Monitoring power usage on power outlets

[fellowapeman]

I noticed this thread here where you said you have this planned in your backlog, but since this New Features forum is new, I thought it a good idea to make a thread here to track any updates or other suggestions.

Anyway, here's my vote for this feature. Being able to make dependsOn or triggers based on current power output would also be spectacular.

For example, I have a separate ATO with its own sensor and pump but it's kind of dumb. If the reservoir is empty, it will run continuously. What would be great is if I have that plugged into a Hydros power outlet, I could monitor when it starts pulling more wattage (meaning the pump is on) and if that wattage stays elevated for too long, I can have it automatically shut off that power port and/or send an alert that my reservoir is empty.

 

[Danny]

Cant you just add a low level sensor to the reservoir to stop the ATO before it runs dry and alert you it is low? I can see using the current to determine an issue with the pump if it deviates from normal operation though.

 

[fellowapeman]

Ah yeah that would work. But that's another wire to dangle off the back of my nano tank, potential point of failure, and another thing I'd have to buy. Although I guess if I really wanted redundancy I could use both watt monitoring and an ato reservoir sensor...

But maybe the ato thing was not the best example. A better example is keeping an eye on the efficiency of your pumps.

 

[HaulinAshe]

The ability to trigger On/Off based on power consumption thresholds could also be used as a fantastic hazard prevention feature. Any pump that's running well below or well above average current is a potential fire or meltdown candidate. While many have their own integrated protection thresholds, two heads are better than one.

 

[Mikey V]

I would like this to monitor my return pump. That way if the power consumption changes drastically I can get notified and figure out if it’s jammed or the pump needs cleaning perhaps.

 

[Shred5]

I would like this to monitor my return pump. That way if the power consumption changes drastically I can get notified and figure out if it’s jammed or the pump needs cleaning perhaps.

Hydros single smart plug should be able to do that.

 

[JeffB418]

I noticed this thread here where you said you have this planned in your backlog, but since this New Features forum is new, I thought it a good idea to make a thread here to track any updates or other suggestions.

Anyway, here's my vote for this feature. Being able to make dependsOn or triggers based on current power output would also be spectacular.

For example, I have a separate ATO with its own sensor and pump but it's kind of dumb. If the reservoir is empty, it will run continuously. What would be great is if I have that plugged into a Hydros power outlet, I could monitor when it starts pulling more wattage (meaning the pump is on) and if that wattage stays elevated for too long, I can have it automatically shut off that power port and/or send an alert that my reservoir is empty.

You can also use the max time on alarm as well in the advanced section. If your ATO runs too long you can have it shut off and send you a text. This could mean 2 things, you have a leak or your ATO tank is empty. This has saved my ass a few times on apex with my AWC. My drain DOS head kept working but my refill head died. My ATO alarm for max time on kicked on and let me know something was up.

 

[Mikey V]

Hydros single smart plug should be able to do that.

Thats why I got a single smart plug for my return, butI have yet been able to figure it out. If I select that outlet I can see what the current power draw is. But I have yet to see a way to base anything off that information or a way to track or log the consumption for future reference.

 

[Shred5]

Thats why I got a single smart plug for my return, butI have yet been able to figure it out. If I select that outlet I can see what the current power draw is. But I have yet to see a way to base anything off that information or a way to track or log the consumption for future reference.

Lets see if we can get @Carlos or @Don to answer this.
I have not tried setting up alerts with mine and took it down for a bit. I can try this weekend. I know the description says it does have alerts but maybe the software side is not there yet.

 

[Carlos]

Yes, that is a feature that will be coming out soon. We have been working hard at adding all the features requested, so we had to prioritize the list. The feature might not be on the next immediate update but please, be assured that we have not forgotten to add it. We are just making our way down the "ever growing" list of things to fix and add.

 

[Shred5]

Yes, that is a feature that will be coming out soon. We have been working hard at adding all the features requested, so we had to prioritize the list. The feature might not be on the next immediate update but please, be assured that we have not forgotten to add it. We are just making our way down the "ever growing" list of things to fix and add.

Yep that is what I though because when I was testing mine I never saw anything for this.
Thanks Carlos.

 

[Mikey V]

Yes, that is a feature that will be coming out soon. We have been working hard at adding all the features requested, so we had to prioritize the list. The feature might not be on the next immediate update but please, be assured that we have not forgotten to add it. We are just making our way down the "ever growing" list of things to fix and add.

Awesome, I look forward to seeing this platform develop. This is my first controller and for what it’s worth I’m very impressed. And the fact that the company is so open and responsive to customer feed back makes it all the better.

 

[OldMan]

I also could use this feature to test the power consumption.

 

[OldMan]

Is there any date or software release number available?

 

[ccclapp]

I also have multiple uses for this and await with bated breath...

 

[oRi0n]

So are we saying the single smart outlet does is NOT capable of sending alerts to your mobile device at this time, despite being advertised as such? Or am I misunderstanding? I want to order the control XS for a quarantine rack I'm setting up (1 freshwater quarantine tank and 1 marine quarantine tank), but the 2 most critical functions are alerts for heater failure (I assume this does work) and circulation pump failure (power monitor).