Add a wiki?

[appleguru]

Any way you can add a wiki to this project so we can build up a knowledge base? (Eg, compatible hardware, example builds, BOM…)

[Dilbert66]

I really don't have the resources at this time to maintain it and have not seen any real requests for more info then what is already available. It's a fairly basic circuit. If there is some confusion , I can always amend the docs.

[appleguru]

Just set it up and open up permissions so anyone can edit? Happy to contribute with a build guide/some photos/getting started/etc.

I’m still trying to sort out “ideal” part numbers for the voltage regulator (which if I understand correctly should allow it to be powered from the vista system?), for the optocoupler, and for the nodeMCU/ESP module itself. I think I can order everything I need for the build from mouser (if I’m willing to overpay a bit for the esp module).

[Dilbert66]

https://www.amazon.ca/Converter-Module-Keenso-Step-Down-Conversion/dp/B07PQLNXVC/ref=sr_1_26?dchild=1&keywords=step+down+mini&qid=1615644230&sr=8-26

or any lm2596 based regulator
https://www.amazon.ca/Converter-Ajustable-Step-down-Converters-1-25V-35V/dp/B074J4DLWQ/ref=asc_df_B074J4DLWQ/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335365451913&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1334836585404895701&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000757&hvtargid=pla-899437512675&psc=1

Both of those work extremely well. None of the parts are critical. Any inexpensive optocoupler will work. Same goes with the esp module. Any inexpensive one will work. I do suggest though that you power it with 3.3 volts (at the 3.3 volt input of course) instead of with 5 volts to avoid using the weak built in 5volt regulators on some esp modules. This is why i recommend the regulators above (or similar) as they are fully adjustable.

As to the wiki, I'll think about it.

[appleguru]

What about for an optocoupler? Will a cheap PC817 work?

[Dilbert66]

Sure, I think it would work perfectly

[appleguru]

Thanks. Did an Amazon order (which I generally avoid for electronics due to all the counterfeit parts, but should be ok for this circuit…)

Thanks for putting this together, excited to finally tie my (to date completely useless) existing security system into home assistant!

[appleguru]

Ok, my build is done and seems to be (mostly?) working. Not the prettiest, but functional. I think the remaining issues are likely due to configuration which I could definitely use some help with.

I disabled the expander, relay, and lrrsupervisor in the config since I think I have real devices on the system for all of those.

Arming/disarming from home assistant don’t seem to be working (but this is likely user error? I’m trying to use Developer Tools -> Services for this now but it seems to have no effect. I put my alarm code into a secrets.yaml file as “access_code”. Ultimately I’d like a button for these in the UI, but first need to make sure it works at all…

I think I also might be missing some devices? (But am not 100% sure what I have on the vista system). Any help figuring that out would be greatly appreciated too!

[Dilbert66]

If you can't send keys that means your tx circuit is not working. Looking at your circuit soldering, the optocoupler looks to be miswired. It looks like your are bridging pins 3 and 4.

[appleguru]

I don’t think the pins are bridged, but will double check with a meter when I get home. What’s the easiest way to test TX? Arm/disarm?

[Dilbert66]

Looking at the soldering, they do look soldered together. only pins 2 and 3 go to ground.

[Dilbert66]

Arm /disarm/send a key. You should see a logged response on the esphome log window.

[appleguru]

The circled pins are actually 3/4 on the opto:

[Dilbert66]

If i were you I would double check the pinout on the 817 . The wiring is all wrong from what I see.

https://www.twinschip.com/PC817-Optocoupler

[appleguru]

If i were you I would double check the pinout on the 817 . The wiring is all wrong from what I see.

https://www.twinschip.com/PC817-Optocoupler

I think i have it right? (I misspoke before, I circled 3/4, not 2/3)

pin 1 goes to d2 via 220 ohm resistor
Pin 2 goes to GND
pin 3 goes to green wire input
Pin 4 goes to red wire / +12v input

[Dilbert66]

Yes, that's correct but on the picture pin2 is going direct to the esp module? I don't get it? That should be ground