Why replace the software?
The original software is cloud-based. We need a simple local web service so that the device and the system operate even if there is no internet. We also need integration with standard tools and data to allow AI training data to be collated while the initial control system is deployed using the SoC (State of Charge) and other metrics.
The steps are simple and covered well at Superhouse TV and lot of places search "Tasmota Sonoff Basic" I had the early cheaper model there is now a large range.
Basic summary
- Solder a header (don't stuff the serial port pins into the PCB)
- Connect via USB to Serial FTDI
- ESPTools, backup, wipe, flash Tasmoda basic
- Configure via Web
At the end of this process, we have a unit that powers up connects to the network and runs a web service allowing the built-in relay to turn on or off.
The PCB is labelled so when you solder the header mapping the pins to the FTDI adaptor will be simple. Remember its all 3V so set the adaptor to 3V operation, not 5V.
I made my devices IP static based on MAC so things won't change. This was on my router.
Mobile App
A free, ad-free program called HTTP Short allows you to link a button with an ICON to an HTTP get
I added one for the controller for hot water
Node-Red
I have Node-Red running the home automation and other server tasks. This is a cheap Orange Pi £4 running Armbian with mosquito MQTT Broker and Node-Red
I use command line Curl to grab the state of charge of the battery convert the value to an integer 0 to 100 and then process as required. This where data can be collated as the software can request state of charge data throughout the day, and log the current status of the switch for the immersion heater.
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