The Current Cost ENVI Wireless Energy Monitor was designed to have add-on “Individual Appliance Monitors” with a concept of monitoring various appliances around the home, however these IAMS have never materialised.
However, after another session of hacking into mechanics of the ENVI today, I has pleasantly surprised to discover that you can pair 1 to 9 standard Current Cost transmitters, you know the one that comes with the ENVI.
This means that with one additional transmitter you can instantly add monitoring for three additional appliances, although you would need to break out a phase to clamp the sensor around. (you may need to check if you are permitted to do this)
Alternatively, you could build a number of replacement sensors to detect values of your choosing.
I’ll have more on this subject as time permits, if you rate this post then it may inspire me that you are interested!
Notes:
How the ENVI system works:
The first transmitter connected to the ENVI can be considered as the whole of premises sensor, normally connected to your meter in a single or three phase installation. each sensor clamp represent 1 phase of the electricity supply. When you pair additional transmitters (1 to 9) you get three additional sensors per transmitter. The important point here is that the values coming from the additional transmitters is NOT totalled on the LCD display but are available individually by pressing the up or down buttons. In regards to the data extract from the LCD display each transmitter and channel (3) is available in the live readings. i.e. sensor 0 channel 1, channel 2, channel 3 – sensor 9 channel 1, channel 2 and channel 3. This potentially allows you to monitor the main circuit (total consumption) and up to 27 individual appliances.
While the LCD will only display values as watts, your software can of course convert any custom sensors values to anything you can measure.
While this opens the door to a wider range of applications, please note that there may be issues that need to be addressed with you electrician before putting this concept into practice. We would suggest that while the transmitter is fitted with a current sensor, it may be possible to design other types of sensor that will read say light (LUMINS), Wind Speed, Battery Condition etc.
While TechnicaOne has a few individual transmitters available, they are not normally sold separately but we would release a few for experimenters'
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