Topic: 433MHz RF to USB anyone?

[cbad536]

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.

[uwemundry]

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!

[galfert]

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.

[uwemundry]

I contacted EcoWitt to see if I can get it. Will let you know.

Thank you!

[uwemundry]

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.

[uwemundry]

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 ) 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!

[galfert]

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. 

[uwemundry]

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

[Storm017]

Check out this link for electric meters: https://github.com/bemasher/rtlamr

[nars]

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...

[uwemundry]

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

[uwemundry]

I see you are in Portugal. Try Amazon, they have them, at least here in the U.S.

[nars]

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

[uwemundry]

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.

[nars]

Yes, one separate rtl-sdr for each band that's surely a solution, I will see what I can get.
Thanks for the suggestions!

[davidefa]

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.

[nars]

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.

[nars]

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.