Many thanks, @Topaz, this looks interesting, but I’m a complete beginner with comms hardware/software, so please be patient with me…
- Currently I import data from F1/F2 into my laptop via an RS485-to-ethernet adapter and a virtual port. When I hit “Monitor” on the virtual port I see loads of Hex messages coming in:
I presume these messages represent the various controller inputs/outputs which need to be interpreted for human consumption (at the moment SNET does this, sort of…) - Are you saying that if I install MQTT (I downloaded something called MQTT Explorer today) I can get it to emulate SNET?
- Can MQTT record data as well as display it? (I haven’t tried setting it up yet - it looks quite daunting for a layman.)
- Also are you saying that additional information is available at F3/F4 (like “EHS Input Power” which I see on your HA output, but which SNET doesn’t display)?
- If I do need to switch to F3/F4 to get at this extra data, can I simply reconnect my existing RS485 adapter?
- What does Home Assistant do that MQTT doesn’t? HA costs money
and I don’t want to spend £100 on something I don’t need for anything else (we run a really low tech house - I don’t even own a smartphone…) If I do need something with HA’s capability, do you know of a lower cost equivalent?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.