ISKRA MT381 energy meter compatibility

[MatejsLab]

Hi, this project seems interesting, I am planning to integrate the Iskra energy meter into Openhab.

How do I know if my energy meter is compatible with your software?

My meter has IR ports with a magnet ring, but the model seems different.

I actually already measure just current with CTs to prevent overloads of mains fuses.

I would like to send the 15-minute consumption, active tariff, and warning flag "grid transformer overload" if it exists.
Our electric company set up a new plan with 5 tariffs and 3 of them change in a day, 2 are winter and 2 are summer only, and one is the baseline. I could guess with Openhab based on time what tariff is on but it is cheating it may be false.

Now they announced a new flexible contract where you get a cheaper tariff if you turn off loads at peak demands, but it is dumb as they expect me to fiddle with unplugging devices manually in 15 minutes when I get an SMS or Mail to get a bonus. I have openhab to do this, to manage with dryers and boilers w smart plugs and dial down smart heating.

Maybe just point me out if smarting the energy meter is useful for that, or it cant be smartened to tell that grid load indicator and my 15-minute energy rate that my energy company talks all over the place that smart meters can do but not how I can use it to control my smart heating for example.

Thanks in advance
Matej

[wdoekes]

Hi Matej,

Cool that you're considering using this.

How do I know if my energy meter is compatible with your software?

You don't =)

On the internet, I found a me162_technical_description.pdf PDF:

ME162
Single-Phase Electronic Meter
Technical Description
Version 1.1, 02.06. 2006

With among others this text:

---

---

The relevant bits are documented at the top:

pe32me162ir_pub/pe32me162ir_pub.ino

Lines 1 to 44 in e3394b0

	/**
	* pe32me162ir_pub // Talk to optical port of ISKRA ME-162, export to MQTT
	*
	* Components:
	* - ISKRA ME-162 electronic meter with optical port
	* - a digital IR-transceiver from https://wiki.hal9k.dk/projects/kamstrup --
	* BEWARE: be sure to check the direction of the two BC547 transistors.
	* The pictures on the wiki have them backwards. Check the
	* https://wiki.hal9k.dk/_media/projects/kamstrup-schem-v2.pdf !
	* - ESP8266 (NodeMCU, with Wifi) _or_ an Arduino (Uno?). Wifi/MQTT publish
	* support is only(!) available for the ESP8266 at the moment.
	* - attach PIN_IR_RX<->RX, PIN_IR_TX<->TX, 3VC<->VCC (or 5VC), GND<->GND
	* - (optional: analog light sensor to attach to A0<->SIG (and 3VC and GND))
	*
	* Building/dependencies:
	* - Arduino IDE
	* - (for ESP8266) board: package_esp8266com_index.json
	* - (for ESP8266) library: ArduinoMqttClient
	* - (for Arduino) library (manually): CustomSoftwareSerial (by ledongthuc)
	*
	* Configuration:
	* - Connect the pins as specified above and below (PIN_IR_RX, PIN_IR_TX);
	* - connect the IR-tranceiver to the ISKA ME-162, with _our_ TX on the left
	* and _our_ RX on the right;
	* - Copy config.h.example to config.h and adapt it to your situation and
	* preferences.
	* - Copy arduino_secrets.h.example to arduino_secrets.h and fill in your
	* credentials and MQTT information.
	*
	* ISKRA ME-162 electricity meter notes:
	* > The optical port complies with the IEC 62056-21 (IEC
	* > 61107) standard, a mode C protocol is employed;
	* > data transmission rate is 9600 bit/sec.
	* ...
	* > The optical port wavelength is 660 nm and luminous
	* > intensity is min. 1 mW/sr for the ON state.
	*
	* IEC 62056-21 mode C:
	* - is a bidirectional ASCII protocol;
	* - that starts in 300 baud with 1 start bit, 7 data bits, 1 (even)
	* parity bit and one stop bit;
	* - can be upgraded to higher baud rate (9600) after the handshake;
	* - and allows manufacturer-specific extensions.
	* - See: github.com/lvzon/dsmr-p1-parser/blob/master/doc/IEC-62056-21-notes.md

(IEC 62056-21 protocol).

There's an initial connect readout sample here:

pe32me162ir_pub/pe32me162ir_pub.ino

Lines 645 to 656 in e3394b0

	/* Data between STX and ETX. It should look like:
	* > C.1.0(28342193) // Meter serial number
	* > 0.0.0(28342193) // Device address
	* > 1.8.0(0032826.545*kWh) // Total positive active energy (A+)
	* > 1.8.1(0000000.000*kWh) // Positive active energy in first tariff (T1)
	* > 1.8.2(0032826.545*kWh) // Positive active energy in second tariff (T2)
	* > 2.8.0(0000000.001*kWh) // Total negative active energy (A-)
	* > 2.8.1(0000000.000*kWh) // Negative active energy in first tariff (T1)
	* > 2.8.2(0000000.001*kWh) // Negative active energy in second tariff (T2)
	* > F.F(0000000) // Meter fatal error
	* > ! // end-of-data
	* (With "\r\n" everywhere.) */

I also have a Python version here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162irpy_pub

It is not as well documented, but it is written in Python, so it might be easier to hack/extend/change. You can use that if you're testing on a laptop/raspberry, instead of on an ESP.

---

I would like to send the 15-minute consumption, active tariff, and warning flag "grid transformer overload" if it exists.

Hard to tell whether that exists. The ME162 has the following EDIS/OBIS codes for readout:

There is no such thing as a 15-minute consumption there. Only the "current" positive/negative cumulative values (1.8.x and 2.8.x). And it has no mention at all of what the active tariff is. Although the latest change in any of the 1.8.x or 2.8.x. values should give you a clue which one is active.

---

I think this might be your manual: https://www.telematicasistemi.it/it/documents/_01.category/manuali/Mx381_User_manual_eng_V1.01.pdf
It looks way more advanced than my device.

It's likely that the same protocol is supported:

The EDIS/OBIS codes are scattered throughout the document: 1.8.0, 90.7.0, etc..

I think from "Annex 1: MT381 object list" and downwards, you have a boatload of these OBIS codes. Among those 0-0:96.14.0.255 ("Currently Active Tariff") and the aforementioned 1-0:1.8.0.255 ("Active Energy Plus").

The 0-0 vs. 1-0 probably specifies which internal device this code is for. At login time, the "default" device is selected here:

pe32me162ir_pub/pe32me162ir_pub.ino

Line 331 in e3394b0

iskra_tx(F("/?!\r\n"));

I think you'll need to write /?0! to talk to device 0 and /?1! to talk to device 1.

In the Python version, that would be here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162irpy_pub/blob/a7ccc15ab079cc323bd7b96adf6188a4e0b28891/pe32me162irpy_pub.py#L437

You'll probably need to "log out" to switch between devices:

pe32me162ir_pub/pe32me162ir_pub.ino

Lines 447 to 452 in e3394b0

	/* #5: Terminate the connection with "\SOH B0\ETX " */
	case STATE_WR_RESTART:
	write_state = state;
	iskra_tx(F(S_SOH "B0" S_ETX "q"));
	next_state = STATE_WR_LOGIN2;
	break;

With these parts you might be able to:

• log in on dev 0
• fetch the currently active tarrif; push value to openhab
• log out
• log in on dev 1
• fetch the current readings from 1.8.x for 15 minutes (or less if you don't know when the tariff changes); push delta to openhab
• log out
• repeat

---

Good luck!
Walter

[JieffeEl]

To add some info, I'm using this program with a ME372 meter and it works fine. My meter doesn't publish much data though, especially not the instant consumption.
Here is what I have :

[ISK5\2ME372-2102]
C.1.0(xxxxxxxxx) // Meter manufacturer number
0.0.0(xxxxxxxxx) // Meter serial number
1.8.0(029809kWh) // Total imported active energy
2.8.0(000000kWh) // Total exported active energy
128.20.0(020) // GSM signal status (15-20 = 2 bars)
128.20.1(015) // GSM Status
!

The IR probe is not sold any more by the Danes as a kit (I think I was the last to order one), but the components are very common and easy to source on Ali. The PCB schematics are still available and can be used to order the PCB on JLCPCB or PCBWAY. The enclosure can be 3D-printed (the STL is on the Danes website and there is even an improved version with space for a Wemos on Thingiverse, https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4437840)

[MatejsLab]

Wow thanks for so detailed replies. I will look into the documentation, for interesting fearures, thanks fo providing links. Today i got access to the new energy potral where i also see meters and reports, but sadly they dont allow an API yet or open Website for norifications to connect to OpehHab or anything else, and is protected by rekono so no easy way to grant access to OH. I will ask them what they plan to develop as they want to reduce grid strain with this system. It they wont have a clue or plan to provide a solution i will experiment further with this project. Thanks for support. V tor., 6. jun. 2023 10:05 je oseba Walter Doekes ***@***.***> napisala:

…

Hi Matej, Cool that you're considering using this. How do I know if my energy meter is compatible with your software? You don't =) On the internet, I found a me162_technical_description.pdf PDF: ME162 Single-Phase Electronic Meter Technical Description Version 1.1, 02.06. 2006 With among others this text: ------------------------------ [image: image] <https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/1225014/243588949-96fa9a09-0315-45c6-b168-31f8398b6749.png> ------------------------------ The relevant bits are documented at the top: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162ir_pub/blob/e3394b07da8b45497a526614b9aaa04789441637/pe32me162ir_pub.ino#L1-L44 (IEC 62056-21 protocol). There's an initial connect readout sample here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162ir_pub/blob/e3394b07da8b45497a526614b9aaa04789441637/pe32me162ir_pub.ino#L645-L656 I also have a *Python* version here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162irpy_pub It is not as well documented, but it is written in *Python*, so it's easier to hack/extend/change. You can use that if you're testing on a laptop/raspberry, instead of on an ESP. ------------------------------ I would like to send the 15-minute consumption, active tariff, and warning flag "grid transformer overload" if it exists. Hard to tell whether that exists. The ME162 has the following EDIS/OBIS codes for readout: [image: image] <https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/1225014/243598437-d17425e8-cb0f-47fe-bf03-e4a170e741d3.png> There is no such thing as a 15-minute consumption there. Only the "current" positive/negative cumulative values (1.8.x and 2.8.x). And it has no mention at all of that the active tariff is. Although the latest change in any of the 1.8.x or 2.8.x. values should give you a clue which one is active. ------------------------------ I think this might be your manual: https://www.telematicasistemi.it/it/documents/_01.category/manuali/Mx381_User_manual_eng_V1.01.pdf It looks way more advanced than my device. It's likely that the same protocol is supported: [image: image] <https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/1225014/243605265-9c36918a-34a2-4ab3-9588-b1f7ee5ba4bd.png> The EDIS/OBIS codes are scattered throughout the document: 1.8.0, 90.7.0, etc.. I think from "Annex 1: MT381 object list" and downwards, you have a boatload of these OBIS codes. Among those 0-0:96.14.0.255 ("Currently Active Tariff") and the aforementioned 1-0:1.8.0.255 ("Active Energy Plus"). The 0-0 vs. 1-0 probably pecifies which internal device this code is for. At login time, the "default" device is selected here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162ir_pub/blob/e3394b07da8b45497a526614b9aaa04789441637/pe32me162ir_pub.ino#LL331C17-L331C20 I think you'll need to specify /?0! to talk to device 0 and /?1! to talk to device 1. In the Python version, that would be here: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162irpy_pub/blob/a7ccc15ab079cc323bd7b96adf6188a4e0b28891/pe32me162irpy_pub.py#L437 You'll probably need to "log out" to switch between devices: https://github.com/wdoekes/pe32me162ir_pub/blob/e3394b07da8b45497a526614b9aaa04789441637/pe32me162ir_pub.ino#L447-L452 With these parts you might be able to: - log in on dev 0 - fetch the currently active tarrif; push value to openhab - log out - log in on dev 1 - fetch the current readings from 1.8.x for 15 minutes (or less if you don't know when the tariff changes); push delta to openhab - log out - repeat ------------------------------ Good luck! Walter — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#4 (comment)>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AG3CQWJ4AVFEODNC25LD2YTXJ3QEPANCNFSM6AAAAAAYZMJIIQ> . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[wdoekes]

FYI: In 6ccff8b I removed the Danes from the docs and added a link to Bret's eBay where he sells presoldered ones (no plastic cover / magnets though).

[MatejsLab]

Hi i am back at the drawing board per say,...

I installed balcony solar and now i am again interested to monitor how much power is exported in real time, so i can minimize the export to 0 for making maxiumum use of my solar power, as grid pays 0 for it, even tho they allow up to 600w of export.

I am so excited about the new balcony solar system, so i want to utilize its power fully.

Today it was partly cloudy day but it still produced 2.5kWh from 2 solar panels, and 0,7kwh got exported to grid, that i want to utilize better.
I use Ecoflow Powerstream microinverter that has production monitoring and also supports some integrations with Shelly, Tibber and some more. It supports smart plugs and energy monitors like Shelly Pro 3EM, that looks good device, but is expensive for just measuring, or is it, i just want options to choose the moore cost efective one.

I have that Iskra Smart meter MT381, and i don't know if i can get/calculate that reatime metric for export power.
On display i only see cumulative export energy with only 1 decimal point, so it seems lacking for calculation of realtime power.

Is it feaseble to build IR module, to harvest data, or will i only see boring metrics without decimals or lazy data every 15 minutes.

I glazed over provided datasheet for MT381, but its full of stuff i don't need and lacks good metrics registers description table.
https://www.telematicasistemi.it/it/documents/_01.category/manuali/Mx381_User_manual_eng_V1.01.pdf

It would be amazing if it would have simple metrics like realtime export power, as i seen on some german meters.

I have CT clamps on Arduino and they measure current, but not voltage/phase so i cant calculate real power.
It looks like base load in house has reactive power and it results in not being covered by solar.
Mainly running fridges, network, mini server PCs, NAS and bunch of powersupplies in idle.

The cureent draw is always around 2A-3A on 3rd phase. And the solar reduces it to 2A, the other 1-2A get exported to grid rather then used by baseload.
Then when heatpump runs i see the proper reduction of power draw on 3rd phase of 2.5A, From 7A to 4.5A.

So i intend to use OpenHAB to turn on Smart plugs like watering pump, washer or heatpump when it is sunny and then not use it as much in evening, thus using even less grid power.

Reading the metter seams neat idea as it is the true data that power company uses.
I seen also the latest video from Andreas Spiess on M-Bus for his Energy meter, but our meter has the port locked under cover.

I was thinking of ordering that reciver board, 3d prining housing and slaping it on the meter, but i have 2 questions,
1.what magnets are used
2. what is the bare minimum setup to get it working as i feel like i don't know the protocol to get it to comunicate.

I also seen USB version of IR comunicator on Aliexpress but it seems exppensive if it posibly wont work, idk if the meter has the port even enabled and if it uses password.

Also is it legal or are power cmpanies worried if they see 3D printed DIY comunicator in their meter?

Thanks in advance
Cheers Matej