DIY Smart Shunt 80V | 100A DC

Hey everyone, my name is Steve! Today, I'm excited to share with you the detailed process of how I designed and built this advanced Power Meter using an ESP8266 microcontroller and an INA226 Current Sensor. This project has been a fascinating journey of innovation and problem-solving.

First off, let me tell you about the ESP8266. It's a powerful and versatile Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller, perfect for IoT projects like this one. Coupled with the INA226 Current Sensor, we can accurately measure current ranging from 1mA all the way up to 100A, as well as monitor voltages up to 80VDC. The precision of these measurements is crucial, especially when dealing with sensitive systems or batteries like Lifepo4.

One of the highlights of this Power Meter is its ability to handle negative current measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. By integrating this device with Home Assistant, I've enabled wireless monitoring and control, allowing seamless integration into smart home setups.

I developed the firmware for this project using ESPHome, a powerful framework for building custom firmware for ESP8266 and ESP32 devices. This framework provides an intuitive way to define the device's behavior and connectivity, making it ideal for IoT enthusiasts like myself.

This is actually the second iteration of my Power Meter project. The first version taught me a lot, and I've incorporated numerous improvements into this new design. From enhanced accuracy to better integration capabilities, there's always room for innovation and refinement.

In the future, I plan to explore additional enhancements such as data logging, real-time analytics, and possibly even predictive maintenance features. The possibilities with this project are truly exciting, and I'm thrilled to share my experiences and learnings with you all.

So stay tuned as I dive deep into the technical aspects and share insights on how you too can create your own sophisticated Power Meter using readily available components and a dash of creativity!