ESP MQTT Temp + Motion Sensor

Configuration
1

Hopefully this is really simple for someone, but my searching isnt bringing up the answer and after a few days of testing different ‘solutions’ none seems to have worked for me.

I am followins Dr Zzzs guide for a Tasmota/Sonoff. I am using a NodeMCU and can setup the Temp sensor which works fine, but when I setup the PIR sensor that works, but it then stops the Temp sensor working.

I have narrowed this down to the Value_Template.

Without the PIR sensor the output direct from the Tasmota get:

00:00:14 MQT: tele/hallway/SENSOR = {"Time":"1970-01-01T00:00:14","DHT11":{"Temperature":23.6,"Humidity":67.0},"TempUnit":"C"}

but with the PIR switch I get:

00:15:14 RSL: tele/hallway/SENSOR = {"Time":"1970-01-01T00:15:14","Switch2":"OFF","DHT11":{"Temperature":23.6,"Humidity":67.0},"TempUnit":"C"}

My Value_Template is:

value_template: "{{ value_json.DHT11.Temperature }}"

I assume I need to point it to the now moved Temp reading as this has shifted possition, but cant seem to figure it out.

Any help would be appriciated.

2

Both outputs should return the same value with your value_template.
You can test this in Developer Tools/Templates.

Without PIR

{% set SENSOR = {"Time":"1970-01-01T00:00:14","DHT11":{"Temperature":23.6,"Humidity":67.0},"TempUnit":"C"} %}
{{ SENSOR.DHT11.Temperature }}

Returns: 23.6

With PIR

{% set SENSOR = {"Time":"1970-01-01T00:15:14","Switch2":"OFF","DHT11":{"Temperature":23.6,"Humidity":67.0},"TempUnit":"C"} %}
{{ SENSOR.DHT11.Temperature }}

Also returns: 23.6

What do you mean with “but it then stops the Temp sensor working”?

3

HI VDRainer, Thanks for the reply.

I have was not aware of this feature and have been using HA for nearly a year now, so thanks for point it out to me. I will run some tests using this tool and see if I can find out what the cause is.

Just to clarify what I meant, I can have the Temp sensor working, or I can have the PIR working separately, but when I have both configured on the Tasmota software, the PIR works but the Temp doesn’t read or display in HA at all. I can see the temp is being sent out in the console of the Tasmota. I will reply back with any advancement I get.

Once again, thanks.

4

For anyone googling this as an issue they have - turns out it was my Max packet size in the PubSubClient!! I know this is meant to be changed, but due to using another PC to flash the NodeMCU it was missed. Its been driving me crazy!
Cheers for the replies VDRainer.

1 Like
5

I think this emphasises the importance of having a client display the data being sent by the broker, rather than relying solely on the tasmota log files.

6

Hi gpbenton, do you recommend a program for this?

7

I use mosquitto_sub. If you prefer gui based programs, MQTT.FX is very popular.

8

Thanks - I will give both a try, always good to learn these things!