Code Contribution and Assistance

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

Introduction

In the pursuit of seamless home automation, integrating real-time power meter readings with third-party systems is a crucial aspect. The Shelly 3 EMs, a popular device for this purpose, relies on specific protocols to communicate with external systems. However, the existing solutions often require additional devices or services, which can be cumbersome and inefficient. In this article, we will explore the possibility of adding IR SML reader support to the existing project, enabling users to connect external IR reading heads or even flash the firmware directly onto a reading head.

Background and Motivation

The EMH eHZ/mMe 4.0 power meter is a reliable and accurate device for monitoring energy consumption. However, its IR interface is not directly compatible with the Shelly 3 EMs, which relies on a specific protocol for communication. To bridge this gap, a Hichi/Tasmota IR reading head or an additional host running uni-meter can be used. While these solutions are viable, they introduce additional complexity and require separate devices or services.

The Proposal: Adding IR SML Reader Support

Given the existing project's capabilities, adding IR SML reader support seems like a natural extension. This would enable users to connect external IR reading heads or even flash the firmware directly onto a reading head, eliminating the need for additional devices or services. The proposed solution would involve adding a data source to the existing ones: SML via UART. This would provide a flexible and efficient way to integrate IR SML reader support.

SML Parser Options: Minimalist vs. Tasmota-Compatible Script-Parser

When it comes to implementing the SML parser, two options are being considered: a minimalist/opinionated SML parser or a Tasmota-compatible script-parser. While a minimalist parser might be a more straightforward approach, the varying syntax of different power meters might make it a more complex task. On the other hand, a Tasmota-compatible script-parser could provide a more robust solution, but it might require more development effort.

Code Contribution and Assistance

While the author of this proposal is not a seasoned developer, they are willing to provide assistance where required. If the feature request is deemed feasible, the author would be happy to contribute to the development process.

Language Preference

The author is unsure about the preferred language for this repository and is willing to discuss the feature request in German if necessary.

Conclusion

Adding IR SML reader support to the existing project would be a significant enhancement, enabling users to integrate real-time power meter readings with third-party systems without the need for additional devices or services. While the proposal is still in its infancy, the potential benefits make it worth exploring further. If you are interested in contributing to this project or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Technical Requirements

Hardware: Hichi/Tasmota IR reading head (original ESP8266 or v2 with ESP32) or an external IR reading head
Software: Uni-meter firmware or a Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Protocol: SML via UART

Benefits

Real-time power meter readings: Enable seamless integration with third-party systems
Reduced complexity: Eliminate the need for additional devices or services
Flexibility: Support for external IR reading heads or direct firmware flashing

Future Development

SML parser development: Implement a minimalist or Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Integration with existing systems: Develop a seamless integration with third-party systems
Testing and validation: Thoroughly test and validate the IR SML reader support

Contributing to the Project

Code contribution: Assist with the development of the SML parser or Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Testing and validation: Help with testing and validating the IR SML reader support
Documentation: Assist with creating documentation for the IR SML reader support

Contact Information

Email: [your email address]
Repository: [repository URL]
Language: English or German (optional)
IR SML Reader Support: Frequently Asked Questions =====================================================

Q: What is the purpose of adding IR SML reader support to the existing project?

A: The primary goal is to enable seamless integration of real-time power meter readings with third-party systems, eliminating the need for additional devices or services.

Q: What is the current solution for integrating power meter readings with Shelly 3 EMs?

A: The existing solutions involve using a Hichi/Tasmota IR reading head or an additional host running uni-meter, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Q: Why is a minimalist SML parser a more straightforward approach?

A: A minimalist SML parser is a more straightforward approach because it focuses on the essential features of the SML protocol, making it easier to implement and maintain.

Q: What are the benefits of using a Tasmota-compatible script-parser?

A: A Tasmota-compatible script-parser provides a more robust solution, as it leverages the existing Tasmota framework and its extensive library of scripts and functions.

Q: Can I contribute to the development of the SML parser or Tasmota-compatible script-parser?

A: Yes, we welcome contributions from the community. If you have experience with SML parsing or Tasmota scripting, please don't hesitate to reach out and offer your assistance.

Q: What is the preferred language for this repository?

A: The preferred language for this repository is English, but we also welcome contributions in German.

Q: How can I stay updated on the progress of the IR SML reader support?

A: You can follow the repository's issue tracker or join the discussion forum to stay informed about the latest developments and updates.

Q: What are the technical requirements for implementing the IR SML reader support?

A: The technical requirements include:

Hardware: Hichi/Tasmota IR reading head (original ESP8266 or v2 with ESP32) or an external IR reading head
Software: Uni-meter firmware or a Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Protocol: SML via UART

Q: What are the benefits of implementing the IR SML reader support?

A: The benefits include:

Real-time power meter readings: Enable seamless integration with third-party systems
Reduced complexity: Eliminate the need for additional devices or services
Flexibility: Support for external IR reading heads or direct firmware flashing

Q: How can I get involved in the development of the IR SML reader support?

A: You can contribute to the project by:

Code contribution: Assist with the development of the SML parser or Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Testing and validation: Help with testing and validating the IR SML reader support
Documentation: Assist with creating documentation for the IR SML reader support

Contact Information

Email: [your email address]
Repository: [repository URL]
Language: English or German (optional)

Related Resources

Repository: [repository URL]
Issue Tracker: [issue tracker URL]
Discussion Forum: [discussion forum URL]

Contributing to the Project

Code contribution: Assist with the development of the SML parser or Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Testing and validation: Help with testing and validating the IR SML reader support
Documentation: Assist with creating documentation for the IR SML reader support

Future Development

SML parser development: Implement a minimalist or Tasmota-compatible script-parser
Integration with existing systems: Develop a seamless integration with third-party systems
Testing and validation: Thoroughly test and validate the IR SML reader support