because you see this does not mean you will see any nodes in the device tree.
Pressing the Diagnostics with in the ISY ZigBee area should present you with this information. If you see information similar to this in the window you're 99% there.
If you don't see any new nodes in the Main Tab -> Network -> My Lighting. The most likely reason is the PAN ID is incorrect. As stated up top the ISY manual states its 0345, when in fact its 345. This PAN ID can be changed to anything you want by issuing the correct command line entry.
Below is the F&*^% PAN ID that caused all the delays and headaches for all.
As you can see the PAN ID entered here has a leading zero (0). The GEM was programmed with out the (0) and thus would not allow the final hand shake to allow the ISY / GEM to communicate fully.I hope this key part helps someone down the line . . .
Configurations on the GEM Module
1. Connect to the GEM first by changing the network settings. This can be done by using the EtherX v2.2 Tool or GEM Network Utility Tool v3.6
How to change the network settings has been listed way up in this thread.
2. Enter the GEM's internal web page and change the following attributes in the GEM module.
3. Go to the *Packet Send* Tab listed below and change the Secondary Packet Format to 1: Multi ECM-1240 Simulation as circled in red below. Ensure the send interval is set to 30 seconds like it is for the primary.
Click Save . . .
4. Scroll down the page and change the number of ECM-1250 devices to simulate from 3, to 1 as it is circled in red below. This will allow the ISY to see the first (7) of the 32 channels of the GEM.
Click Save . . .
5. Select the Advanced Tab. Scroll all the way down the page and select the Go button to *Set Zigbee for ISY* this will instruct the GEM to write the required AT commands to connect to the ISY controller.
6. Once you press the Go *Set ZigBee for ISY* the GEM will change to another screen which is listed below. The page will request that you wait 30 seconds before hitting the click here button.
At this point in time clicking the HERE button does not return the user back to the main GEM web page. I have advised Ben at Brultech of this condition as it will result in a page not found.
Once you waited the 30 seconds. Simply close the browser and log back into the GEM's internal web page.
The following things should be confirmed to be ON, and active to ensure the GEM is indeed configured correctly. If not you will surely be pulling out ever strand of hair on your head.
Below are some of the correct and not so correct settings you should see. This screen capture indicates that both COM 1 & 2 are active, which they should be.
As the COM 1 is used to send the SEG data, COM 2 is used to send ISY data. Right now the COM 2 is sending a Binary Code and not the ISY code hence why it can only see 7 of the 32 channels etc.
Firmwware COM 1.96 has been deployed as it corrected a previous bug which would disable one or both COM ports when the GEM was powered cycled. Please ensure you have COM 1.96 installed to ensure communications are enabled and rock solid.
Under the *Status* Tab you will want to confirm again that both COM ports are enabled and active. You will really want to confirm that your GEM's hardware configuration is also correct.
In my case, during the endless trouble shooting it was determined my hardware configurations were not correct. My GEM was configured to ZigBee, and not with ZigBee & Ethernet.
This will impact your system from operating as expected.
If you find that your GEM is not configured with the correct hardware. Please contact Ben at Brultech. He will provide you a password to access the Factory Settings Page.
This will allow you to configure your GEM correctly, this same information should be confirmed in the Status Tab as you saw above.
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Once all of these tasks have been completed you should see 7 brand new nodes in the ISY device tree.
Again, these first 7 channels are only available out of the supported 32 GEM Channels.
This is what you will be able to see in each of the channels. Please keep in mind the data is streamed to the ISY every 30 seconds. Below is the Main Left of the service feed to my home.
You will note on the right hand side in the Polarlized Power box. This is the solar power being back fed into the grid of the home.
The Main Right service feed standby power consumption at idle.
Panel Plug: This supplies power to various pieces of network, security, home automation, and force protection equipment in the home. This also supplies the power to the GEM and other related energy monitoring equipment.
Kitchen Table Plug: This powers most of the laptops at home. Right now 15 watts is from a netbook. All of the hype about netbooks consuming way less power than traditional laptops are true!
There is no arguing the facts as you clearly see below.
Solar GFCI: This is the dedicated (isolated) circuit that back feeds the solar power from my system. As stated in previous threads having the GEM to track and record the solar production has simply been outstanding.
Once I am able to fully deploy off grid / grid tie solar arrays. I will be able to monitor the health of both systems with out guessing at all.
Garage: This circuit monitors various things such as the GDO, GDO back up battery, Motion Lights, Convenience outlets, and battery charging stations for my Dewalt tools. I am able to see if anything is on, off, and confirm scheduled HA activity.
Case in point: Confirm that the block heater timer is active and working. Ensure my DeWalt battery chargers are charging, trickling, or simply off.
Activate and confirm the in ground sprinklers are active and not over watering the lawn, shrubs, garden.
Front GFCI: This circuit powers various HA devices, a back up house phone, XMAS Lights etc.
Again, these first 7 channels are only available out of the supported 32 GEM Channels.
This is what you will be able to see in each of the channels. Please keep in mind the data is streamed to the ISY every 30 seconds. Below is the Main Left of the service feed to my home.
You will note on the right hand side in the Polarlized Power box. This is the solar power being back fed into the grid of the home.
The Main Right service feed standby power consumption at idle.
Panel Plug: This supplies power to various pieces of network, security, home automation, and force protection equipment in the home. This also supplies the power to the GEM and other related energy monitoring equipment.
Kitchen Table Plug: This powers most of the laptops at home. Right now 15 watts is from a netbook. All of the hype about netbooks consuming way less power than traditional laptops are true!
There is no arguing the facts as you clearly see below.
Solar GFCI: This is the dedicated (isolated) circuit that back feeds the solar power from my system. As stated in previous threads having the GEM to track and record the solar production has simply been outstanding.
Once I am able to fully deploy off grid / grid tie solar arrays. I will be able to monitor the health of both systems with out guessing at all.
Garage: This circuit monitors various things such as the GDO, GDO back up battery, Motion Lights, Convenience outlets, and battery charging stations for my Dewalt tools. I am able to see if anything is on, off, and confirm scheduled HA activity.
Case in point: Confirm that the block heater timer is active and working. Ensure my DeWalt battery chargers are charging, trickling, or simply off.
Activate and confirm the in ground sprinklers are active and not over watering the lawn, shrubs, garden.
Front GFCI: This circuit powers various HA devices, a back up house phone, XMAS Lights etc.
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So what is it you can do with the ISY connected to the GEM? Below is one of many options the ISY can react to, based on the GEM's collected data. I will provide a shot of each and try to provide some real world examples of each.
If you know something can sustain only so much current. This program can act like a safety device and kill the power to that current draw item.
Below is the option to have the ISY program monitor the voltage. All of these options allow the end user to apply what ever meets their needs. In some cases the client may not know the wattage, current, but knows the voltage they expect the device to operate within.
In my case, this added feature will allow me to monitor the grid voltage. Should the grid voltage drop off based on my set limit the program will initiate a immediate shut down of the solar array.
This will ensure no linemen will be hurt or injured due to solar power being present and back feeding into the grid. As indicated earlier my system has a electronic *Island Protection* circuit which monitors the grid voltage. This safety system is in place and will shut down the inverter should grid power be lost.
Using my HA (Home Automation) I can have three layers of redundancy to ensure all safety measures are in place and active.
Below is the ability to initiate a program based on the polarization (solar generation) this program will track the amount of generated power from my off grid system and will divert that power to four portable battery back up systems. Upon meeting *** threshold this diverted power will be redirected back to the grid to reduce my over all consumption.
My end goal is to be net neutral, or at the very least pay a $1.00 electric bill every month!
Below is the ability to have a program start and control various elements of the home based on the consumed / utilized power. I can think of many things I could come up with that could benefit from this utilization option.
Below is the option to have a program start based on Accumulated Power.
Programs can be started based on the following criteria: Is, Is Not, <, >, <=, >=, If, Then, Else statements, Variables, Climate, Status, Control, X10, IR, Modules.
One very interesting element is the ability to initiate a program on Flex Alert, Open ADR. I unfortunately live in a town that is in the stone ages. Those who live in the 21st century and your POCO has programs which allow you to participate in these offerings can literally do the following.
I apologize if how the information is relayed is not 100% spot on. But, most of you will get the general idea. For the Flex Alert it is like some of those programs called *Beat The Heat* where you're aware of the electrical use and try to meet, attain, or beat the stated goals.
Its a fun way to get the whole family into being green and brings awareness of how you interaction with the home impacts the electrical grid. Many folks live in countries where rolling black outs are the norm as the grid can not provide and sustain the power during high seasons such as winter / summer.
In the Open ADR, the system can shut down devices in your home based on electrical demands to ensure consumption is reduced and the grid is safe.
More to come . . .
Teken . . .
If you know something can sustain only so much current. This program can act like a safety device and kill the power to that current draw item.
Below is the option to have the ISY program monitor the voltage. All of these options allow the end user to apply what ever meets their needs. In some cases the client may not know the wattage, current, but knows the voltage they expect the device to operate within.
In my case, this added feature will allow me to monitor the grid voltage. Should the grid voltage drop off based on my set limit the program will initiate a immediate shut down of the solar array.
This will ensure no linemen will be hurt or injured due to solar power being present and back feeding into the grid. As indicated earlier my system has a electronic *Island Protection* circuit which monitors the grid voltage. This safety system is in place and will shut down the inverter should grid power be lost.
Using my HA (Home Automation) I can have three layers of redundancy to ensure all safety measures are in place and active.
Below is the ability to initiate a program based on the polarization (solar generation) this program will track the amount of generated power from my off grid system and will divert that power to four portable battery back up systems. Upon meeting *** threshold this diverted power will be redirected back to the grid to reduce my over all consumption.
My end goal is to be net neutral, or at the very least pay a $1.00 electric bill every month!
Below is the ability to have a program start and control various elements of the home based on the consumed / utilized power. I can think of many things I could come up with that could benefit from this utilization option.
Below is the option to have a program start based on Accumulated Power.
Programs can be started based on the following criteria: Is, Is Not, <, >, <=, >=, If, Then, Else statements, Variables, Climate, Status, Control, X10, IR, Modules.
One very interesting element is the ability to initiate a program on Flex Alert, Open ADR. I unfortunately live in a town that is in the stone ages. Those who live in the 21st century and your POCO has programs which allow you to participate in these offerings can literally do the following.
I apologize if how the information is relayed is not 100% spot on. But, most of you will get the general idea. For the Flex Alert it is like some of those programs called *Beat The Heat* where you're aware of the electrical use and try to meet, attain, or beat the stated goals.
Its a fun way to get the whole family into being green and brings awareness of how you interaction with the home impacts the electrical grid. Many folks live in countries where rolling black outs are the norm as the grid can not provide and sustain the power during high seasons such as winter / summer.
In the Open ADR, the system can shut down devices in your home based on electrical demands to ensure consumption is reduced and the grid is safe.
More to come . . .
Teken . . .
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Often times I am asked has all this been worth while and do you see a measurable difference? Below are some of the utility bills that show the investment and time in this project.
Below is the January 2013 electrical and NG heating bill. Keeping in mind I live in an extremely cold part of Canada. Where it can get as cold as -50'C before the wind chill. January cost me a meager $46.79
The typical February 2013 freezing cold in the North. This cost me $61.11 with all the entertaining, cooking, baking, and endless LAN parties . ..
Another cold month in March 2013. As you can see the electrical bill is $46.79 this is with every gizmo that operates and runs my home.
This is my 3 month water bill. This shows how it can be done using Energy Star appliances such as dual flush toilets, slow flow water heads, front loading clothes washer, and steam cleaning dish washers.
All told it costs me $66.32 for water and waste.
So its safe to say all of this energy management, and proper use of resources, and just in time use, has paid off for me.
Teken . . .
Below is the January 2013 electrical and NG heating bill. Keeping in mind I live in an extremely cold part of Canada. Where it can get as cold as -50'C before the wind chill. January cost me a meager $46.79
The typical February 2013 freezing cold in the North. This cost me $61.11 with all the entertaining, cooking, baking, and endless LAN parties . ..
Another cold month in March 2013. As you can see the electrical bill is $46.79 this is with every gizmo that operates and runs my home.
This is my 3 month water bill. This shows how it can be done using Energy Star appliances such as dual flush toilets, slow flow water heads, front loading clothes washer, and steam cleaning dish washers.
All told it costs me $66.32 for water and waste.
So its safe to say all of this energy management, and proper use of resources, and just in time use, has paid off for me.
Teken . . .
A few weeks ago I was able to purchase a pre release of the Dash Box (DB). The DB is a mini Linux server which attaches to the Brultech ECM-1240, Green Eye Monitor (GEM).
The role of the DB is to capture and store the Power, KWH, Temperature, Pulse, Voltage, and Current statistics. This will allow the user to have a on site data server to recall historic energy events through out the home.
Full details and specifications can be found here at the new Brultech site: http://www.mypowerpanel.com/web-server/
I purchased the DB because I wanted an extra level of back up & redundancy. There are times when the SEG (Smart Energy Groups) goes down for maintenance etc. This in effect causes data loss.
Not good if you want to track your power consumption and stats. With the DB I will have the best of both worlds where I can see the same data on line via the SEG, DB, and locally at home.
With this in place, I am assured of data being in one place or another.
During the ordering process I took the time to order two Split 30 CT's as they have a 1% accuracy. I have two projects where I need to know the exact level of power consumption. So, having these two little guys on hand will fit that bill nicely.
I have installed one of these Split 30 CT's on the Secure Room circuit. This will monitor all of the critical system that automate, control, manage the security, HVAC, Networking elements in my home.
Since this Split 30 CT is different from the rest. You must ensure you enter the GEM's internal website and enable the use of this CT. As there are no working options in any of the current tools.
EDIT: Below is the area in the GEM you will select the Split 30 CT. Once you login to the GEM's internal website you will go to the *Channel Option*.
Scroll down and select the Single Phase (Special CT) than click save. This will allow you to see and select the Split 30 CT in the drop down menu from the *Channel CT* menu tab.
Once inside of the *Channel CT* tab. You will select the channel in (Channel 1-2-3 etc) question and then assign the Split 30 CT attributes to the channels using this CT. Click on save and you're good to go. Failure to perform this end task will cause the readings that are captured to be displayed incorrectly.
NOTE: Connect the Split 30 CT to ports 2-3 of the GEM module.
You get one small 5 volt power adaptor.
This is a special RS-232 (STS Cable) cable that connects the DB to the GEM. There are two makes of this cable and the included data sheet explains the difference and how to wire it into the GEM.
This cable must be requested at the time of ordering. As you can connect to the DB via, Zigbee, Wireless, Ethernet, RS-232.
I again opted to connect to the GEM via a hard line. As I have a lot of equipment that cause RFI / EMI in the building. This will ensure no data loss due to poor connectivity.
The included document explain how to wire the RS-232 cable given the color wires you receive. Brultech will high light the cable you have on the included data sheet which you will see below.
Highlighted document which states the color of the wire to what pin out on the GEM device.
This is the Dash Box (DB) in its virgin glory! As some of may have noticed it looks nothing like the advertisement. I was expecting a white / gray piece of plastic box like the GEM.
When in fact its a solid, heavy, and nicely crated piece of aluminum.
Out of the bubble rap and into the Teken air.
The front view of the DB unit. Upon boot up the DB will display Red, Orange, Green LED's, to indicate the boot process, or what state it is in for programming.
COM 1 & COM 2 have small differences when in use. I will try to address each one as more insight and testing unfolds. As there have been on going efforts to make my complicated install all work in unison.
For those who may not recall what I am trying to do. Here is a quick summary of my end goals.
1. Be able to log, control, and react to my environment.
2. Using a combination of the UDI ISY-994iZ IR Pro, GEM, SEG, and DB.
3. The end goal is to make all four devices / services talk and play nicely with one another.
NOTE: If you intend to use all four devices / services together. I have found that configuring the GEM, DB described below to work. Should there be any changes to the physical connection I shall update accordingly.
The STS cable will connect to the GEM's COM 1. The other end of the phono jack will connect to the DB's COM 2. This has allowed me to stay connected to both GEM / DB, while Brultech works on firmware to resolve the connectivity issues of sending data to the SEG site. Please note in the posted picture the wiring is incorrect!
This is the back of the DB unit. The USB port is intended for a wireless antenna. This will allow the DB to operate as an access point. The little black hole is for the ZigBee radio antenna which I intend to purchase in the future.
On the back of the unit is a very small hole. This hole has the reset switch which will allow the user to reset the Admin password, network settings, and default the DB should it be required. The users manual explains how to read the LED's etc to perform each of the tasks.
Below is the *Initial* wiring of the RS-232 cable to the GEM. I say initial because in my special configuration I had to move the wire from COM 2, to COM 1. The reason was to resolve a conflict with the DB and the ISY which I will explain later on.
For your point of reference this picture is upside down. So please read the pin outs on the GEM to ensure the wires are correctly terminated on your device.
Once you have configured the DB on the network and able to gain access to the DB device. You will be presented with this default view. At the top you will see the *Usage Now* this is a live power reading for the home which updates every 30 seconds.
The meter will show the minimum, max, and current power readings. This purple power bar also serves to inform you of the system is on line, having connectivity issues, etc.
To the right is the *Billing Rate* in my area its a flat rate so this is what I used. The user can select Flat, Tiered, Time of Use. More information pertaining to this area will be listed below.
Next is the *Kwh Used Today* It will show the ongoing consumed power along with the costs for that moment in time.
Last, is the *Active Serial* it will display the GEM serial number, local time etc. If at anytime these numbers are not present or accurate. You will know there is something wrong that needs to be corrected.
Below is what Brultech calls the Dash Board. You can create multiple dash boards to reflect your needs or system. Selecting the dash board will provide you graphs, charts, etc.
At the top of the home page are Dashboards, Loads, System. Selecting the Loads will provide you the channels which reflect the monitored loads for the home.
These are the current loads and the images to reflect them. I tried to use as many stock photo images that reflected my homes actual equipment. While others were used to portray an accurate idea and intent of my system.
The Loads view is a current static snapshot of the power reading of each circuit. It is intended as *At a glance* view. Below each channel is a LED which represents if the load is on / off.
Brultech had the for sight and idea to first inform the client a load is on. But, also gave the user to tailor this ON / OFF setting.
So, in essence you could set it to some preferred level to know if something was on or at a specified threshold. I am using it for a few things such as the Sump Pump.
At idle the Sump Pump consumes 1 watt. So leaving it at the default of 0 would not be very helpful. So once it turns on above say 3 watts the LED would turn green. In the future Brultech will incorporate sms / e-mail alerts for pre defined thresholds of when a circuit is active or not.
Having this ability will be fantastic as it allows you to monitor important critical loads. Say for example the fridge is not running at all, or running forever?
You could receive an alert, then resolve that issue. Its all about awareness and having the ability to reduce losses whether it be power use, or equipment failure.
The role of the DB is to capture and store the Power, KWH, Temperature, Pulse, Voltage, and Current statistics. This will allow the user to have a on site data server to recall historic energy events through out the home.
Full details and specifications can be found here at the new Brultech site: http://www.mypowerpanel.com/web-server/
I purchased the DB because I wanted an extra level of back up & redundancy. There are times when the SEG (Smart Energy Groups) goes down for maintenance etc. This in effect causes data loss.
Not good if you want to track your power consumption and stats. With the DB I will have the best of both worlds where I can see the same data on line via the SEG, DB, and locally at home.
With this in place, I am assured of data being in one place or another.
During the ordering process I took the time to order two Split 30 CT's as they have a 1% accuracy. I have two projects where I need to know the exact level of power consumption. So, having these two little guys on hand will fit that bill nicely.
I have installed one of these Split 30 CT's on the Secure Room circuit. This will monitor all of the critical system that automate, control, manage the security, HVAC, Networking elements in my home.
Since this Split 30 CT is different from the rest. You must ensure you enter the GEM's internal website and enable the use of this CT. As there are no working options in any of the current tools.
EDIT: Below is the area in the GEM you will select the Split 30 CT. Once you login to the GEM's internal website you will go to the *Channel Option*.
Scroll down and select the Single Phase (Special CT) than click save. This will allow you to see and select the Split 30 CT in the drop down menu from the *Channel CT* menu tab.
Once inside of the *Channel CT* tab. You will select the channel in (Channel 1-2-3 etc) question and then assign the Split 30 CT attributes to the channels using this CT. Click on save and you're good to go. Failure to perform this end task will cause the readings that are captured to be displayed incorrectly.
NOTE: Connect the Split 30 CT to ports 2-3 of the GEM module.
You get one small 5 volt power adaptor.
This is a special RS-232 (STS Cable) cable that connects the DB to the GEM. There are two makes of this cable and the included data sheet explains the difference and how to wire it into the GEM.
This cable must be requested at the time of ordering. As you can connect to the DB via, Zigbee, Wireless, Ethernet, RS-232.
I again opted to connect to the GEM via a hard line. As I have a lot of equipment that cause RFI / EMI in the building.
This will ensure no data loss due to poor connectivity.
The included document explain how to wire the RS-232 cable given the color wires you receive. Brultech will high light the cable you have on the included data sheet which you will see below.
Highlighted document which states the color of the wire to what pin out on the GEM device.
This is the Dash Box (DB) in its virgin glory!
As some of may have noticed it looks nothing like the advertisement. I was expecting a white / gray piece of plastic box like the GEM.When in fact its a solid, heavy, and nicely crated piece of aluminum.
Out of the bubble rap and into the Teken air.
The front view of the DB unit. Upon boot up the DB will display Red, Orange, Green LED's, to indicate the boot process, or what state it is in for programming.
COM 1 & COM 2 have small differences when in use. I will try to address each one as more insight and testing unfolds. As there have been on going efforts to make my complicated install all work in unison.
For those who may not recall what I am trying to do. Here is a quick summary of my end goals.
1. Be able to log, control, and react to my environment.
2. Using a combination of the UDI ISY-994iZ IR Pro, GEM, SEG, and DB.
3. The end goal is to make all four devices / services talk and play nicely with one another.
NOTE: If you intend to use all four devices / services together. I have found that configuring the GEM, DB described below to work. Should there be any changes to the physical connection I shall update accordingly.
The STS cable will connect to the GEM's COM 1. The other end of the phono jack will connect to the DB's COM 2. This has allowed me to stay connected to both GEM / DB, while Brultech works on firmware to resolve the connectivity issues of sending data to the SEG site. Please note in the posted picture the wiring is incorrect!
This is the back of the DB unit. The USB port is intended for a wireless antenna. This will allow the DB to operate as an access point. The little black hole is for the ZigBee radio antenna which I intend to purchase in the future.
On the back of the unit is a very small hole. This hole has the reset switch which will allow the user to reset the Admin password, network settings, and default the DB should it be required. The users manual explains how to read the LED's etc to perform each of the tasks.
Below is the *Initial* wiring of the RS-232 cable to the GEM. I say initial because in my special configuration I had to move the wire from COM 2, to COM 1. The reason was to resolve a conflict with the DB and the ISY which I will explain later on.
For your point of reference this picture is upside down. So please read the pin outs on the GEM to ensure the wires are correctly terminated on your device.
Once you have configured the DB on the network and able to gain access to the DB device. You will be presented with this default view. At the top you will see the *Usage Now* this is a live power reading for the home which updates every 30 seconds.
The meter will show the minimum, max, and current power readings. This purple power bar also serves to inform you of the system is on line, having connectivity issues, etc.
To the right is the *Billing Rate* in my area its a flat rate so this is what I used. The user can select Flat, Tiered, Time of Use. More information pertaining to this area will be listed below.
Next is the *Kwh Used Today* It will show the ongoing consumed power along with the costs for that moment in time.
Last, is the *Active Serial* it will display the GEM serial number, local time etc. If at anytime these numbers are not present or accurate. You will know there is something wrong that needs to be corrected.
Below is what Brultech calls the Dash Board. You can create multiple dash boards to reflect your needs or system. Selecting the dash board will provide you graphs, charts, etc.
At the top of the home page are Dashboards, Loads, System. Selecting the Loads will provide you the channels which reflect the monitored loads for the home.
These are the current loads and the images to reflect them. I tried to use as many stock photo images that reflected my homes actual equipment. While others were used to portray an accurate idea and intent of my system.
The Loads view is a current static snapshot of the power reading of each circuit. It is intended as *At a glance* view. Below each channel is a LED which represents if the load is on / off.
Brultech had the for sight and idea to first inform the client a load is on. But, also gave the user to tailor this ON / OFF setting.
So, in essence you could set it to some preferred level to know if something was on or at a specified threshold. I am using it for a few things such as the Sump Pump.
At idle the Sump Pump consumes 1 watt. So leaving it at the default of 0 would not be very helpful. So once it turns on above say 3 watts the LED would turn green. In the future Brultech will incorporate sms / e-mail alerts for pre defined thresholds of when a circuit is active or not.
Having this ability will be fantastic as it allows you to monitor important critical loads. Say for example the fridge is not running at all, or running forever?
You could receive an alert, then resolve that issue. Its all about awareness and having the ability to reduce losses whether it be power use, or equipment failure.
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Selecting the *Live Data* will bring you to a new page. This will render the actual loads for all circuits in the home at a 30 second interval. The bar graph to the right moves back and forth to reflect the current power state. The grid to the left of it also updates the current power consumption along with the power in use.
This is a most excellent view, to monitor your circuits when on going work is being done. As it is in my home knowing the attached load is performing as expected with out any guessing.
Next is the *Line Graph* view. This will allow you to see the loads in graphical representation. You can select any of the colored box's to add / omit from the current view. You can also assign different colors in the DB using a color pallet in case you have a preference for the circuit in question.
Changing the color pallet is done in the Settings -> Energy Monitors -> Click to Manage.
Selecting any of the Channels in the Loads section brings up more granular details about the consumption etc.
One neat feature is high lighted in the two red box's. Each circuit will show the current watts, minimum, max, and in use. The red box to the right has a little house. As the KWH goes up, the little house gets shaded in color representing the current state of consumption.
I thought that was a great detail to reflect the usage.
Login to the *Settings* tab will allow you to define and make all the changes to the DB to reflect your environment and needs.
Below are some of the views in each tab.
Energy Monitor: Selecting this tab will allow you to define the labels, images, on / off thresholds, color pallet, main power, net metering, hide an unused channel.
This is a most excellent view, to monitor your circuits when on going work is being done. As it is in my home knowing the attached load is performing as expected with out any guessing.
Next is the *Line Graph* view. This will allow you to see the loads in graphical representation. You can select any of the colored box's to add / omit from the current view. You can also assign different colors in the DB using a color pallet in case you have a preference for the circuit in question.
Changing the color pallet is done in the Settings -> Energy Monitors -> Click to Manage.
Selecting any of the Channels in the Loads section brings up more granular details about the consumption etc.
One neat feature is high lighted in the two red box's. Each circuit will show the current watts, minimum, max, and in use. The red box to the right has a little house. As the KWH goes up, the little house gets shaded in color representing the current state of consumption.
I thought that was a great detail to reflect the usage.
Login to the *Settings* tab will allow you to define and make all the changes to the DB to reflect your environment and needs.
Below are some of the views in each tab.
Energy Monitor: Selecting this tab will allow you to define the labels, images, on / off thresholds, color pallet, main power, net metering, hide an unused channel.
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Billing rates:
Flat Rate:
Tiered Rate:
Time of Use:
Forward Data: This will allow you to input the Token Key / Site Key from the SEG's (Site). The ultimate goal is to be able to push the data from the DB to the SEG.
This process is currently being developed and worked on at the moment. Ben at Brultech has worked on this aspect for quite awhile for me. Right now, connectivity from the DB to the SEG is spotty.
But, I am quite confident that the Brultech team will have this issues resolved in short order.
Modules: These are the available graphs & charts to render your data in the DB.
Images: These are the stock images from Brultech. If they are not to your liking than you can do what I did and upload your own.
Networking: This is for the wireless portion of the DB.
Alerts: Currently this area is still work in progress. Once this option has been fully developed it will allow notification of circuits, temp, pulse channels. The idea is to be able to set thresholds for those you wish and be alerted via sms / e-mail.
System: This area will allow you to make system changes to the Admin, update the DB, clear database, view the raw data, change the communication baud rate, reboot the DB
Update Dash Box: Please note that you must ensure that you use the update file Brultech indicates to you *Prior* attempting to upgrade the DB.
Once that has been done you will see Update version: May 2, 2013 or what ever date the release is made for. You may have to clear the *Raw Data* unplug the STS (Serial RS-232) cable from the GEM. Then reboot the system prior to upgrading the DB device.
Please seek advise and guidance from Brultech as to steps to complete this end task.
Once you have updated the firmware on the DB. You should see a new version number listed below on the website. Mine shows a Version 4.02 which will change as development continues to add, resolve, and improve the Dash Box product offering.
Flat Rate:
Tiered Rate:
Time of Use:
Forward Data: This will allow you to input the Token Key / Site Key from the SEG's (Site). The ultimate goal is to be able to push the data from the DB to the SEG.
This process is currently being developed and worked on at the moment. Ben at Brultech has worked on this aspect for quite awhile for me. Right now, connectivity from the DB to the SEG is spotty.
But, I am quite confident that the Brultech team will have this issues resolved in short order.
Modules: These are the available graphs & charts to render your data in the DB.
Images: These are the stock images from Brultech. If they are not to your liking than you can do what I did and upload your own.
Networking: This is for the wireless portion of the DB.
Alerts: Currently this area is still work in progress. Once this option has been fully developed it will allow notification of circuits, temp, pulse channels. The idea is to be able to set thresholds for those you wish and be alerted via sms / e-mail.
System: This area will allow you to make system changes to the Admin, update the DB, clear database, view the raw data, change the communication baud rate, reboot the DB
Update Dash Box: Please note that you must ensure that you use the update file Brultech indicates to you *Prior* attempting to upgrade the DB.
Once that has been done you will see Update version: May 2, 2013 or what ever date the release is made for. You may have to clear the *Raw Data* unplug the STS (Serial RS-232) cable from the GEM. Then reboot the system prior to upgrading the DB device.
Please seek advise and guidance from Brultech as to steps to complete this end task.
Once you have updated the firmware on the DB. You should see a new version number listed below on the website. Mine shows a Version 4.02 which will change as development continues to add, resolve, and improve the Dash Box product offering.
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Clear Data Base: This section will allow you to clear all accumulated data from the DB device. Great care must be used as there is no method from this interface to save the data.
I believe there is a export tool at the Brultech software section to accomplish this task.
Admin Information:
Raw Data: This will provide insight and feed back that the GEM is indeed streaming data to the DB device. I have observed that even though you see this information coming into the DB. It does not always translate to seeing data or having full communications with the GEM / DB pair.
As stated, on going development and progress is under way to glue all of these devices in my personal environment together. Those who have a simple DB / GEM / ECM-1240 are good to go!
My situation is different from most as I requested support to allow me to first: Send all GEM data to the free energy hosting site of SEG. I like the tools, charts, graphs, and alternate views Sam provides there.
I also have a ISY-994iZ IR Pro, this devices manages all of the lights, plugs, appliances, HVAC, Security, Force Protection, Network, Power Generation, etc. More details will follow about this aspect as a lot of progress has been made to allow all 32 channels to be seen and used in programs etc via the ISY interface.
Help: This section describes what each tab, module does and how to configure them. This area is still work in progress but Brultech has done a fantastic job in providing enough information to get the Dash Box (DB) up in running in no time.
Taking a few moments to read the HELP will provide wealth of information for those rare changes in the DB system.
Below are the details about the LED boot sequence and what to do:
NOTE: Status LED:
The status LED is used to indicate various states of the DashBox.
When the unit is fully powered and operational, the LED will turn green.
When booting, the LED will stay orange while the power backup is charging.
i. The power backup provides enough time for a safe shutdown of the DashBox in case of a power outage.
The LED will flash red upon receiving a packet.
The LED will flash various colours upon initiating a switch sequence.
PB Switch:
After pressing the switch, the Status LED will jump into a sequence. There are 3 options within the sequence:
1. Reboot DashBox.
When the LED turns red, press the switch again. Afterwards, the LED will turn green and the DashBox will jump into its reboot sequence.
2. Reset Network Settings
When the LED turns orange, press the switch again. The network settings will be set to our defaults and the reboot process described above will start.
Reset Dashboard Administration User/Pass.
When the LED turns off, press the switch again. The DashBox will reset the aministration password to the following:
- Username: admin
- Password: pass1
I believe there is a export tool at the Brultech software section to accomplish this task.
Admin Information:
Raw Data: This will provide insight and feed back that the GEM is indeed streaming data to the DB device. I have observed that even though you see this information coming into the DB. It does not always translate to seeing data or having full communications with the GEM / DB pair.
As stated, on going development and progress is under way to glue all of these devices in my personal environment together. Those who have a simple DB / GEM / ECM-1240 are good to go!
My situation is different from most as I requested support to allow me to first: Send all GEM data to the free energy hosting site of SEG. I like the tools, charts, graphs, and alternate views Sam provides there.
I also have a ISY-994iZ IR Pro, this devices manages all of the lights, plugs, appliances, HVAC, Security, Force Protection, Network, Power Generation, etc. More details will follow about this aspect as a lot of progress has been made to allow all 32 channels to be seen and used in programs etc via the ISY interface.
Help: This section describes what each tab, module does and how to configure them. This area is still work in progress but Brultech has done a fantastic job in providing enough information to get the Dash Box (DB) up in running in no time.
Taking a few moments to read the HELP will provide wealth of information for those rare changes in the DB system.
Below are the details about the LED boot sequence and what to do:
NOTE: Status LED:
The status LED is used to indicate various states of the DashBox.
When the unit is fully powered and operational, the LED will turn green.
When booting, the LED will stay orange while the power backup is charging.
i. The power backup provides enough time for a safe shutdown of the DashBox in case of a power outage.
The LED will flash red upon receiving a packet.
The LED will flash various colours upon initiating a switch sequence.
PB Switch:
After pressing the switch, the Status LED will jump into a sequence. There are 3 options within the sequence:
1. Reboot DashBox.
When the LED turns red, press the switch again. Afterwards, the LED will turn green and the DashBox will jump into its reboot sequence.
2. Reset Network Settings
When the LED turns orange, press the switch again. The network settings will be set to our defaults and the reboot process described above will start.
Reset Dashboard Administration User/Pass.
When the LED turns off, press the switch again. The DashBox will reset the aministration password to the following:
- Username: admin
- Password: pass1
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As indicated way above in this thread. My ultimate goal was to have the ISY-994iZ IR Pro in having the ability to talk to the GEM. In the firmware 4.04RC all 32 channels of the GEM are exposed and available for use.
UDI continues to work with Brultech in fine tuning what is available and what can be done with the system(s). The one area still being worked on from Brultech is the *Current / Amps* this data is not currently being streamed over to the ISY.
Below are a few screen captures of all 32 channels, and not just the 7 I had previously.
This is the Channel 1 for both the GEM / ISY. Please note the *Current Power* compared to the DB values. They are extremely close and keep in mind the ISY goes to two decimal places and the DB does not and simply rounds up.
I have requested that the next firmware release be updated to show the same 2 decimal places to allow more accuracy and granularity.
Channel 2 of the ISY *Current Power*
These are the values captured by the DB. As indicated they don't allow 2 decimal places so therefor the power values are whole numbers.
Damn, do those breaker panels look ****!
This is a very simple program created in the ISY. This program monitors the voltage on the primary mains. If the voltage should meet the three targets it will send off an e-mail / sms alert.
A more complicated program will entail if the specified values are met. It will turn a device on / off. In this instance, if the voltage should drop to 0 volts it will immediately kill the power to my solar generator.
This is to ensure a fail over device is in place should other mechanical devices fail. This is the perpetual dead mans switch!
My solar generator has what they call *Island Protection* where it monitors the POCO's line voltage. Should line voltage not be present, it will turn off the inverter system to ensure back feeding is not possible.
I also have a dedicated SSR device which monitors the isolated circuit this solar system is on. If God forbid everything just breaks and nothing works. This last line of defense is in place to turn off the solar grid power. This is a N.O (Normally Open) device so requires 120 VAC line voltage to be present at all times to remain closed.
My hopes are none of these safeties will ever have come in to play. But, rest much better knowing I have done my utmost to ensure a safe environment for all parties.
==================================================
Currently UDI is working on implementing a few additions to the Beta release of 4.04 RC. I have requested that certain values be included instead of *Set / Fixed* values as you see above.
In the program above the 110 / 130 are fixed values. I have asked them to provide 0-120, 110 -129, 130-150 VAC. This is to ensure any 120 VAC device can be assigned a safe voltage range for operations.
I have a few electronic devices which don't like high / low voltage swings and would rather them not be exposed to such. So if the GEM / ISY can monitor and than react to this condition it could extend the life of the product considerably.
What you need: You need a ISY-994iZ IR Pro which already includes the Energy Management plug in using firmware 4.04. Next, a Green Eye Monitor (GEM) using firmware COM 2.19 Engine 1.42, Dash Box Firmware 4.06 (DB). To configure the GEM to communicate to the ISY-994iZ IR Pro you will need to go the GEM's internal web page.
Select Packet Send tab, Set the Primary Packet Format to Option: 4 (Bin48-NET-Time) ensure the send interval for both channels is 30 seconds. Change the Secondary Packet Format to Option: 11 (Universal Device ISY) click on save.
NOTE: Your ISY-994iZ IR Pro must be using the latest 4.04 RC firmware. The GEM must be at the latest COM 2.19, Engine 1.42. You must delete any existing nodes in the ISY tree first. Next, remove the Node in the *Diagnostic* tab. Disable the Zigbee Settings from the ISY, and save.
You will than wait 60 seconds, then re-enable the Zigbee Settings option in the ISY. The system will show the Zigbee radio status as down, establishing, established. You will see a pop up window from the ISY where it will start to search for the GEM's Zigbee radio. Once the first data packs start to stream over to the ISY. The 32 channel nodes will appear in the ISY tree window pane.
===================================================
UDI continues to work with Brultech in fine tuning what is available and what can be done with the system(s). The one area still being worked on from Brultech is the *Current / Amps* this data is not currently being streamed over to the ISY.
Below are a few screen captures of all 32 channels, and not just the 7 I had previously.
This is the Channel 1 for both the GEM / ISY. Please note the *Current Power* compared to the DB values. They are extremely close and keep in mind the ISY goes to two decimal places and the DB does not and simply rounds up.
I have requested that the next firmware release be updated to show the same 2 decimal places to allow more accuracy and granularity.
Channel 2 of the ISY *Current Power*
These are the values captured by the DB. As indicated they don't allow 2 decimal places so therefor the power values are whole numbers.
Damn, do those breaker panels look ****!
This is a very simple program created in the ISY. This program monitors the voltage on the primary mains. If the voltage should meet the three targets it will send off an e-mail / sms alert.
A more complicated program will entail if the specified values are met. It will turn a device on / off. In this instance, if the voltage should drop to 0 volts it will immediately kill the power to my solar generator.
This is to ensure a fail over device is in place should other mechanical devices fail. This is the perpetual dead mans switch!
My solar generator has what they call *Island Protection* where it monitors the POCO's line voltage. Should line voltage not be present, it will turn off the inverter system to ensure back feeding is not possible.
I also have a dedicated SSR device which monitors the isolated circuit this solar system is on. If God forbid everything just breaks and nothing works. This last line of defense is in place to turn off the solar grid power. This is a N.O (Normally Open) device so requires 120 VAC line voltage to be present at all times to remain closed.
My hopes are none of these safeties will ever have come in to play. But, rest much better knowing I have done my utmost to ensure a safe environment for all parties.
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Currently UDI is working on implementing a few additions to the Beta release of 4.04 RC. I have requested that certain values be included instead of *Set / Fixed* values as you see above.
In the program above the 110 / 130 are fixed values. I have asked them to provide 0-120, 110 -129, 130-150 VAC. This is to ensure any 120 VAC device can be assigned a safe voltage range for operations.
I have a few electronic devices which don't like high / low voltage swings and would rather them not be exposed to such. So if the GEM / ISY can monitor and than react to this condition it could extend the life of the product considerably.
What you need: You need a ISY-994iZ IR Pro which already includes the Energy Management plug in using firmware 4.04. Next, a Green Eye Monitor (GEM) using firmware COM 2.19 Engine 1.42, Dash Box Firmware 4.06 (DB). To configure the GEM to communicate to the ISY-994iZ IR Pro you will need to go the GEM's internal web page.
Select Packet Send tab, Set the Primary Packet Format to Option: 4 (Bin48-NET-Time) ensure the send interval for both channels is 30 seconds. Change the Secondary Packet Format to Option: 11 (Universal Device ISY) click on save.
NOTE: Your ISY-994iZ IR Pro must be using the latest 4.04 RC firmware. The GEM must be at the latest COM 2.19, Engine 1.42. You must delete any existing nodes in the ISY tree first. Next, remove the Node in the *Diagnostic* tab. Disable the Zigbee Settings from the ISY, and save.
You will than wait 60 seconds, then re-enable the Zigbee Settings option in the ISY. The system will show the Zigbee radio status as down, establishing, established. You will see a pop up window from the ISY where it will start to search for the GEM's Zigbee radio. Once the first data packs start to stream over to the ISY. The 32 channel nodes will appear in the ISY tree window pane.
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Another cool feature of the Dash Box (DB) is the ability to enter a search phrase. This allows you to limit and see circuits of interest with out viewing a jumbo of options.
Below is the a search for Light:
Below is a search for Plugs:
Below is a search for Gas:
Bedrooms
Temp
In the default view, once you have completed any required port forwarding on your network router. You can allow those who need to view the essentials of the homes consumption by pointing them to the applicable IP address.
In this view they can see all of the data but can not make any changes to the internal DB web page. This is great for those who wish to publish their power consumption / generation.
All channels are available, graphs, charts.
Below are the supported connections options to the various GEM, ECM, devices to the network and Dash Box (DB).
Below is the a search for Light:
Below is a search for Plugs:
Below is a search for Gas:
Bedrooms
Temp
In the default view, once you have completed any required port forwarding on your network router. You can allow those who need to view the essentials of the homes consumption by pointing them to the applicable IP address.
In this view they can see all of the data but can not make any changes to the internal DB web page. This is great for those who wish to publish their power consumption / generation.
All channels are available, graphs, charts.
Below are the supported connections options to the various GEM, ECM, devices to the network and Dash Box (DB).
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