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Weather Software => RaspberryPI Weather Software => Topic started by: uwemundry on August 17, 2019, 05:16:57 PM

Title: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on August 17, 2019, 05:16:57 PM
Hello,

Not sure if this would be the proper forum. If not, please let me know where it should go. Thank you!

I am looking for an end-to-end solution to receive/decode the 433MHz RF coming off an AcuRite Atlas 5 in 1, and feed the stream into a PC USB port. Like a black box with an antenna and a USB cable attached to it. Then potentially write the stream to a file on the PC.  Is any hobbyist out there willing to sell one? Like many others I really don't want to spend the time to work on this myself.

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: vreihen on August 17, 2019, 05:36:25 PM
Find out why rtl_433 doesn't support the Atlas, and then assist in adding support for it.  All of the heavy lifting has already been done in rtl_433 for practically every other weather station...including Acurite's other stuff.....
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on August 27, 2019, 09:13:35 AM
Thank you, vreihen. If I had the time I would. Is why I was inquiring about a blackbox solution. Any takers?
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 04, 2021, 07:52:10 PM
1-1/2 years have passed since my last inquiry. Does anyone have this by now?

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: cbad536 on February 08, 2021, 08:50:47 AM
YES!!

RTL_433 supports the Atlas.

I'm using with RTL-SDR for the radio.  First I installed on MacBook.  Now it's running on a RaspPI
took about 2 hrs total, and a few youtube tutorials.

If you're building you system from the beginning, can't go wrong with MQTT to get the 433 data to your endpoint.  RTL_433 has MQTT function built in.  MQTT has a lot of support.

I'm quite an amateur when it comes to RaspPi, so happy to talk and help
CB
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 08, 2021, 08:58:12 PM
That is grand!!! What a great step for mankind  :-)

I ordered the sdr. Will keep you posted.

Thank you so much for your response and info!

UM
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 20, 2021, 12:16:53 PM
I have the SDR (based on Rafael Micro R820T tuner) and running rtl_433 v20.11-55. The output I get from my Atlas can be seen in attached screenshot. There is no air pressure in the output. Is there a version of rtl_433 which decodes that as well?

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: Storm017 on February 20, 2021, 01:49:12 PM
The sensor for the pressure is located in the console, so RTL_433 will not decode the pressure. It will only decode what is being sent from the outside sensors. If your console has an micro-USB connector you can interface the console to the RPI to capture all the data.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 20, 2021, 07:07:51 PM
Mmhhh, I have the Indoor Display for the Atlas (model 06061). It has a micro USB connector, but nothing happens when I plug that into the PC. I guess it needs a special driver. Or has anyone figured out how to use that port?

What is RPI?

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: Storm017 on February 20, 2021, 07:19:49 PM
RPI is a Raspberry PI a single board computer. https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Power-Supply-Listed/dp/B07BC6WH7V
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: worachj on February 20, 2021, 07:23:20 PM
Mmhhh, I have the Indoor Display for the Atlas (model 06061). It has a micro USB connector, but nothing happens when I plug that into the PC. I guess it needs a special driver. Or has anyone figured out how to use that port?

What is RPI?

Thank you!


You're not going to be able to get the pressure off of that display. No one knows the purpose of that USB connector on that model's display. 

Barometric pressure is sent to your online AcuRite / WU account(s) from the AcuRite Access or the Direct to Wi-Fi display which you don't have.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 20, 2021, 07:50:37 PM
Thank you guys!

Doooh re RPI, now I know what you are talking about there..

That USB port is a connection that obviously AcuRite is using for their i/o needs. So no one has managed to tap into that, too bad.

And yes I know that the pressure goes to WU and my account. My whole purpose for investigating all this is to feed realtime data to my own PC graphing app. I hate the graphs showing in the AcuRite web browser, and on the console display they are worse. They put no heart into that whatsoever. I am likely not alone with that opinion.

Anyway, now I have to find some way to get barometric pressure data as a live stream, somehow. Maybe I have to look at some cheapo weather station that feeds the pressure info to its display, decodable by rts_433, even if I need a 2nd SDR for it. Any ideas which weatherstation would fit that category?

Thank you again!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: vreihen on February 20, 2021, 07:58:36 PM
There should be multiple web sites telling how others have wired a Bosch BMP-280 to a Raspberry Pi specifically for feeding barometer data into WeeWX for stations using an SDR with no barometer data.....
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 20, 2021, 08:03:54 PM
I really would like to use an SDR to tap into the 433MHz transmissions of a weather station transmitter, feeding a stream straight to my PC, just like what I am doing with the Atlas. RPI is for hobbyists, I don't have the time to tinker at that level :-(

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: galfert on February 21, 2021, 12:03:34 AM
That's funny. I'm in the compete opposite viewpoint. I have a bunch of Raspberry Pi computers that do a bunch of different things (weather and non-weather related). I dont have time for SDR. I don't really see using a Pi as requiring tinkering. You can if you want, but you can also just copy a pre-built image, boot, and just use it without tinkering. I prefer to get data from weather stations that use APIs so that 3rd party software can easily get the live data from the local network.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: cbad536 on February 21, 2021, 12:32:09 AM
@galfert:  If you're able to install an OS on RPi, you'll be able to use RTL_433 with the RTL-SDR.    The SDR is seriously plug and play.  All the work is installing RTL_433.  The SDR needed no special configuration. 
Make sure your SDR includes an antenna and coax, to further simplify.

@uwemundy  You mentioned you don't want to learn RPi, but you want to stream the data to your PC for graphing.... So, are you more facile with that data manipulation on the PC?    The output of RTL_433 does require parsing.    If you're comfortable doing that on the PC, I'd suggest run RTL_433 on the PC, do all your processing there.
Then find a cheapo barometric pressure device that is supported by RTL_433.  All you have to do is parse that data too.  But no extra radio.  The documentation of supported devices for RTL_433 is excellent.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 21, 2021, 08:14:32 AM
Once I have the stream on the Windows PC, I can handle the rest. I am doing that now. Using SDR straight into USB port, that's all I have for hardware. SDR is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDN1T4S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I parse and remap the data and store them in a SQL server table. A visualization program does the rest. Only one problem, no baro pressure info. I'll find a solution for that. Will let you know. If you have a non-RPI or Arduino solution, please let me know.

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: galfert on February 21, 2021, 09:05:42 AM
@galfert:  If you're able to install an OS on RPi, you'll be able to use RTL_433 with the RTL-SDR.    The SDR is seriously plug and play.  All the work is installing RTL_433.  The SDR needed no special configuration. 
Make sure your SDR includes an antenna and coax, to further simplify.

Thank you. But I'm far from being technically challenged, being that I am an IT person. I just see SDR as a needlessly more complex solution (not complicated and difficult, just overly engineered because of lack of available API) with more moving parts compared to simply installing Cumulus MX, Meteobridge, Weather-Display, or WeeWX on an RPi and done. It's the means to the end where with SDR you are basically reinventing the wheel (creating your own receiver, having to use a separate barometer, and then parsing and sending the data to a more limited set of software) when I already have a perfectly good device on the network (a console) that instantly provides live data simultaneously via API to more applications.

For some stations, I understand the need for SDR as a solution, when an API is not available. But that could have been a consideration when deciding on what to invest in. And of course I'm not saying those that decided to go with SDR got caught with their pants down. I'm just saying that at least for me this was a deciding factor that weighed heavily. It is the reason I became so involved with Ecowitt to ensure that all the popular applications had access to their newest API when I became one of the first few to beta test the GW1000.

This has gotten a bit off topic. I simply commented that I thought it was funny that someone would pass up on using a Raspberry Pi for fear of complexity, when I saw it as the exact opposite compared to SDR on a PC. But ultimately there is plenty of help in the community for anyone to utilize any method.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 21, 2021, 09:29:45 AM
I am using the SDR as I see no other way of getting the data out of an Atlas 5 in 1. I can't tap into the Access nor the indoor display (06061). So what else can I do other than using an SDR. I want plug and play, not dealing with RPI nor Arduino, my soldering iron was last touched 20 years ago :-) AcuRite doesn't make it easy to live stream it's data and I am not sure what their strategy on that is. And their graphing is substandard, half-baked, through the web portal and on the indoor display, just horrible. Not mentioning the sampling rates.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: Storm017 on February 21, 2021, 01:33:21 PM
Look into the program Acuparse: https://www.acuparse.com/ and does not require the use of a SDR.  But needs to run on a Linux OS or a VM.  As for a Weather Station console that transmits information (433MHz), don't know of any. If you still want to use your SDR, you would need a BME280 or BMP280 for your pressure.

Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 21, 2021, 01:39:10 PM
I just ordered the EcoWitt GW1000, see if I can get the baro pressure out of it. Looks like that's possible.

Then of course I'll have to remap from 2 different sources but I can live with that.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: galfert on February 21, 2021, 01:52:02 PM
The Ecowitt GW1000 does not send barometric pressure via RF. You can though get the pressure from the GW1000 via API (with supported application) or via HTTP GET (WU) and POST (Ecowitt) protocols.

There is an Ecowitt device that does send barometric pressure via RF and that is the WH32B as that is what the HP2551 display console uses because it does not have built in barometric sensor. But the WH32B is not sold separately. It is usually bundled with the HP2551 or stations that come with that display console. I suppose it is possible to perhaps make special order request to Ecowitt and see if they can send you just the WH32B.

But the norm for SDR users is to use the BME280 or BMP280 or similar.



Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 21, 2021, 02:26:17 PM
Ahhhhhh, I'll cancel the order 😃 and first check on that RF pressure sensor. I looked for something like that yesterday but couldn't find one, except for a Finnish Bluetooth product. But that only streams to iOS and Android, for now.

Thanks for the hint!!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: Storm017 on February 21, 2021, 02:33:13 PM
Here is one from Ambient: https://www.amazon.com/Ambient-Weather-WH32B-Indoor-Thermometer-Barometer-Hygrometer/dp/B07GX5VMHC

It is 915MHz.  I have not checked lately, but I think RTL_443 decodes that sensor.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 22, 2021, 08:48:29 AM
Thank you! I ordered it. Will see if that works.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: cbad536 on February 22, 2021, 09:10:32 AM
I think, if the sensor is on 915 MHz, you'll have to issue some parameters on the command line when you start RTL-433.  I think it can be done with one command line, to make it scan 433 and 915, switching periodically.  It's not difficult.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 22, 2021, 09:15:21 AM
Yes, as long as it can decode it in the first place, I'll get it to work. Will let everyone know how it goes. Sensor will arrive on Thursday, so don't expect any news until next weekend.

Thank you everyone!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: galfert on February 22, 2021, 09:26:57 AM
You ordered the Ambient WH32B? Because that is only 915 MHz. Will your RTL-SDR work with both 433 and 915 MHz? From what I understand there are different antennas for the various frequencies. Therefore I think you should stick to 433 MHz like your other sensors.

I purposefully only mentioned the Ecowitt WH32B because it can be ordered with any frequency; 433, 868, or 915 MHz.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 22, 2021, 10:25:45 AM
I contacted EcoWitt to see if I can get it. Will let you know.

Thank you!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on February 24, 2021, 09:01:18 AM
EcoWitt will sell it separately for $12.99 incl. mail ship, but will take 4-5 weeks :-( So I'll wait and first check if the Ambient one works.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on March 03, 2021, 02:19:13 PM
Today I finally received my Ambient WH32B. Immediately tested it, and yes it is 915MHz. The rtl_433 decodes it without a hitch. On the side I found that it also reads the signals off my water meter and gas meter :-) What a surprise! If I can now also find the electric meter signal, I can plot all my utility expenses in real time :-)

With that I have everything I need to feed my SQL database in real time, the Atlas every 10 seconds and the WH32B every 1 minute (what better resolution can one expect from barometric pressure :lol: ) Best part, all I need to do is plug the SDR into my PC USB port, start rtl_433 and my stream catcher (to be written) and feed that to SQL. Done.

Thank you everyone for your help! I learned a lot, and now have an AcuRite Wall Display 06061 for sale :-) US$50, anyone?

Cheers!
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: galfert on March 03, 2021, 03:26:17 PM
Thank you everyone for your help! I learned a lot, and now have an AcuRite Wall Display 06061 for sale :-) US$50, anyone?

Good to know that there is no trouble with the frequency difference to decode both. Signal must be good enough that you didn't require specific frequency antennas.

Regarding the display that you want to sell...we have a for sale section for that.  :grin:
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on March 03, 2021, 05:00:48 PM
I am using the shortest of the 3 antennas supplied with the SDR. I know the antenna length difference should be approx. factor 2 between the 433MHz and the 915MHz. The Atlas is approx. 20 feet away, the WH32B is approx. 15 feet away. The gas and water meters are 50 feet away, through the wall. I looked at the signal using HDSDR, and both signals have about the same strength, so the antenna although detuned for one of the two frequencies, is doing good enough a job for both.

Thanks for the For Sale hint! :-) I'll likely just dump the display once I have my real time displaying on a 24/7 On PC/monitor.

Does anyone know what frequency the electric meters use? Now that I've smelled the blood, I'd sure like to grab that info as well :-)
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: Storm017 on March 03, 2021, 05:30:11 PM
Check out this link for electric meters: https://github.com/bemasher/rtlamr
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: nars on October 14, 2021, 05:01:48 PM
I would also like to purchase a WH32B sensor without the console but unfortunately the guys at ecowitt doesn't reply my emails :(  Anyone have any suggestion on how to contact them? Can't understand why they don't list this sensor as spare available to buy on the site, but their FAQ says it's possible to order it and to contact them...
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on October 14, 2021, 05:18:31 PM
I don't remember where I got mine but they seem to be available in a few places,  like here:

https://ambientweather.com/amwh32b.html
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on October 14, 2021, 05:25:01 PM
I see you are in Portugal. Try Amazon, they have them, at least here in the U.S.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: nars on October 14, 2021, 05:56:39 PM
Thank you uwemundry! I will check, but I would prefer if I could get a 433MHz version if possible, that's why I was trying to get the ecowitt, and also shipping from China is cheaper :)  I know that rtl-sdr is able to receive 800/900MHz but 433MHz would be better as I have rtl_433 already listening at other sensors on 433MHz, then it would also RX this one without freq. switching or similar, but yes if I can't really get the 433MHz one then I may try the Ambient Weather.

Edit: I did just find that ecowitt guys also have a gmail email and a facebook page, I will try again to contact them :)
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: uwemundry on October 14, 2021, 06:07:33 PM
Not sure about multiplexing rtl_433 on multiple frequencies. I am using two sdrs both plugged into a usb hub and hub plugged into the PC. I start one on 433 and the other on 915 MHz. That gives me full resolution for each. Therefore for me it does not matter if the wh32b emits on one or the other.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: nars on October 14, 2021, 06:19:19 PM
Yes, one separate rtl-sdr for each band that's surely a solution, I will see what I can get.
Thanks for the suggestions! :)
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: davidefa on October 15, 2021, 08:43:47 AM
I would also like to purchase a WH32B sensor without the console but unfortunately the guys at ecowitt doesn't reply my emails :(  Anyone have any suggestion on how to contact them? Can't understand why they don't list this sensor as spare available to buy on the site, but their FAQ says it's possible to order it and to contact them...
You can safely send your order to support at ecowitt dot net, specifying what you need, asking to pay via paypal or what you like.
Maybe there is a small delay due to national holidays at beginning of month.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: nars on October 15, 2021, 03:21:46 PM
Thank you davidefa, I didn't knew that address with .net either, the 1st one I tried near 1 week ago was similar but ending in .com (that's what is shown on their site), then yesterday tried the gmail one they show on their facebook page, I will wait some more days and if I get no reply I will try the .net.
Title: Re: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?
Post by: nars on October 18, 2021, 08:17:46 AM
Just for your information, ecowitt guys just replied me today (to my message sent to ecowittweather AT gmail.com), they did add the sensor available to order as an option at:
https://ecowittstore.com/products/hp2551-wifi-weather-station-large-tft-screen-with-solar-powered-7-in-1-outdoor-sensor
I did already order it. Not sure if they will keep the option there or if they added it just temporarily for me to order it.