# Irregular tx data receipt **URL:** \ **Category:** emonTx\ **Tags:** emoncms\ **Created:** [20 January 2021 19:54 UTC](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/t/irregular-tx-data-receipt/16601 "2021-01-20T19:54:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 12
**Author:** ![pb66](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/user_avatar/community.openenergymonitor.org/pb66/32/27_2.png) [@pb66](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/u/pb66)\ **Post date:** [23 January 2021 11:13 UTC](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/t/irregular-tx-data-receipt/16601/12 "2021-01-23T11:13:23Z")
> [@gadgetbazza](#): > > Is there a guide for doing this with multiple emonTX units being connected via serial to a single Pi? Not really as there are so many different ways it’s been done. This thread shows how I’ve done many installs, the key element is using FTDI usb adapters **with an eeprom** , ie genuine (or perhaps really good fake’s?) ftdi ft232rl chip. > [@Does the emonTx Shield need an actual Arduino?](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/t/does-the-emontx-shield-need-an-actual-arduino/2198/18): > > If distribution board 3 only has “office lights and sockets” you should be fine taking the 3 sockets from there, 1 and 2 may be slightly less suitable depending on how heavy the loads are on them, but 3 is close enough (electrically) and unlikely to have a voltage drop of any significance. When installing those sockets you should consider hiding them away in an enclosure.Tthis is not only tidier and less likely to get unplugged, it is also safer and less likely to contravene any regulations (or… The issue you may face with using default FW with “emonesp compatible” key:value serial output is lack of node id to anchor the serial output of anyone device to a certain set of emoncms inputs, that’s why I use the ftdi adapters. However @Robert.Wall may have included a way to send a nodeid with key:values in the new CM FW? I do believe he has included a way to send space separated values with leading nodeid (by setting a fag at compile time?), which is _my_ preferred format. > [@gadgetbazza](#): > > I will put the other emonTx units on ESP8266 wifi adapters as it’s not possible for me to pick them all up using RFM in the range of one emonPi. I would serious consider using Pi Zero’s over emonesp’s where you can. The advantage of the emonesp is is fit’s inside the later emonTx’s, but there is a huge difference between an emonESP and a Pi Zero running emonhub for the same money(ish). You could probably manage to get a PiZ in the emonTx case if you really wanted to (I’ve not tried) but I’m not entirely convinced the aluminium case won’t impact wifi to some degree despite the perpex ends. Just some thoughts for you to consider, there is rarely just one right answer. --- _[View the full topic](https://community.openenergymonitor.org/t/irregular-tx-data-receipt/16601)._