Our friends from OpenEnergyMonitor are releasing a new DIY energy monitor (through hole kit) and we are organizing a workshop for those that are still not monitoring their energy usage. Get your kit, come along and build it yourself.
Trystan Lea (https://openenergymonitor.org/emon/user/3) who has been working hard to develop this low cost monitor will be there with us to answer all our questions.
No any special skills required. Better if you have done soldering before, but if not, this is the chance to learn. Also once the board is built we'll have to connect it to the computer and upload the software that makes it work.
So for those who are not initiated, this is a great oportunity to gain confidence with electronics. For the others who already know, it's the chance to expand their knowledge and see the results of their work by understanding their energy usage and hopefully reduce carbon emissions.
Getting the kit
The cost of the kit which includes all the basics to monitor electricity consumption including sensors and power is £64.37 (without case), but we have been offered a 20% discount for CarbonCo-op members bringing the cost down to £53.64 (without case).
Detailed breakdown:
Energy Monitor board: £30.20
USB Power supply: £5.14
USB mini cable: £2.00
CT sensor: £8.00
ACAC Adapter for voltage sensing: £8.30
Optional: Aluminium enclosure and lazer cut fascias: £11.16
Probably if you don't finish the build up you will want to carry on at home ;) But if it is not the case, don't worry, October's EcoHomeLab is planned as a continuation of this one. So if you need to finish the build up, something is not working or you want to expand the functionality (like adding extra sensors for gas monitoring, temperature, humidity, etc.) we'll ensure that there is time and people to help. On top of that, in October's session we'll create dashboards in emoncms.org (https://emoncms.org/) to help us understand our energy use and make the most of our energy monitors.
What to do now
Thinking about coming? We have a maximum of 20 spaces so it is important to RSVP (top right corner of this page).
We'll also be in contact one week before the meetup for the final kits purchase arrangements.
Want to know more?
Trystan has put together some information already that is quite helpful. See below:
