I am wondering how many other folks here are taking advantage of the serial data output from their Trimetric?? I have occasionally used mine to log/graph charge and discharge info', and I'm now thinking about building a small programable interface that will use the TriMetric's data to turn devices in my TC on or off based on the battery SOC (or current or voltage).For example; -It could act like a diversion load controller to turn on my DC water heater only when the battery SOC is above 98% and the voltage is above 13.5V. - It could turn off (or dim) lights or other appliances when the SOC is below a preset threshold- It could connect the starting battery to the coach battery (via a solenoid) when the current was above a preset value (e.g. running the microwave from the inverter)- It could trigger an audible alarm if voltage was low... or highIn addition, this interface could easily communicate with other devices (e.g. MotoBrain) to automate other everyday electrical tasks. I'll probably make a simple prototype with an Arduino to test out the concept. Anybody else thought of this or have experience with this type of product?Cheers-Mark

I have just started down this path to build a data logger for the interface. (Well a little bit more than a data logger)I have the RS232 board setup but waiting for a few more connector parts to make the final connections. In the mean time I have begun writing the C# code for the interface and RS232 data collection.Walter

Figured it easier to ask the experts than go do the research myselfHave either of you tried using a FTDI Collection cable?A conversion cable with integrated active components 5 pin connector to USB I have this one from DigiKey #768-1015-ND Mfg# TTL-232R-3V3 description CABLE USB EMBD UART 3.3V .1"HDR for the ARPRVSafe data logging port and wonder if it would work for with the Trimetric

Cool! Are you using Arduino? I built a data logger using SD memory to interface with an accelerometer.wkswenson wrote: In the mean time I have begun writing the C# code for the interface and RS232 data collection.Walter

wkswenson wrote:I have just started down this path to build a data logger for the interface.Very cool! I am interested to see what you come up with Walter!.KJINTF wrote:Have either of you tried using a FTDI Collection cable?No, I have not tried a FTDI Collection Cable, but as it is a TTL to USB converter, and assuming you have the necessary USB driver, it should work. Keep in mind that you are likely to have to change the pinout on the molex connector to match the TriMetric.I'm currently using a MAX232 TTL to RS232 board and then a serial to USB adaptor... That FTDI cable sure would be a lot less cumbersome.Cheers, -Mark

Mark, Looks as if I will need to rewire the socket inside the Trimetric. Not a big deal. Was hoping you had already done the work so I could simply copy your work. My plan is to then use a simple USB to Ethernet adapter and add it to my wireless network. Trying to keep the connections simplified as I have done with my TS-MPPT-60 using a TPLINK wireless router. I don't like to be attached via cables when playing with the Rigs toys. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with

TriMetric Serial Data | Good Sam Community

wkswenson
Explorer
Apr 02, 2015
Ok well I tried to get this working with no luck what so ever. Not even sure where to take this with a next step right now. Will need to borrow an oscilloscope to figure this out next. And still waiting for some warmer weather!
wkswenson
Explorer
Mar 25, 2015
Ok well my cable is ready - will be testing later today on serial input. The cable on the 2030 is a phone connector and under the shrink tubing is the diode and resistor...

Ok tried to read the data stream using the my home made cable with the FTDI cable from amazon as shown below. I have ordered a new MAXRS232 board from eBay as the one I had seems to have disappeared in the garbage box somewhere.... I have ordered a new one with the hope that will work to enable me to read the data stream.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LC28G2 /ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Mar 17, 2015
I'll follow along as I'm interested in Trimetric output especially cvs data.

I can log a lot of useful data from my MPPT60 controller mostly using a LAN cable. It would be interesting to log the Trimetric volts and amps in/out of the battery bank at the same time plus other data.

KJINTF suggested I go wireless on the solar controller and I've also used that capability.
wkswenson
Explorer
Mar 17, 2015
Not sure why the image didn't show up last time:
wkswenson
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
I have not tried any communications yet as up until this weekend the camper was covered over.

I have an FTDI and MAX232 board to test out once I have a few minutes. The current plan is to use a laptop to do the data collection. (Subject to change) Possible I could use a Raspberry PI board that I have as well but not sure yet.

The program will be windows based for now. Once started it will sample data once every x minutes/hours (user settable) depending on what I need. Time stamping seems to be the biggest issue (not in the stream) so once I read a sample it will be time stamped and written out to CSV or XML data file. The application will have a chart window to chart one or more of the data feeds.

More to come...
KJINTF
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
Mark,

Looks as if I will need to rewire the socket inside the Trimetric. Not a big deal. Was hoping you had already done the work so I could simply copy your work. My plan is to then use a simple USB to Ethernet adapter and add it to my wireless network.

Trying to keep the connections simplified as I have done with my TS-MPPT-60 using a TPLINK wireless router. I don't like to be attached via cables when playing with the Rigs toys.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with
msiminoff
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2015
wkswenson wrote:
I have just started down this path to build a data logger for the interface.

Very cool! I am interested to see what you come up with Walter!.

KJINTF wrote:
Have either of you tried using a FTDI Collection cable?

No, I have not tried a FTDI Collection Cable, but as it is a TTL to USB converter, and assuming you have the necessary USB driver, it should work. Keep in mind that you are likely to have to change the pinout on the molex connector to match the TriMetric.

I'm currently using a MAX232 TTL to RS232 board and then a serial to USB adaptor... That FTDI cable sure would be a lot less cumbersome.

Cheers,
-Mark
Salvo
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
Cool! Are you using Arduino? I built a data logger using SD memory to interface with an accelerometer.

wkswenson wrote:
In the mean time I have begun writing the C# code for the interface and RS232 data collection.

Walter
KJINTF
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
Figured it easier to ask the experts than go do the research myself

Have either of you tried using a FTDI Collection cable?
A conversion cable with integrated active components 5 pin connector to USB
I have this one from DigiKey #768-1015-ND Mfg# TTL-232R-3V3 description CABLE USB EMBD UART 3.3V .1"HDR for the ARPRVSafe data logging port and wonder if it would work for with the Trimetric
wkswenson
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015
I have just started down this path to build a data logger for the interface. (Well a little bit more than a data logger)

I have the RS232 board setup but waiting for a few more connector parts to make the final connections. In the mean time I have begun writing the C# code for the interface and RS232 data collection.

Walter

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