Set variable in local automation remotely

ESPHome
#1

I am trying to make a dosing system. Open a valve until a defined volume is in a container.
Automation can do it if it is the same volume every time, but I want to be able to change the volume.
As I see it I need a variable in my automation that I can modify from the outside.
Is there a way to do this? Ideally a way that I can use to send the setpoint from Nodered.

Thanks
Preben

#2

Probably setting up a template number would do it Iā€™d have thought.

#4

Sounds promising, but this doesnt work:

number:
  - platform: template
    name: "TargetWeight"
    id: targetweight
    optimistic: true
    min_value: 0.0
    max_value: 100.0
    step: 0.1

sensor:
  - platform: hx711
    name: "HX711 Value"
    on_value_range:
      - above: targetweight
        then:
          - switch.turn_off: waterrelay
      - below: targetweight
        then:
          - switch.turn_on: waterrelay

If i replace targetweight with a number, it works.
I cant figure out what the correct syntax is.

#5

I think those above and below values arenā€™t ā€œtemplatableā€ so you canā€™t use a variable.

What I usually do in this situation is create a template binary sensor called ā€œis_above_weight_targetā€. The example is pretty close to what you want to do.

Then I put those switch actions you have there under on_press and on _release.

Youā€™ll need to add an id to your sensor then the compare should be close to below. You might not need the second .state.

(id(hx711_value).state > id(targetweightstate).state)
#6

Tried making the binary sensor:

binary_sensor:
  - platform: template
    name: "Mashtun Full"
    id: "mashtunfull"
  lambda: |-
    if (id(hx711_value).state > id(targetweight).state) {
      return true;
    } else {
      return false;
    }

But I get a syntax error regarding the - in front of platform. I pretty much copypasted everyting, reread the instructions, but I still cant figure out what im doing wrong.

#7

Your lambda block needs to be bumped in two spaces to startā€¦ Same level as id. Indentation is critical with yaml.

Ahh this is a home brew projectā€¦ Nice.

#8

IT WORKS!!!

binary_sensor:

  - platform: template

    name: "Mashtun Full"

    id: "mashtunfull"

    lambda: |-

      if ((id(hx711_value).state < id(targetweight).state)) {

      // Level reached.

      return true;

      } else {

      // Mashtun not full.

      return false;

      }

    on_press:

      then:

        - switch.turn_on: waterrelay

    on_release:

      then:

        - switch.turn_off: waterrelay

Even though I only understand half of what iā€™m doing :wink:
Feeling great while standing on the shoulders of giants.

Thank you for your help

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