Enable Hughes Autoformer monitoring (BLE) on NUC with Bluetooth

Feature Requests
1

(edited to clarify request)

An ESP integration has been developed, and I believe that eases the integration of the Hughes Autoformer as a built-in integration using onboard Bluetooth (BLE) adapters (eg. NUC platforms) rather than the ESP. I have the Mopeka integration (that was formerly one based on the ESP32) working natively on the NUC thanks to efforts by the team that moved it from ESP32 to native BLE on the HA device.

The Git project is here: GitHub - tango2590/Hughes-Power-Watchdog: Information on integrating the Hughes Power Watchdog autoformer series into HomeAssistant using ESPHome.
A Hughes Autoformer is one of these, and is fundamentally a 30 (or 50) amp surge protector for RVs and Campers (https://hughesautoformers.com/power-watchdog-smart-surge-protectors/)

I know of at least five who would be very interested in this integration, and would be happy to send a unit for testing purposes to whomever needs it (loaner, not for keeps!). This one was adopted to plug into a ‘normal’ 15 wall US wall socket so I could test the ESP version.

*** I would be willing to sponsor this integration directly on the NUC. ***

Bonus: When the 30 (and 50) amp units go over their respective amp loads, the Autoformer locks out the output to the camper until it is reset by the app they provide. If one could send the reset via HA, that would be exceptional!!! This enables us to monitor the camper remotely, alert us when an overamp condition happens, and then reset it while an hour away.

2

The github you pointed at contains an ESPHome project.
That project can be installed on any ESP32 micro-controller like these (completely random search for “ESP32” on amazon: Amazon.fr)

The integration between the ESP32 mcu and HA is basically automatic.

Bottom-line: You already have everything you need, afaict :fireworks:

3

Speaking from experience with a similar project, your as near as native integration as you can realistically get. You’ve linked to the solution in your post already. You need to do a bit of self config because a. Your HA install doesn’t have a Bluetooth adapter (ESP8266) and b. There’s likely some form of reverse engineering of the data output, and HA would likely be breaking laws if they were to include it in the software. $10 and 10min and you should be done

4

Thank you for responding. The v12 NUC I have does have a BT adapter that works well with BLE sources. I have the Mopeka integration (that was formerly one based on the ESP32) working natively on the NUC thanks to efforts by the team that moved it from ESP32 to native BLE on the HA device.

I was inquiring as if the same could be done for the Hughes Autoformer. If I could contribute to the project by migrating it myself, I would!

5

You should have said just that in your OP :wink:
“Native integration” doesn’t mean anything in itself, so nobody understood what you were asking.

6

Wasn’t sure how to frame the request, and clearly I made a ton of assumptions. I’m coming in from the Indigo side, so still really new to the platform.

Oooops.

7

I’ve modified the original request to (hopefully) clarify.

1 Like
8

No FUD, please.
Even in the US, the DMCA allows for reverse engineering for “interoperability”, and this is just about decoding BT frames, here, not some patented network protocol.

9

The type of data capture was done with the Mopeka units.