eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
|
Post by eddy on Sept 24, 2010 23:24:33 GMT
Is anyone using Power Meter? If so,which measuring device? There doesn't seem to be much choice at present.
|
|
|
Post by millstonebarn on Sept 30, 2010 20:12:30 GMT
I'm thinking about getting some arduino kit. Just for the fun of it.
|
|
eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
|
Post by eddy on Oct 2, 2010 17:27:19 GMT
I have been researching the market and will probably buy the Owl + USB model (about £39.95) This is the only one suitable for my EDF Warmwise Tariff that has 4 different rates - the Owl device can cater for up to 6 different rates. Unfortunately it only works with PC's so I shall have to make use of VM Fusion so as to run it on my iMac. It does not currently work with Google Power Meter but Owl have given me a link to some downloadable software that should make this possible. I am still uncertain as this seems to be a fast moving technology and maybe I should wait a while. Unfortunately I have to admit to a tendency of being an "early adopter"! I have noticed that B&Q are advertising an earlier version of the Owl device at a good price in today's newspapers.
|
|
|
Post by millstonebarn on Oct 3, 2010 10:56:29 GMT
It's worth having a look at Pachube (pronounced Patch-bay) and Current Cost monitoring devices. this is a much richer environment for monitoring and control. Current Cost can be used directly with google power meter if you wish, I believe, with their "bridge" (which is just an arduino device really). www.readwriteweb.com/archives/pachube_current_cost.phpIt looks a little more expensive to set up initially, but may be more flexible (and would not require you to run a PC to act as an interface). Over the next couple of years we should see the introduction of smart meters that can be monitored directly, rather than having to have a separate clamp. We're reliant on the energy companies for this (though I believe there is European legislation that will ensure it will happen.) Current Cost devices can be acquired through EDF by the looks of it too, so I guess they support the different rates too.
|
|
eddy
Senior Member
Posts: 201
|
Post by eddy on Oct 3, 2010 15:06:09 GMT
Hi Mike Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard of Pachube before - amazing what one learns from this forum! Unfortunately EDF will only supply a Current Cost device for their Standard (expensive?) tariff, not my unusual Warmwise tariff. In reply to my enquiry to Current Cost they sent the following reply; "At the moment, the Current Cost Google PowerMeter software only works on windows unfortunately. However, there is software for the mac. You would firstly need to install the drivers. Details here: currentcost.posterous.com/prolific-data-cable-drivers-for-mac There is then Mac software that you can download and use: currentcost.com/software-downloads.html Our monitors only allow for 2 rates to be inserted into the monitor. These values are the price values used on the front of the display. To get a ballpark figure, you could average the rates and enter them in the two boxes. But it doesn’t support 4 rates." A shame really because I think the Current Cost device is a good one. I still thinking about the way forward and will put an update on here in due course. Jim
|
|
|
Post by beerbum on Oct 5, 2010 21:09:27 GMT
This thread has got me thinking so I started checking out Power Meters. When reading through the reviews of different devices I came across this www.amazon.co.uk/review/R30EAVUUCV2J4S/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R30EAVUUCV2J4SThis would appear to imply that all the meters that operate by having a sensor round the mains wire would have similar flaws…. However, electricity is the only thing from science at school that I just couldn't get a handle on, I just don't get it. Would be interested to hear the opinions of those that do understand the sparky stuff
|
|