Today we’re excited to introduce the Google PowerMeter API on code.google.com, for developers interested in integrating with Google PowerMeter. This API will allow device manufacturers to build home energy monitoring devices that work with Google PowerMeter. We’re launching this API in order to help build the ecosystem of innovative developers working towards making energy information more widely available to consumers.
In today’s launch of the API on code.google.com we are highlighting the core design principles towards integrating with Google PowerMeter. In particular we outline the underlying data model and the accompanying protocols to ensure that Google PowerMeter provides consumers access to their energy consumption with utmost care in maintaining the user’s privacy and control on access to the information. We also highlight, with code samples and client implementations, how to easily start building your PowerMeter-compatible device.
Adafruit publishes a wide range of writing and video content, including interviews and reporting on the maker market and the wider technology world. Our standards page is intended as a guide to best practices that Adafruit uses, as well as an outline of the ethical standards Adafruit aspires to. While Adafruit is not an independent journalistic institution, Adafruit strives to be a fair, informative, and positive voice within the community – check it out here: adafruit.com/editorialstandards
Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7:30pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat and our Discord!
Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: Diving into the Raspberry Pi RP2350, Python Survey Results and more! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
I have been inspired to try something similar. My main goal is cost reduction. The Zigbee modules are handy but not exactly cheap. An alternative would be Bluetooth RS323 modules which can be bought for about 1/3rd the price.
There are two options – radio or wired. Radio is a good way to go I think. Using cheap transceivers and having the microcontrollers taking the readings buffer the data instead of sending it continuously it should be possible to have lots of them operating together on one frequency. Another advantage is that the uprocs will log data even if the receiving computer is not on.
Wired is not very practical unless you use power line networking. There is no easy and safe way to do it as far as I can tell, at least not cheaply.
On the other end there will be a USB/RS232 receiver. Routers that can run DD-WRT are ideal for logging and uploading the data, especially as they can run on just a few watts and have built in LAN/Wifi.
The first versions will be built into power meters like the Tweet-a-Watt, but I am hoping to have hall-effect sensor based ones too for building into devices and power strips. Ubiquity is the goal. I am hoping to power everything from the mains too. It’s not hard really, and I have had good results re-purposing those little USB chargers you can get for a pound or two.
I have been inspired to try something similar. My main goal is cost reduction. The Zigbee modules are handy but not exactly cheap. An alternative would be Bluetooth RS323 modules which can be bought for about 1/3rd the price.
There are two options – radio or wired. Radio is a good way to go I think. Using cheap transceivers and having the microcontrollers taking the readings buffer the data instead of sending it continuously it should be possible to have lots of them operating together on one frequency. Another advantage is that the uprocs will log data even if the receiving computer is not on.
Wired is not very practical unless you use power line networking. There is no easy and safe way to do it as far as I can tell, at least not cheaply.
On the other end there will be a USB/RS232 receiver. Routers that can run DD-WRT are ideal for logging and uploading the data, especially as they can run on just a few watts and have built in LAN/Wifi.
The first versions will be built into power meters like the Tweet-a-Watt, but I am hoping to have hall-effect sensor based ones too for building into devices and power strips. Ubiquity is the goal. I am hoping to power everything from the mains too. It’s not hard really, and I have had good results re-purposing those little USB chargers you can get for a pound or two.