• USB controlled mains switch

    From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sat Jan 18 23:07:50 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one
    that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless
    solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.

    Thanks

    Adrian
    --
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  • From Mike Scott@usenet.16@scottsonline.org.uk.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 08:29:51 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 18/01/2025 23:07, Adrian wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the supply).  The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    I've a similar thread in c.o.l.misc in particular. Although that's
    headed 'smart plugs?' and looking for a wireless solution.

    My own feeling is that the bigger the gap between mains and my
    electronics, the better, and wireless is a good way for this.

    I suspect off-the-shelf products, at least consumer-grade, will be
    wireless. Might there be mileage in running network wires to local
    wireless repeaters, then using wireless switches? Or use a
    network-over-mains scheme?

    Oh, and if you only need a PI for local control, with no networking,
    don't forget the PI can be an AP and run a nearby wireless device
    without a central router.

    (FWIW I'm leaning towards the Shelly Plus Plug, at around £20. IIRC
    there's a euro version too. It's the only one I've found that seems not
    to need cloud servers.)
    --
    Mike Scott
    Harlow, England

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  • From Chris Green@cl@isbd.net to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 09:04:06 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    I don't understand the difference. Surely anything that's going to
    turn something on/off needs to be "one that sits in line (between the
    device and the supply)" doesn't it?

    Do you mean (the ones that cost 100 Euros or more) something that
    already has a mains plug and socket on it? I think they're going to
    be expensive simply because they aren't much in demand. What 'the
    world' wants is a WiFi connected switch and they're two a penny of
    course.


    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    I think you'll probably have to bite the bullet and get a relay board
    of some sort. Does it **have** to be USB? There's lots of quite neat
    relay hats for the Pi.
    --
    Chris Green
    ·
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  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@proton.me to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 11:19:59 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 1/19/25 08:29, Mike Scott wrote:
    On 1
    (FWIW I'm leaning towards the Shelly Plus Plug, at around £20. IIRC
    there's a euro version too. It's the only one I've found that seems not
    to need cloud servers.)


    <https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-athom-plug.html>

    <https://www.mylocalbytes.com/products/smart-plug-pm>

    I have some Shelly switches (not plugs), they are good too, just a bit
    more expensive and not open-source firmware.

    I wouldn't guarantee the electrical safety of any of them, but have run
    a 2.4 KW heater off an Athom plug, for a short period of time, weeks (As opposed to continuously for 3-4 years for my freezer and fridge)
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  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@proton.me to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 11:25:35 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 1/18/25 23:07, Adrian wrote:

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    What do you mean not reliable? Active interference? Otherwise if you
    have a device close enough for USB, it will be close enough for
    Bluetooth or WiFi.
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  • From Stefan Kaintoch@stefan@ratri.rincewind.kaintoch.de to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 12:24:23 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    Why USB controlled? Is there a specific reason?

    IMHO it's much easier (and cheaper) to use something like https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0054PSIDW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title ,
    connect it to the PI via WLAN and control it via MQTT.
    The PI can work as AP if there's no WLAN available.

    HTH, Stefan
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  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 13:04:34 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 18/01/2025 23:07, Adrian wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the supply).  The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    Thanks

    Adrian

    Pi Pico, transistor buffer and a big fat mains relay, plus code.
    You can talk down the same USB you use to power it.

    Less work and more cost - use a Pi with more USB onboard
    --
    "Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They
    always run out of other people's money. It's quite a characteristic of them"

    Margaret Thatcher

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  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 13:07:51 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 19/01/2025 09:04, Chris Green wrote:
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one
    that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    I don't understand the difference. Surely anything that's going to
    turn something on/off needs to be "one that sits in line (between the
    device and the supply)" doesn't it?

    Do you mean (the ones that cost 100 Euros or more) something that
    already has a mains plug and socket on it? I think they're going to
    be expensive simply because they aren't much in demand. What 'the
    world' wants is a WiFi connected switch and they're two a penny of
    course.


    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless
    solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.

    I think you'll probably have to bite the bullet and get a relay board
    of some sort. Does it **have** to be USB? There's lots of quite neat
    relay hats for the Pi.


    They aren't especially able to handle 230V at sane currents.

    I made my own board up. Featuring onboard PSU and mains chokes and
    filers and a fuse, a 13A capable relay and a pi PICO. Also has an
    optional temperature sensor hooked up to the ADC

    Can send you the Gerbers if interested
    --
    If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will
    eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such
    time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic
    and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally
    important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for
    the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the
    truth is the greatest enemy of the State.

    Joseph Goebbels




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  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 13:10:34 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 19/01/2025 11:25, Pancho wrote:
    On 1/18/25 23:07, Adrian wrote:

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless
    solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.

    What do you mean not reliable?  Active interference? Otherwise if you
    have a device close enough for USB, it will be close enough for
    Bluetooth or WiFi.

    Sadly that is not a given. You wont get much wifi to a board inside a
    tin box, but you could make a hole for a USB cable...

    serial over USB can probably do a hundred meters at a pinch, too.
    --
    Microsoft : the best reason to go to Linux that ever existed.

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  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 13:53:49 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <vmid5v$20nh3$1@dont-email.me>, Mike Scott <usenet.16@scottsonline.org.uk.invalid> writes
    On 18/01/2025 23:07, Adrian wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can >>connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.
    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem
    to fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having >>rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or
    one that sits in line (between the device and the supply).  The latter >>appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I >>want to pay.
    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless >>solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not >>reliable.

    Oh, and if you only need a PI for local control, with no networking,
    don't forget the PI can be an AP and run a nearby wireless device
    without a central router.


    The Pi already exists, and is connected to my home LAN (Ethernet). A
    range of a few feet should work for WiFi (if I used the PI as an AP),
    but home WiFi is at best flaky where I want to run this, hence why the
    Pi is on Ethernet.

    (FWIW I'm leaning towards the Shelly Plus Plug, at around £20. IIRC
    there's a euro version too. It's the only one I've found that seems not
    to need cloud servers.)


    £20 is nearer the make for what my soggy finger in the air suggested
    would be a sensible price, the LocalBytes site mentioned elsewhere in
    the thread comes out at £12.75. Although I quoted prices in euros, I'm
    in the UK, but all the items I'd found so far were priced in euros.

    Thanks

    Adrian
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  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 14:01:10 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <6pru5l-oju1.ln1@q957.zbmc.eu>, Chris Green <cl@isbd.net>
    writes
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one
    that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    I don't understand the difference. Surely anything that's going to
    turn something on/off needs to be "one that sits in line (between the
    device and the supply)" doesn't it?


    The cheaper option involves cutting the plug off the item, and hard
    wiring it into the board. I've got two problems with that. Firstly, it
    means that I can't readily reuse that item elsewhere as I'd have to
    replace the plug (a bit of a faff if it is temporary move), and secondly
    if I'm trying to control something fed via a wall wart then it gets
    messy unless I leave the wall wart powered all the time (which I'd
    rather not do), and switch between it and the device.

    Do you mean (the ones that cost 100 Euros or more) something that
    already has a mains plug and socket on it? I think they're going to
    be expensive simply because they aren't much in demand. What 'the
    world' wants is a WiFi connected switch and they're two a penny of
    course.


    Trust me to be awkward :-)


    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless
    solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.

    I think you'll probably have to bite the bullet and get a relay board
    of some sort. Does it **have** to be USB? There's lots of quite neat
    relay hats for the Pi.


    No, but USB seemed to be the most likely solution as it works equally as
    well for Non-Pi situations. Power may also be an issue. My initial requirement is for a low power device, which (without checking the
    numbers) might be within the capability of running directly from the Pi,
    but I can foresee needs where that won't be the case, so a standard
    solution has its attractions.

    Thanks

    Adrian
    --
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    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
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  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 14:13:33 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <vmitka$2719a$11@dont-email.me>, The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> writes
    On 19/01/2025 11:25, Pancho wrote:
    On 1/18/25 23:07, Adrian wrote:

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless >>>solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not >>>reliable.
    What do you mean not reliable?  Active interference? Otherwise if
    you have a device close enough for USB, it will be close enough for >>Bluetooth or WiFi.

    Sadly that is not a given. You wont get much wifi to a board inside a
    tin box, but you could make a hole for a USB cable...

    serial over USB can probably do a hundred meters at a pinch, too.


    By WiFi, in this case, I'm referring to my home WLAN.

    This isn't a new install, I'm looking at extending what I do with that particular Pi. I've tried using the Pi on WiFi in that location and it
    can disappear off the network for prolonged periods of time. Likewise
    if I'm stood next to it with my mobile, it has reverted to 4G rather
    than WiFi for data, so the location is not really practical for a WiFi
    based solution.

    Using the Pi as an AP could work, that isn't something I've tried yet.
    The Pi lives in a plastic IP55 box, so I would hoped that short range
    (couple of feet) WiFi / Bluetooth would work.

    Thanks

    Adrian
    --
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    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
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  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@proton.me to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 15:19:49 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 1/19/25 14:13, Adrian wrote:
    In message <vmitka$2719a$11@dont-email.me>, The Natural Philosopher <tnp@invalid.invalid> writes
    On 19/01/2025 11:25, Pancho wrote:
    On 1/18/25 23:07, Adrian wrote:

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless >>>> solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.
     What do you mean not reliable?  Active interference? Otherwise if
    you have a device close enough for USB, it will be close enough for
    Bluetooth or WiFi.

    Sadly that is not a given. You wont get much wifi to a board inside a
    tin box, but you could make a hole for a USB cable...

    serial over USB can probably do a hundred meters at a pinch, too.


    By WiFi, in this case, I'm referring to my home WLAN.

    This isn't a new install, I'm looking at extending what I do with that particular Pi.  I've tried using the Pi on WiFi in that location and it
    can disappear off the network for prolonged periods of time.  Likewise
    if I'm stood next to it with my mobile, it has reverted to 4G rather
    than WiFi for data, so the location is not really practical for a WiFi
    based solution.

    Using the Pi as an AP could work, that isn't something I've tried yet.
    The Pi lives in a plastic IP55 box, so I would hoped that short range (couple of feet) WiFi / Bluetooth would work.


    A slight caveat, I don't want to mislead, I use WiFi.

    I see some of the plugs use Bluetooth, my older ones are WiFi only. I
    also think some of the plugs that advertise Bluetooth may use it only
    for configuration as opposed to a primary communication method. If you
    want to go that route, read the spec carefully.

    My Wifi plugs are reliable, but my house had good coverage from multiple
    Wifi access points (Mesh/Fast Roaming). Cheap stuff, but it works better
    than anything I had previously.


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  • From David Higton@dave@davehigton.me.uk to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 17:35:32 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <TjgqpoLGRDjnFwvW@ku.gro.lloiff>
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:

    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to rewire
    the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that
    sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter appears to
    be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    I did a bit of searching around. AliExpress sell various models of
    USB mains-rated relay boards. Various models offer 5V, 12V or 24V
    operation. I see from a later posting that your RPi is in an IP55
    plastic box, so I'm jumping to the conclusion that you're happy with
    a bit of DIY to turn it from a board into a solution.

    If I were doing it this way, I think I'd go for a 12V powered board
    and have a separate PSU, rather than burden the RPi's supply further
    as many people have problems that are traceable to inadequate power
    supplies.

    It sounds like you may have to build a USB library for the relay
    boards - I don't know.

    If I were doing the overall job that you're doing, I wouldn't use
    USB, I'd use a GPIO pin to switch a different relay board on/off.
    Much easier (and I've done lots of work on USB firmware and drivers).

    David
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  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 18:29:46 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    In message <6pru5l-oju1.ln1@q957.zbmc.eu>, Chris Green <cl@isbd.net>
    writes
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one >> that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    I don't understand the difference. Surely anything that's going to
    turn something on/off needs to be "one that sits in line (between the >device and the supply)" doesn't it?


    The cheaper option involves cutting the plug off the item, and hard
    wiring it into the board. I've got two problems with that. Firstly, it means that I can't readily reuse that item elsewhere as I'd have to
    replace the plug (a bit of a faff if it is temporary move), and secondly
    if I'm trying to control something fed via a wall wart then it gets
    messy unless I leave the wall wart powered all the time (which I'd
    rather not do), and switch between it and the device.

    You could just chop up a mains extension cable and insert your relay in the middle.

    No, but USB seemed to be the most likely solution as it works equally as well for Non-Pi situations. Power may also be an issue. My initial requirement is for a low power device, which (without checking the
    numbers) might be within the capability of running directly from the Pi,
    but I can foresee needs where that won't be the case, so a standard
    solution has its attractions.

    The advantage of wireless is you get isolation for free, so you don't need
    to worry about mains backfeeding into the Pi, which makes construction
    cheaper. It doesn't need to be wifi, there are also options using 433MHz 'remote control' frequency, which is point to point and longer range:

    https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/ENER002-2PI https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/396124241128

    also with power measurement: https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/ENER002-2PI-RT

    The transmitter speaks GPIO and there's Python code to control them from the Pi.

    Theo
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  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 19:18:24 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <ASw*Me14z@news.chiark.greenend.org.uk>, Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> writes
    The advantage of wireless is you get isolation for free, so you don't need
    to worry about mains backfeeding into the Pi, which makes construction >cheaper. It doesn't need to be wifi, there are also options using 433MHz >'remote control' frequency, which is point to point and longer range:

    https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/ENER002-2PI >https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/396124241128

    also with power measurement: >https://energenie4u.co.uk/catalogue/product/ENER002-2PI-RT

    The transmitter speaks GPIO and there's Python code to control them from the >Pi.


    Thanks, that looks interesting.

    Adrian
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  • From R.Wieser@address@is.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 20:24:56 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Adrian,

    ... the options seem to fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the
    supply)

    Whut ? As others have already mentioned, you could take a short extension cord and put the relais* in that cord. Makes it reusable too.

    * also consider a solid-state relais.

    Also, you say USB controlled. How do you imagine that ? As some kind of special USB device (for which it is hard to find a driver) ?

    Perhaps consider a simple USB-to-serial thingly*, where you can use the DTR line to signal the relais board to switch on. After that you can use the
    RPi build-in serial API to switch the relais.

    * I would strongly suggest to use one of RPi's gazillion I/O pins for it,
    but as you specifically mentioned USB controlled ...

    The only thing you will need to do (and which costs money) is to put the relais (and the USB-to-signal-line thingamagochy ?) in a shielding plastic box. 220 is lethal even when you touch it by accident. :-) And make sure the 220v and the relais-driving low-voltage electronics are well seperated. Your RPi doesn't like 220v either. :-o

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser


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  • From Chris Elvidge@chris@internal.net to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Sun Jan 19 22:06:38 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 19/01/2025 at 19:24, R.Wieser wrote:
    Adrian,

    ... the options seem to fall into two categories, either a relay device
    which means having to rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced
    around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the
    supply)

    Whut ? As others have already mentioned, you could take a short extension cord and put the relais* in that cord. Makes it reusable too.

    * also consider a solid-state relais.

    Also, you say USB controlled. How do you imagine that ? As some kind of special USB device (for which it is hard to find a driver) ?

    As I have said previously, it's easy. E.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-Intelligent-Channel-Controller-Support-default/dp/B07PWPF2DT
    Load 'usbrelay' to control (apt-get install usbrelay')


    Perhaps consider a simple USB-to-serial thingly*, where you can use the DTR line to signal the relais board to switch on. After that you can use the
    RPi build-in serial API to switch the relais.

    * I would strongly suggest to use one of RPi's gazillion I/O pins for it,
    but as you specifically mentioned USB controlled ...

    The only thing you will need to do (and which costs money) is to put the relais (and the USB-to-signal-line thingamagochy ?) in a shielding plastic box. 220 is lethal even when you touch it by accident. :-) And make sure the 220v and the relais-driving low-voltage electronics are well seperated. Your RPi doesn't like 220v either. :-o

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser


    --
    Chris Elvidge, England
    I CANNOT ABSOLVE SINS

    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From R.Wieser@address@is.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 07:26:39 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Chris,

    Also, you say USB controlled. How do you imagine that ? As some kind of
    special USB device (for which it is hard to find a driver) ?

    As I have said previously, it's easy. E.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-Intelligent-Channel-Controller-Support-default/dp/B07PWPF2DT

    Whohoo! They actually did it, a hobby-level relay driven by USB. I'm
    amazed. And I see there are no drivers needed as long as its used with
    Win XP or 7. I stand corrected.

    Load 'usbrelay' to control (apt-get install usbrelay')

    One question though : (where and) how did you find that Linux driver ?


    Wait, what ?

    Under "Technical details" :

    Voltage ?5 Volts
    Wattage ?50 watts

    Something is fishy there ... and I only now realize that I do not see any mentioning for which voltage its output is rated. If the above is correct than they have rated it for 5 volts (5V x 10A = 50W), not 220 ...

    Do *NOT* use stuff above its voltage rating. The electrical track
    seperation between the (low voltage) driving electronic and (high voltage) output circuits might not be large enough.

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser


    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From mm0fmf@none@invalid.com to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 07:41:49 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 20/01/2025 06:26, R.Wieser wrote:
    Do*NOT* use stuff above its voltage rating.

    Look at the damn pictures of the relays, you can see the ratings and the
    model number used.

    SR-05VDC-SL-C

    5V DC SONGLE Power Relay SRD-05VDC-SL-C (5 Pin mit NC / NO)
    Contact form: 1a, 1b, 1c
    Rated load: 10A 250VAC/28VDC,10A 125VAC/28VDC,10A 125VAC/28VDC
    Contact resistance: <= 100 mOhm
    Electrical life: 100,000
    Mechanical life: 10,000,000
    Coil rated voltage: 3-48VDC
    Coil power: 0.36W, 0.45W
    Coil pick-up voltage: <= 75%
    Coil drop-out voltage: >=10%
    Ambient temperature: -25 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius
    Coil and contacts:1500VAC/min
    Contact and contacts: 1000VAC/min
    Insulation resistance: >=100M (ohm)

    https://www.play-zone.ch/de/5v-dc-power-relay-songle-srd-5vdc-sl-c.html

    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From The Natural Philosopher@tnp@invalid.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 09:04:55 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 20/01/2025 07:41, mm0fmf wrote:
    On 20/01/2025 06:26, R.Wieser wrote:
    Do*NOT*  use stuff above its voltage rating.

    Look at the damn pictures of the relays, you can see the ratings and the model number used.

    SR-05VDC-SL-C

        5V DC SONGLE Power Relay SRD-05VDC-SL-C  (5 Pin mit NC / NO)
        Contact form: 1a, 1b, 1c
        Rated load: 10A 250VAC/28VDC,10A 125VAC/28VDC,10A 125VAC/28VDC
        Contact resistance: <= 100 mOhm
        Electrical life: 100,000
        Mechanical life: 10,000,000
        Coil rated voltage: 3-48VDC
        Coil power: 0.36W, 0.45W
        Coil pick-up voltage: <= 75%
        Coil drop-out voltage: >=10%
        Ambient temperature: -25 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius
        Coil and contacts:1500VAC/min
        Contact and contacts: 1000VAC/min
        Insulation resistance: >=100M (ohm)

    https://www.play-zone.ch/de/5v-dc-power-relay-songle-srd-5vdc-sl-c.html

    I'm using these (relays) to control my central heating from a Pi Zero.
    They are OK

    Driving a relay via a transistor is very simple and the code is minimal
    --
    No Apple devices were knowingly used in the preparation of this post.

    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From R.Wieser@address@is.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 14:14:19 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi


    "mm0fmf" <none@invalid.com> wrote in message news:vmkunu$2v2um$1@dont-email.me...
    On 20/01/2025 06:26, R.Wieser wrote:
    Do*NOT* use stuff above its voltage rating.

    Look at the damn pictures of the relays, you can see the ratings and the model number used.

    You mean you didn't follow the "See more product details" under "About this item" link ?

    Ah, there is also a "product parameters" paragraph (down the page).

    And no, the relais themselves being specced for 220V doesn't mean shite when the board its on has its low- and high-voltage tracks too close together.

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser


    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Lars Poulsen@lars@cleo.beagle-ears.com to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 14:17:31 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 20/01/2025 06:26, R.Wieser wrote:
    Do*NOT* use stuff above its voltage rating.

    news:vmkunu$2v2um$1@dont-email.me...
    "mm0fmf" <none@invalid.com> wrote in message
    Look at the damn pictures of the relays, you can see the ratings and the
    model number used.

    On 2025-01-20, R.Wieser <address@is.invalid> wrote:
    You mean you didn't follow the "See more product details" under "About this item" link ?

    Ah, there is also a "product parameters" paragraph (down the page).

    And no, the relais themselves being specced for 220V doesn't mean shite when the board its on has its low- and high-voltage tracks too close together.

    The high-voltage tracks are MUCH fatter than the low voltage tracks on
    the PCB, as you can clearly see in the photo of the underside of the
    board, and high and low voltage sections of the board are well separated.
    My main concern would be the high voltage tracks heating up and
    deliminating when the current gets really high, but I think they are OK
    for 10A. Looks pretty good to me.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From R.Wieser@address@is.invalid to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 19:15:31 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Lars,

    The high-voltage tracks are MUCH fatter than the low voltage tracks
    on the PCB, as you can clearly see in the photo of the underside of
    the board,

    Thick tracks are current, not voltage related.

    And by the way, I didn't see those images the first time around : I've got
    all third-party (domain) content blocked by default.

    and high and low voltage sections of the board are well separated.

    How many low-voltage lines do you seee going to the relays at the underside
    ? I see just a single one. And that means the topside has the rest,
    which I can't see.

    And do remember there is a 30 Watts rating mentioned. Which one should we believe ? That one, or the other, 2200 Watts one ?

    I can guess a bit, but I'd rather not when letal voltages are in play. :-|

    Regards,
    Rudy Wieser


    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From druck@news@druck.org.uk to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 19:57:47 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 18/01/2025 23:07, Adrian wrote:
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    What you want is a mains rated GPIO compatible relay card. All good Pi stockists carry them, and they are available in any thing from a single
    relay single pole, up to 4 or more dual pole units. You'll want to get a
    small electric junction box to put the relay and the spliced cable into.

    ---druck
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From druck@news@druck.org.uk to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Jan 20 20:07:14 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 19/01/2025 14:01, Adrian wrote:
    The cheaper option involves cutting the plug off the item, and hard
    wiring it into the board.  I've got two problems with that.  Firstly, it means that I can't readily reuse that item elsewhere as I'd have to
    replace the plug (a bit of a faff if it is temporary move),

    The easy solution to that is to get a short single socket mains
    extension cable and splice the relay into that. It's then usable with
    any device.

    and secondly
    if I'm trying to control something fed via a wall wart then it gets
    messy unless I leave the wall wart powered all the time (which I'd
    rather not do), and switch between it and the device.

    If it's got a wall wart, it's far better to switch the low voltage side.
    You can then use a less expensive non mains rated relay. Most wall wart devices have a connector of some sort, so make an extension lead to
    splice the relay into. If it is a hard wired one, you'll have to cut the
    cable at some point, but fit some 5.5x2.1mm jack connectors so you can
    rejoin it without the relay if needed.

    ---druck
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Joe Beanfish@joebeanfish@nospam.duh to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Tue Jan 21 14:00:25 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On Sat, 18 Jan 2025 23:07:50 +0000, Adrian wrote:

    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or one that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not reliable.

    Thanks

    Adrian

    No need to rewire the end device to use a relay controller. Just wire up
    a simple intermediate between the relay and the controlled device. i.e.
    add a plug and outlet to the relay. Or buy a pre-built one:

    Low voltage controlled (about $40) https://dlidirect.com/products/iot-power-relay

    Ethernet controlled (about $80) https://www.amazon.com/ezOutlet5-Internet-WiFi-Reboot-Switch/dp/B0861NX6H2/
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Mon Feb 10 14:42:05 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <TjgqpoLGRDjnFwvW@ku.gro.lloiff>, Adrian
    <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> writes
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or
    one that sits in line (between the device and the supply). The latter >appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ? I'm not interested in a wireless >solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not >reliable.

    Thanks

    Adrian

    OP here with a follow up.

    After some ruminating, I decided to give the Local Bytes Smart plug a
    try. I've got it happily working now, although I did have to install
    (yet) another Pi to act as the control hub (Home Assistant if anyone is interested). I'm now waiting for a fresh delivery of a Pi3 to install
    as a WiFi AP (the Pis in the locality are all Pi2).

    One useful feature of the Local Bytes offering is that you can see to
    power being consumed by the device it is controlling (although mine
    suggests that I'm on 245V), but I've yet to work out how to access that
    via a command line, rather than web interface.

    Thanks again for the suggestions.

    Adrian
    --
    To Reply :
    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
    Sorry for the rigmarole, If I want spam, I'll go to the shops
    Every time someone says "I don't believe in trolls", another one dies.
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  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@proton.me to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Wed Feb 12 14:41:52 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 2/10/25 14:42, Adrian wrote:
    In message <TjgqpoLGRDjnFwvW@ku.gro.lloiff>, Adrian
    <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> writes
    I'm looking for a USB controlled mains switch (230V AC) that I can
    connect to a PI to turn a mains power supply on and off.

    I've done a bit of digging around on the net, and the options seem to
    fall into two categories, either a relay device which means having to
    rewire the device (which I'd rather avoid), priced around 30Euros or
    one that sits in line (between the device and the supply).  The latter
    appears to be in excess of 100Euros, which is considerably more than I
    want to pay.

    Any suggestions on where to look ?  I'm not interested in a wireless
    solution, as it is likely to be used in places where signals are not
    reliable.

    Thanks

    Adrian

    OP here with a follow up.

    After some ruminating, I decided to give the Local Bytes Smart plug a
    try. I've got it happily working now, although I did have to install
    (yet) another Pi to act as the control hub (Home Assistant if anyone is interested).  I'm now waiting for a fresh delivery of a Pi3 to install
    as a WiFi AP (the Pis in the locality are all Pi2).

    One useful feature of the Local Bytes offering is that you can see to
    power being consumed by the device it is controlling (although mine
    suggests that I'm on 245V), but I've yet to work out how to access that
    via a command line, rather than web interface.

    Thanks again for the suggestions.

    Adrian

    Did you opt for ESPHome or Tasmota firmware?

    I use Tasmota, but I use Domoticz rather than Home Assistant. From what
    I read ESPHome is tailored for Home Assistant and uses REST API rather
    than MMQT like Tasmota.

    A Pi4 can handle a lot of different services on the same machine,
    installed in Docker Containers. So you don't necessarily need lots of
    Pis. If the Pi4 isn't enough, there are more powerful Pis.


    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Wed Feb 12 15:06:56 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <voibvg$2bloc$1@dont-email.me>, Pancho
    <Pancho.Jones@proton.me> writes
    OP here with a follow up.
    After some ruminating, I decided to give the Local Bytes Smart plug
    a try. I've got it happily working now, although I did have to install >>(yet) another Pi to act as the control hub (Home Assistant if anyone
    is interested).  I'm now waiting for a fresh delivery of a Pi3 to
    install as a WiFi AP (the Pis in the locality are all Pi2).
    One useful feature of the Local Bytes offering is that you can see
    to power being consumed by the device it is controlling (although mine >>suggests that I'm on 245V), but I've yet to work out how to access
    that via a command line, rather than web interface.
    Thanks again for the suggestions.
    Adrian

    Did you opt for ESPHome or Tasmota firmware?


    Tasmota. No particular reason.

    I use Tasmota, but I use Domoticz rather than Home Assistant. From what
    I read ESPHome is tailored for Home Assistant and uses REST API rather
    than MMQT like Tasmota.

    A Pi4 can handle a lot of different services on the same machine,
    installed in Docker Containers. So you don't necessarily need lots of
    Pis. If the Pi4 isn't enough, there are more powerful Pis.


    Machine power isn't likely to be an issue. HA suggest a Pi4 as a
    suitable host, but I didn't have a spare one, so I installed it on a
    Pi3. However, as I need to set up a WiFi Access point, and that needs
    =Pi3 I had to go shopping. I hope that for what I'm going to be using
    it for (apart from the AP), a Pi3 will be more than enough.

    So far as I've been able to find out, HA is only installed as an image
    on the SD card (using the RPI Imager), rather than manually installed on
    an existing Pi image (e.g. apt install ...), so that means that the Pi
    can only be used for what HA allows you to do. Therefore, one downside
    (for me) with HA is that I don't seem to be able to gain SSH access to
    the PI. I can access it via the web interface, and I can install a ZSH
    shell on it, but that is in (I think) a Docker Container. What I would
    like to be able to do, which I can with my other Pis, is to run regular
    health check stuff, CPU temp, free memory, free card space that sort of
    stuff. I can do that from the Docker Container, but I can't set up a
    cron job to do it, and I haven't even tried getting it to email me a
    daily summary.

    A quick look at Domoticz suggests that it will allow me to do my own monitoring, so that could be worth looking at in due course.


    Thanks for the follow up.

    Adrian
    --
    To Reply :
    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
    Sorry for the rigmarole, If I want spam, I'll go to the shops
    Every time someone says "I don't believe in trolls", another one dies.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Michael Schwingen@news-1513678000@discworld.dascon.de to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Wed Feb 12 20:51:12 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 2025-02-10, Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    interested). I'm now waiting for a fresh delivery of a Pi3 to install
    as a WiFi AP (the Pis in the locality are all Pi2).

    I hope you plan to run other services on the Pi3 as well - used purely as an access point, the pi is not the best choice. For a low number of stations
    and low throughput, it works, but dedicated wireless access points have
    better wifi hardware (and probably cost less).

    cu
    Michael
    --
    Some people have no respect of age unless it is bottled.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Wed Feb 12 21:01:13 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <slrnvqq2e0.sal.news-1513678000@a-tuin.ms.intern>, Michael Schwingen <news-1513678000@discworld.dascon.de> writes
    On 2025-02-10, Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    interested). I'm now waiting for a fresh delivery of a Pi3 to install
    as a WiFi AP (the Pis in the locality are all Pi2).

    I hope you plan to run other services on the Pi3 as well - used purely as an >access point, the pi is not the best choice. For a low number of stations >and low throughput, it works, but dedicated wireless access points have >better wifi hardware (and probably cost less).


    Indeed I do. I'll see how it goes, and if it doesn't work out, then I
    can turn the WiFi off, and it can carry on with its other duties. My expectation is that it will be talking to at the most three Smart
    Switches, I'm unlikely to be using it for (e.g.) Internet access from a
    phone.


    Adrian
    --
    To Reply :
    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
    Sorry for the rigmarole, If I want spam, I'll go to the shops
    Every time someone says "I don't believe in trolls", another one dies.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Theo@theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 12:15:32 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    So far as I've been able to find out, HA is only installed as an image
    on the SD card (using the RPI Imager), rather than manually installed on
    an existing Pi image (e.g. apt install ...), so that means that the Pi
    can only be used for what HA allows you to do. Therefore, one downside
    (for me) with HA is that I don't seem to be able to gain SSH access to
    the PI. I can access it via the web interface, and I can install a ZSH shell on it, but that is in (I think) a Docker Container. What I would
    like to be able to do, which I can with my other Pis, is to run regular health check stuff, CPU temp, free memory, free card space that sort of stuff. I can do that from the Docker Container, but I can't set up a
    cron job to do it, and I haven't even tried getting it to email me a
    daily summary.

    HA can be installed in several ways.

    The normal HAOS install has a series of Docker containers that are
    orchestrated by HA, and to do that it uses the whole Pi. SSH access is to inside the primary container, rather than the native system.

    It's possible to install HA via Docker onto a regular RaspiOS system. That means you have access to the outside system, but the downside is that HA
    can't manage its own containers. For example, some plugins come in separate containers and you'd have to install those by using Docker, rather than clicking a button in HAOS and have it spin them up itself.

    (If you pass through the Docker socket to the primary HA container, it's possible it can then orchestrate other containers without using HAOS. I haven't tried that)

    There's also a 'just install HA using Python' method in which case there's
    no Docker containers, but that means upgrading is up to you doing it by
    hand. HA changes pretty regularly so that method isn't recommended.

    Finally, if you were on x86 you can install HAOS in a VM which is just like having it take over the whole machine only inside a VM. You could run a
    HAOS image using KVM on a Pi but I'm not sure how smooth that would be.

    Theo
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 13:38:09 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <eSD*zI36z@news.chiark.greenend.org.uk>, Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> writes
    HA can be installed in several ways.

    <big snip for brevity>

    Thanks for the extra info. More to digest when I get a chance.

    Adrian
    --
    To Reply :
    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
    Sorry for the rigmarole, If I want spam, I'll go to the shops
    Every time someone says "I don't believe in trolls", another one dies.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@protonmail.com to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 16:09:48 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 2/13/25 12:15, Theo wrote:
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    So far as I've been able to find out, HA is only installed as an image
    on the SD card (using the RPI Imager), rather than manually installed on
    an existing Pi image (e.g. apt install ...), so that means that the Pi
    can only be used for what HA allows you to do. Therefore, one downside
    (for me) with HA is that I don't seem to be able to gain SSH access to
    the PI. I can access it via the web interface, and I can install a ZSH
    shell on it, but that is in (I think) a Docker Container. What I would
    like to be able to do, which I can with my other Pis, is to run regular
    health check stuff, CPU temp, free memory, free card space that sort of
    stuff. I can do that from the Docker Container, but I can't set up a
    cron job to do it, and I haven't even tried getting it to email me a
    daily summary.

    HA can be installed in several ways.

    I had no idea why I chose Domoticz over HA, it was a few years ago, but
    you present a compelling argument.

    My rpi4 Domoticz install is a 12 line docker-compose.yml.

    I already had MQTT.

    Domoticz works, lets me switch things on and off, immediately or
    scheduled, and provides me with historical usage graphs. Which is all I
    really want.

    Dunno if it relates to you, but I had a similar SSH problem.

    I had a Gitea Container (a pretty UI git repo manager) needing to
    reserve the standard SSH port for git to work, this took over the host
    rPi host standard SHH port. My solution was to assign the Gitea
    container its own LAN IP address using a Docker Macvlan network drive,
    thus the Gitea container and the host rPI could each use the default SSH
    port as they had distinct IPs.


    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 17:04:25 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <vol5gc$2v89p$1@dont-email.me>, Pancho <Pancho.Jones@protonmail.com> writes
    On 2/13/25 12:15, Theo wrote:
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    So far as I've been able to find out, HA is only installed as an image
    on the SD card (using the RPI Imager), rather than manually installed on >>> an existing Pi image (e.g. apt install ...), so that means that the Pi
    can only be used for what HA allows you to do. Therefore, one downside
    (for me) with HA is that I don't seem to be able to gain SSH access to
    the PI. I can access it via the web interface, and I can install a ZSH
    shell on it, but that is in (I think) a Docker Container. What I would
    like to be able to do, which I can with my other Pis, is to run regular
    health check stuff, CPU temp, free memory, free card space that sort of
    stuff. I can do that from the Docker Container, but I can't set up a
    cron job to do it, and I haven't even tried getting it to email me a
    daily summary.
    HA can be installed in several ways.

    I had no idea why I chose Domoticz over HA, it was a few years ago, but
    you present a compelling argument.

    My rpi4 Domoticz install is a 12 line docker-compose.yml.

    I already had MQTT.

    Domoticz works, lets me switch things on and off, immediately or
    scheduled, and provides me with historical usage graphs. Which is all I >really want.


    I've managed to get a PI to ask HA to turn my switch on and off, but
    I've not been able to get the PI to read the data used to generate the
    graphs, which I'd like to be able to do. It would be useful to at least
    know if the switch is already on before I try to turn it on again !
    Bonus points for being able to get the power consumption of the device
    it is controlling.

    Dunno if it relates to you, but I had a similar SSH problem.

    I had a Gitea Container (a pretty UI git repo manager) needing to
    reserve the standard SSH port for git to work, this took over the host
    rPi host standard SHH port. My solution was to assign the Gitea
    container its own LAN IP address using a Docker Macvlan network drive,
    thus the Gitea container and the host rPI could each use the default
    SSH port as they had distinct IPs.



    Until installing HA, I've never (knowingly) had any dealings with
    Docker.

    Adrian
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    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
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  • From Pancho@Pancho.Jones@protonmail.com to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 17:38:27 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    On 2/13/25 17:04, Adrian wrote:
    In message <vol5gc$2v89p$1@dont-email.me>, Pancho <Pancho.Jones@protonmail.com> writes
    On 2/13/25 12:15, Theo wrote:
    Adrian <bulleid@ku.gro.lioff> wrote:
    So far as I've been able to find out, HA is only installed as an image >>>> on the SD card (using the RPI Imager), rather than manually
    installed on
    an existing Pi image (e.g. apt install ...), so that means that the Pi >>>> can only be used for what HA allows you to do.  Therefore, one downside >>>> (for me) with HA is that I don't seem to be able to gain SSH access to >>>> the PI.  I can access it via the web interface, and I can install a ZSH >>>> shell on it, but that is in (I think) a Docker Container.  What I would >>>> like to be able to do, which I can with my other Pis, is to run regular >>>> health check stuff, CPU temp, free memory, free card space that sort of >>>> stuff.  I can do that from the Docker Container, but I can't set up a >>>> cron job to do it, and I haven't even tried getting it to email me a
    daily summary.
     HA can be installed in several ways.

    I had no idea why I chose Domoticz over HA, it was a few years ago,
    but you present a compelling argument.

    My rpi4 Domoticz install is a 12 line docker-compose.yml.

    I already had MQTT.

    Domoticz works, lets me switch things on and off, immediately or
    scheduled, and provides me with historical usage graphs. Which is all
    I really want.


    I've managed to get a PI to ask HA to turn my switch on and off, but
    I've not been able to get the PI to read the data used to generate the graphs, which I'd like to be able to do.  It would be useful to at least know if the switch is already on before I try to turn it on again !
    Bonus points for being able to get the power consumption of the device
    it is controlling.


    Try Domoticz, it is supposed to be much simpler than HA. Not as feature
    rich as HA, but maybe a better fit for a simple home setup. (Caveat:
    I've never used HA).



    Dunno if it relates to you, but I had a similar SSH problem.

    I had a Gitea Container (a pretty UI git repo manager) needing to
    reserve the standard SSH port for git to work, this took over the host
    rPi host standard SHH port. My solution was to assign the Gitea
    container its own LAN IP address using a Docker Macvlan network drive,
    thus the Gitea container and the host rPI could each use the default
    SSH port as they had distinct IPs.




    That should be Macvlan network driver, not drive.

    Until installing HA, I've never (knowingly) had any dealings with Docker.


    Docker is brilliant! If they had had it when I was working, I wouldn't
    have needed to wear my brown trousers every release day, at least not so
    much :-). Although, I'm sure the bright young things of today will have introduced new complexity, so it is still easy to mess things up.

    Nowadays, for me, it can make installing third party software simple, as opposed to a nightmare of conflicting environment.
    --- Synchronet 3.20c-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Adrian@bulleid@ku.gro.lioff to comp.sys.raspberry-pi on Thu Feb 13 18:07:40 2025
    From Newsgroup: comp.sys.raspberry-pi

    In message <volamj$2v89p$2@dont-email.me>, Pancho <Pancho.Jones@protonmail.com> writes
    Try Domoticz, it is supposed to be much simpler than HA. Not as feature
    rich as HA, but maybe a better fit for a simple home setup. (Caveat:
    I've never used HA).


    It's on the tuit list.

    Docker is brilliant! If they had had it when I was working, I wouldn't
    have needed to wear my brown trousers every release day, at least not
    so much :-). Although, I'm sure the bright young things of today will
    have introduced new complexity, so it is still easy to mess things up.

    Nowadays, for me, it can make installing third party software simple,
    as opposed to a nightmare of conflicting environment.

    From what little I know of it, I can see the attraction of using it for complex stuff, but I'm not convinced that it isn't a bit OTT for simpler stuff. A problem is deciding when simple becomes complex.

    Adrian
    --
    To Reply :
    replace "bulleid" with "adrian" - all mail to bulleid is rejected
    Sorry for the rigmarole, If I want spam, I'll go to the shops
    Every time someone says "I don't believe in trolls", another one dies.
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