Ever since we launched the emonPi we have always wanted to make the first time setup process as easy as possible for new users.
We have just made significant progress in streamlining the setup process by enabling the emonPi / emonBase to broadcast a WiFi access-point (AP) on first boot then scan for local WiFi networks and allow the user to connect. The emonPi will then turn off it’s AP and connect to the local network. There is also an option to connect via Ethernet or stand-alone WiFi AP mode when no local network is available.
This has now been made possible using the Raspberry Pi 3 which supports WiFi access-point AP mode, some bash scrips and a new emoncms-setup module.
The new Network Setup Wizard will be included on all new purchased in July 2017 onwards. Existing emonPi’s with a Raspberry Pi 3 can be updated by running Admin > emonPi update in Emoncms. The emonPi will only broadcast a WiFi AP if Ethernet is not connected and no WiFi setup is currently present.
@TrystanLea is also working on making the input-processing setup for new devices easier by adding device template support to the Emoncms Device module. More on this the come, see dev forum thread:
Here are a few more screenshots of the new network setup wizard:
looks nice… I just have a small request: Please make it possible to manually input the SSID (for hidden SSID) yes I know nag nag nag… just saying it would be nice… I need it badly because we have made the first step of monitoring all our equipment at my workplace…
Currently you will need to enter the wifi manually into wpa_supplement.conf.
I’ll take a look at integrating the ability to manually enter an SSID into the wizard. Also need to add the ability to enter a static IP network configuration.
hi i have currently setup the emon pi using my parents internet but as im not there all the time I brought the emon pi back to mine so that I could get familiar with it. is there any way that i can get it to broadcast the wifi ap? or is there any way i can connect my laptop to it to update the wifi settings?
+1 on configuring a static IP, while we waiting for the GUI to do this, can it still be done in the config files of the Raspbian, manually ? Happy to ssh onto the unit and configure it that way.
if not via config files, I can do a MAC address to IP Bind for now, giving me a static.
After initial deployment, can the IP be change though? Would this just be a OS level change or does it have to be done via emonPI Interface (aka the IP is stored in other places also which have to be updated).
However, Martin’s guide was written a long time ago and the standard Raspbian image has moved on to allow the wifi settings to be introduced to an image by adding a wpa_supplicant.conf file to the /boot partition before placing it into a Pi and that gets moved to the right location at boot up.
So to avoid the symlinkling being undone at first boot (the /boot copy moved into place deleting the symlink) you must use a different file name eg “wifi.conf”. See Wifi config on Pi Zero using emonSD and Using wpa_supplicant.conf file on the emonSD boot partition - #27 by bernamorillo discussions as this has been suggested, tried and tested before, but AFAIA not adopted on the emonSD image. It not only allows pre-configuration on a Pi, but in doing so it accommodates the Pi zero too, without impairing the existing emonSD setup (re RO OS and wifi module, untested on latest image)
