Beginner's guide to soldering an OOK Tx module to emonPi v1.5

With the big firmware update just around the corner (as far as I can see), I have a renewed interest in getting my emonPi + emonTH set up do some work :)

My project idea is to control the extractor fan based on humidity levels, but for that, I need to control a relay. Now having all this nice OOK, NodeRed, etc support coming in the firmware, what I'm missing is the actual hardware.

Being a web developer I only play around with electronics as a hobby, so the terse instructions on the official page aren't quite enough to confidently get started: https://wiki.openenergymonitor.org/index.php?title=EmonPi#LightWaveRF_OOK

Could anyone please put some step-by-step guide together (with things like get these modules, have these materials, solder in this order, look out for this gotcha, test like this, etc)? Or alternatively if anyone in London are willing to pair up and help me out, I'd be more than happy to make the guide based on that!

glyn.hudson's picture

Re: Beginner's guide to soldering an OOK Tx module to emonPi v1.5

What version emonPi PCB do you have? If you have latest, (V1.6) then soldering an OOK module will be super easy. Just four joints.

If you have the earlier V1.5, then you'll need to add wire links as detailed: 

https://wiki.openenergymonitor.org/index.php/EmonPi#LightWaveRF_OOK

If you are ordering a new emonPi with OOK from the shop, we can attach it for you if you leave a note with your order 

http://shop.openenergymonitor.com/ook-on-off-keying-transmitter-433mhz/

dain's picture

Re: Beginner's guide to soldering an OOK Tx module to emonPi v1.5

Thanks a lot for the quick response Glyn!

I have the 1.5, so the only difference is that I have to add that wire link to the antenna?

I've also spotted a warning in the differences between 1.5-1.6 – "Move OOK to top of board to avoid Pi2 connector shorting issue" – what do I need to look out for?

If I do do it, how can I test? Better do the emonPi software update first, right?

 

glyn.hudson's picture

Re: Beginner's guide to soldering an OOK Tx module to emonPi v1.5

Correct, just solder on the antenna. No other changes needed. 

No, need to do software update first. 

You will need to use the latest emonPi image, it has got LightWave RF and OOK setup as standard:

http://openenergymonitor.org/emon/node/12212

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