Here is latest example using āEco modeā to modulate charge rate based on solar PV output. All diversion calculations are done directly on the ESP (nodeRED not required). Solar data is coming from emonPi via MQTT (simulated in this example since I donāt have solar PV onsite and itās raining!)
It would be really great to get some more real-world testing of these features. If you have an OpenEVSE, solar PV and are interested in helping out in return for shop credits please get in touch.
All the new changes are currently in the master branch of OpenEVSE Wifi 2.0 rep:
You will need to compile using PlatformIO (instructions in readme) and upload to the ESP8266 via USB to UART adapter. If you upload āopenevse_devā enviroment any subsequent updates can be made over WiFi using OTA.
When sending $SC command, does it support $SC second argument (dev branch of firmware) ?
SC amps [N]- set current capacity
response:
if amps < minimum current capacity, will set to minimum and return $NK amps
if amps > maximum current capacity, will set to maximum and return $NK amps
otherwise return $OK amps
default action is to save new current capacity to EEPROM.
if N is specified, then new current capacity is volatile, and will be
reset to previous value at next reboot
This has been fixed and released in V2.4.2. Latest stable wifi-gateway release version is V2.7.0. Highly recomend updating to latest version for many significant bug fixes. See release page for change log: Releases Ā· OpenEVSE/ESP8266_WiFi_v2.x Ā· GitHub
Iāve had the OpenEVSE for a few years now, and I had added the ESP8266 to it and gotten it configured at one time, but never really used that functionality. Now, I am working with some home automation stuff with hass.io and I see they have an OpenEVSE connection so I want to update my OpenEVSE.
What level of firmware do I need in the OpenEVSE board, and what version in the ESP? Is the process written in a step-by-step format anywhere?
The openevse controller is harder to update, you need an ISP programmer. However the wifi-gateway should be backwards compatible with all controller FW versions. There has just been some minor LCD issues fixed. Would not bother to update unless necessary. You will also lose your EEPROM fash memory e.g kwh totals
I have an FTDI programmer for the esp8266, and the programming cable for the OpenEVSE as well. I bricked (later fixed) my OpenEVSE unit once in the past, so Iām trying to make sure I have the order of operations correct. I also have a second OpenEVSE that I built as 110/220 VAC for a portable charge if I need it, so Iāll sacrifice it to make sure I get this working correctly.
Thanks, and Iāll keep you updated on my progress.
I managed to get it working on my portable unit, but the one mounted in my garage wonāt take the update. Disappointing. Iāve played with it a little bit and everything looks good so far. Iāll see if I can get it to talk to HASS tomorrow.
I used a USBASP v2.0 to program the portable one, noting pin 1 to the yellow wire, etc, but when I went outside to the garage to program the installed one, running flash.bat with the same cable connected to the other unit fails, saying something about unit not found. I didnāt think to take screenshots of it, but the display isnāt working now and itās not happy. I even tried to program it using a FTDI friend to the pins where you would connect the ESP8266 to and no luck.
Iām flying out for work this evening, so I donāt have time today to fool with it. Iāll resume on Thursday of next week when I get back. I was able to get the portable unit working, so at least I can charge my car before I go to the airport. I also got the wifi working on it, so worst-case scenario, I would just swap the two units, as I really havenāt ever used the portable one out in the wild.
My installed unit is an older 50A unit and the portable one is a 30A unit.
Are both units V4 controller? Do they both look the same?
Often ISP programmers donāt supply power to the unit, you may need to have the power the openevse switched on while programming. Be sure to plug in the programmer before switching the power on and proceed with caution.
Iām afraid this wonāt work since the openevsed controller does not have a serial bootloder, itās ISP program only.
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