Hardware
Arska runs on the ESP32 microcontroller (or newer variations ESP32-C3,ESP32-S3). The ESP32 is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability, produced by Espressif Systems.
Input voltage of the boards is typically 7-24 VDC or more. If the mains current is controlled with 12VDC or 24 VDC relays, the same power adapter can be used to power the microcontroller and the relays.
Some devices has no integrated USB port and you need installer module (e.g. aUART - TTL converter) for the initial software install. After the first upload, you can make subsequent updates with a web browser as Over The Air (OTA) Update or automatic update from the settings section. Hardware templates are predefined settings for selected boards.
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Olimex ESP32-EVB 2 channel relay board, Robomaa.com , enclosure, The board has build-in UEXT interface to connect an HAN P1 Serial (UEXT) Adapter. 5V power input from USB port or power jack. No soldering is required for basic installation. The board as USB port for software install. Hardware template code: olimex-esp32-evb , MCU: ESP32.
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LilyGo ESP32 Wrover-B based 4 channel relay board, Aliexpress, The board can be connected with a separate USB serial downloader dongle. You may need to install the CH340 driver on your computer from the manufacturer's web page or. No soldering is required for basic installation. Power input 12-24 VDC. Hardware template code: esp32lilygo-4ch, MCU: ESP32.
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LilyGo ESP32-S3 based T-Relay S3 [NEW, added 10.2.2024]. 6 relay board with a integrated real-time clock and 12-24 VDC input voltage. The board has USB-C port for software install. The package includes a plastic enclosure and can be attached to a wall or a DIN rail. Hardware template code: esp32s3lilygo-6ch, MCU: ESP32-S3.
- Integrated real-time clock (RTC) with a enables operation to continue after a power outage even if the internet connection has not been restored. RTC with PCF8563 circuit is supported from Arska version 1.1.0-beta3 for ESP32-S3.
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Devantech SP32LR42 4 channel relay board, Robomaa.com Template code: devantech-esp32lr42. This board has no external GPIO pins, so you cannot connect HAN P1 Serial Adapter or temperature sensors. USB-Mini port for software install. Power input 12 VDC . Hardware template code: devantech-esp32lr42, MCU: ESP32.
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ESP32 Wroom based 4 channel relay board, AliExpress Hardware template code: esp32wroom-4ch-a. This MCU has no USB port, so you need a USB-to-TTL converter for data upload. Before the first upload, you must solder a 6-pin header connector to the MCU. And then connect 4 pins to the converter and pins IO0 and GND are connected when you upload software, but disconnected during normal use.
Arska version 1.1 has also successfully installed and operated in ESP32 based HomeWizard P1 Meter. The device is directly connected to a HAN P1 port of new generation energy meter. The device has no internal relays but Arska can control Shelly and Tasmota Wi-Fi relays. Read more about installing Arska to P1 Meter. Hardware template code: hw-p1-meter, MCU: ESP32.
You can use any ESP32 development board with sufficient memory to get acquainted with the software. Development boards have integrated USB ports which makes it easy to upload firmware and monitor the application during development via the serial console. Development boards do not have integrated relay switches, but it is possible to connect one or more relays to the GPIO header pins or/and use wifi relays (Shelly/Tasmota)
.Hardware templates contains predefined settings for tested boards. Select hardware template from Settings/Advanced settings
Hardware templates are subject to change.
| id | board code | fixed relays | relay gpios/ids | energy meter gpios | led id/gpio | reset btn gpio | reset btn normal | shift reg gpios |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | manual | 0 | ? | ? | - | - | - | - |
| 1 | esp32lilygo-4ch | 4 | 21, 19, 18, 5 | 36 | single 25,-, - | - | - | - |
| 2 | esp32wroom-4ch-a | 4 | 32, 33, 25, 26 | 35 | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | devantech-esp32lr42 | 4 | 33, 25, 26, 27 | NA | - | - | - | - |
| 4 | shelly-pro-1 | 1 | ids: 0 | NA | 4, 3, 2 | 35 | LOW | 4,13,14 |
| 5 | olimex-esp32-evb | 2 | 32, 33 | 36 (uext rx) | - | - | - | |
| 6 | shelly-pro-2 | 2 | ids: 0, 1 | NA | 4, 3, 2 | 35 | LOW | 4,13,14 |
| 7 | hw-p1-meter | 0 | ids: 0, 1 | 16 | rev 33R,25G,B26 | 2 | HIGH | - |
| 8 | esp32s3lilygo-6ch | 6 | ids: 0,1,2,3,4,5 | 44 | 1,2,43 (preliminary) | - | - | 6,7,5 |
- Shelly Gen 1 relays
- Shelly Gen 2 relays
- Tasmota Wifi relays
- DS18B20 waterproof temperature sensor, Aliexpress
- Connect ≅ 5kΩ resistor for 1-wire pull-up resistor, between data and voltage connector
- Electric cables (3 wires) for connecting the sensor