What Problem Does It Solve?

The idea for this project came when E25VBE noticed how much airtime fellow Thai hams spent trying to describe signal quality and audio clarity. So instead of using vague or subjective audio reports, he built a tool that quantifies signal quality in real time—and makes it easy for everyone to understand.

How? By turning SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) data into musical notes.

Yes, musical notes.

Signal Quality as Music

At the heart of this dashboard is a clever audio system: after each transmission, the SDR Monitor plugin reads signal strength from SDR# and plays a musical beep. Each note corresponds to a level of SNR—starting from Do-Re-Mi for S1 to S9, and beyond into +20, +40, +60 dB ranges.

This was not just an experiment. It worked—saving hams airtime and helping them focus on the real conversation.

However, some hams (especially those without musical training) had trouble identifying tone differences. So E25VBE took it further.

From Sound to Visual: Real-Time Graphs

He started publishing the same SNR data over MQTT and built an HTML-based dashboard to visualize the signal. What began as a sound-based tool quickly evolved into a powerful visual platform to analyze:

• SNR (dB) — How strong is your signal?
• Occupied Bandwidth — Is your modulation too wide or too narrow?
• Frequency Deviation — Is your rig on frequency or drifting off?

And the dashboard works in real-time, providing graphs every few seconds. Whether you’re using a basic setup or an advanced station, this tool allows you to fine-tune your audio, power output, frequency accuracy, and even antenna direction.

More Than Just Monitoring

The SDR Monitor Dashboard has become a full-blown diagnostic tool. Here’s what else it offers:

• GPS Location Logging – Pair your data with your station’s coordinates.
• Heatmap Mapping – See how far your signal travels and how strong it is across different areas.
• Antenna Rotation Visualization – Rotate your Yagi and watch the SNR graph paint your antenna’s radiation pattern.
• Field Test Comparison – Test different antennas (e.g., quarter-wave vs. NR22L) and compare results side by side.
• Contest Use – Six-month data retention allows verification of repeater QSOs during field day or contests.

Precision Calibration for All

One of the standout features is the ability to analyze modulation width and carrier frequency deviation. Many hams unknowingly over-modulate their rigs or shift slightly off frequency—this tool gives them the equivalent of a spectrum analyzer to self-calibrate.

It’s particularly helpful in group environments where overdeviation can cause adjacent channel interference and even friction among friends. This tool encourages proper operating practices.

Open Tools for the Community

Although not all components of the SDR Monitor are open source, E25VBE has shared many key elements publicly. For example:

DADA1 – Directional Antenna Deployment Assistant: An open-source web tool to calculate azimuth and distance between two ham stations using location names, Maidenhead grid locators, or lat/lon coordinates.

He’s also developed a user and installation manual, available in both Thai and English, and set up a demo site at http://dada1.decem.co.th to help hams calculate beam headings and rotation angles and dashboard here https://e24cy.decem.co.th.

Final Thoughts

This project is a fantastic example of how a passionate ham can take a real-world problem and turn it into a practical, technical, and user-friendly solution.

Whether you’re an everyday repeater user, a field-day operator, or just someone trying to fine-tune your antenna setup, the E24CY SDR Monitor Dashboard gives you the tools to do so with precision.

We highly recommend exploring the project if you’re interested in modernizing your repeater monitoring or signal analysis workflow. This is exactly the kind of innovation amateur radio needs right now.

More info and updates: Facebook Group

The post E25VBE SDR Monitor Dashboard: Making Signal Reports Smarter and Simpler appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Whether you’re a developer, a data enthusiast, or someone who simply loves to geek out over EV metrics, TeslaMate offers a comprehensive solution to monitor your vehicle’s health, efficiency, and usage patterns.

What Is TeslaMate?

TeslaMate is a self-hosted application that connects to your Tesla account via the official API. It retrieves real-time data about your vehicle’s state, charging sessions, trips, and more. This data is then stored in a PostgreSQL database and visualized through Grafana dashboards.

With TeslaMate, you can track:

• Battery Health: Monitor your battery’s state of health and degradation over time.
• Charging Stats: Analyze charging sessions, including energy added, cost, and efficiency.
• Drive Metrics: Record trip details such as distance, energy consumption, and driving behavior.
• Vehicle Status: Keep tabs on your car’s location, online/offline status, and more.

All of this is presented in a clean, intuitive web interface, ensuring you have all the insights you need at your fingertips.

Key Features

1. High Precision Drive Data Recording

TeslaMate captures detailed drive data, including energy consumption, distance traveled, and driving behavior. This allows you to analyze your driving habits and identify areas for improvement.

2. No Additional Vampire Drain

TeslaMate is designed to minimize energy consumption. It ensures that your vehicle falls asleep as soon as possible, preventing unnecessary battery drain.

3. Automatic Address Lookup

The application automatically converts GPS coordinates into human-readable addresses, making it easier to understand your vehicle’s locations during trips.

4. Easy Integration with Home Assistant

TeslaMate supports integration with Home Assistant via MQTT, allowing you to incorporate your Tesla’s data into your smart home automation system.

5. Geo-Fencing

Create custom locations to track when your vehicle enters or exits specific areas. This feature is useful for monitoring charging stations, home locations, or other points of interest.

6. Multiple Vehicle Support

TeslaMate supports multiple vehicles per Tesla account, making it ideal for owners of more than one Tesla.

7. Charge Cost Tracking

Track the cost of charging your vehicle by setting custom electricity rates for different locations. This helps you understand your charging expenses and optimize your usage.

Installation Guide

Setting up TeslaMate is straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with Docker. Here’s a basic docker-compose.yml configuration:

version: "3.3"
services:
  teslamate:
    image: teslamate/teslamate:latest
    restart: always
    environment:
      - ENCRYPTION_KEY=your_secure_key
      - DATABASE_USER=teslamate
      - DATABASE_PASS=your_password
      - DATABASE_NAME=teslamate
      - DATABASE_HOST=database
      - MQTT_HOST=mosquitto
    ports:
      - "4000:4000"
    volumes:
      - ./import:/opt/app/import
    cap_drop:
      - all
  database:
    image: postgres:17
    restart: always
    environment:
      - POSTGRES_USER=teslamate
      - POSTGRES_PASSWORD=your_password
      - POSTGRES_DB=teslamate
    volumes:
      - ./postgres:/var/lib/postgresql/data
  mosquitto:
    image: eclipse-mosquitto
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "1883:1883"
    volumes:
      - ./mosquitto:/mosquitto/config

After setting up your docker-compose.yml, run:

docker-compose up -d

Once the containers are up and running, you can access the TeslaMate web interface at http://localhost:4000.

Visualizing Your Data

TeslaMate comes bundled with Grafana dashboards that provide a comprehensive view of your vehicle’s data. These dashboards include:

• Battery Health: Track your battery’s state of health and degradation over time.
• Charging Stats: Analyze charging sessions, including energy added, cost, and efficiency.
• Drive Metrics: Record trip details such as distance, energy consumption, and driving behavior.
• Vehicle Status: Keep tabs on your car’s location, online/offline status, and more.

You can customize these dashboards to suit your preferences or create new ones to monitor specific metrics.

Integrations and Automation

TeslaMate supports integration with various platforms and services:

• Home Assistant: Integrate TeslaMate with your smart home automation system via MQTT.
• Node-RED: Use Node-RED to create custom automation workflows based on TeslaMate data.
• Telegram: Receive notifications about your vehicle’s status and events via Telegram.

These integrations allow you to automate tasks such as sending notifications when your vehicle reaches a specific location or when a charging session is complete.

Data Privacy and Security

One of the standout features of TeslaMate is its commitment to data privacy. Unlike cloud-based services, TeslaMate stores all your data locally, giving you full control over it. Your Tesla account credentials are encrypted and never stored in plaintext. Additionally, TeslaMate minimizes energy consumption to prevent unnecessary battery drain.

Real-World Use Cases

TeslaMate is ideal for various scenarios:

• Personal Use: Monitor your driving habits, track charging costs, and keep an eye on your vehicle’s health.
• Fleet Management: For businesses with multiple Teslas, TeslaMate provides a centralized dashboard to monitor all vehicles.
• Data Analysis: Researchers and data enthusiasts can analyze Tesla data for insights into EV performance and usage patterns.

Final Thoughts

TeslaMate is a robust, feature-rich solution for Tesla owners who want to take control of their vehicle’s data. Its self-hosted nature ensures privacy and customization, while its integrations and visualizations provide valuable insights into your driving and charging behaviors.

Whether you’re a developer, a data enthusiast, or someone who simply loves to geek out over EV metrics, TeslaMate offers a comprehensive solution to monitor your vehicle’s health, efficiency, and usage patterns.

https://github.com/teslamate-org/teslamate

The post TeslaMate: The Ultimate Self-Hosted Data Logger for Your Tesla appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

What is Meshtastic?

Meshtastic is an open-source, long-range, low-power communication system designed for off-grid messaging and location sharing using LoRa (Long Range) radios. It is a highly versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional communication methods, enabling users to stay connected even in remote areas without cellular or internet coverage.

The system relies on small, low-power LoRa devices that form a mesh network, allowing messages to be relayed from node to node. This makes it an excellent tool for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency preparedness, community networking, and remote area deployments. Meshtastic works through dedicated hardware devices or DIY configurations using LoRa modules like the Heltec, TTGO, and RAK devices. The communication is facilitated through the Meshtastic app, available for both Android and iOS.

Introducing https://meshtastic.hamradio.my – Live Meshtastic Map

Meshtastic.hamradio.my is a live Meshtastic node map hosted inside a container on a Raspberry Pi, providing a lightweight and efficient mapping solution for Meshtastic nodes. This server is based in Malaysia, ensuring low-latency communication for users in the region.

The map provides real-time tracking of Meshtastic nodes connected via MQTT, displaying their locations and status in an easy-to-view format. Whether you’re setting up a local Meshtastic network for emergency response, outdoor adventures, or simply experimenting with off-grid communications, Meshtastic.hamradio.my helps you visualize node connections and monitor network activity.

This map is based on the open-source Meshtastic Map project, which provides a web-based visualization of Meshtastic nodes using MQTT data.

How Does the Meshtastic Map Work?

The Meshtastic Map operates by collecting data from nodes that are configured to report their locations via an MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) broker. This lightweight messaging protocol is ideal for IoT and low-power devices. The collected data is then displayed on a web-based live map, giving users real-time insights into their Meshtastic network.

Setting Up Your Node for the Live Map

To uplink your Meshtastic node to this live map, follow these simple steps:

1. Install the Meshtastic App:
   • Download and install the Meshtastic app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Configure Your Device:
   • Power on your LoRa device running Meshtastic firmware.
   • Pair it with the Meshtastic app via Bluetooth or USB.
3. Enable MQTT and Set the Broker:
   • Open the Meshtastic app.
   • Navigate to Settings > MQTT Configuration.
   • Enable MQTT support.
   • Set the MQTT broker address to: mqtt.hamradio.my
   • Username: hamradio.my
   • Password: hamradio.my
4. Set OK to MQTT:
   • In the Meshtastic app, after configuring the broker, ensure that the MQTT status shows OK.
   • If it does not, double-check the broker address and save the settings again.
5. Save and Restart:
   • Save the configuration and restart your device.
   • Your node should now start reporting its location and appear on the live map at Meshtastic.hamradio.my.

Features of Meshtastic.hamradio.my

• Real-Time Node Tracking – View active Meshtastic nodes on the map as they transmit their locations.
• Lightweight MQTT-Based System – Optimized for low bandwidth and power consumption.
• Off-Grid Connectivity – Perfect for outdoor adventures, emergency response teams, and remote communities.
• Low-Latency Performance – Hosted in Malaysia to provide quick response times for local users.

Why Use Meshtastic for Off-Grid Communications?

Meshtastic is a game-changer for off-grid communications due to its flexibility, affordability, and ease of deployment. Some key benefits include:

• No Cellular or Internet Needed – Ideal for remote areas where traditional networks are unavailable.
• Extends Communication Range – LoRa radios can transmit several kilometers in open terrain.
• Mesh Networking – Messages can hop between multiple nodes, increasing the coverage area.
• Low Power Consumption – Devices can run on small batteries for days or even weeks.
• Community-Driven – Supported by an active open-source community continuously improving the project.

Get Started with Meshtastic Today!

If you’re interested in exploring Meshtastic and tracking your nodes on the live map, set up your device today and connect to mqtt.hamradio.my. Whether you’re using Meshtastic for adventure, emergency preparedness, or local networking, this map provides valuable insights into your network’s reach and performance.

Stay connected, stay prepared, and enhance your off-grid communication with Meshtastic!

The post Hamradio.my Meshtastic Map – Live Tracking for Off-Grid Communications appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

LoRa (Long Range)

Overview

LoRa (Long Range) is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) protocol designed for long-range communication. It operates in the sub-GHz frequency bands, such as 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz, depending on regional regulations.

Key Features

• Long Range: Can cover several kilometers to tens of kilometers in open environments.
• Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-operated devices in remote sensing and monitoring applications.
• Robustness: High resistance to interference and multipath effects due to Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation.
• Flexible Data Rates: Allows adjustment of data rates to balance range and throughput.

Applications

• Smart agriculture
• Environmental monitoring
• Smart cities
• Industrial IoT

Zigbee

Overview

Zigbee is a specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols using low-power digital radios. It is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and operates in the 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz, and 868 MHz frequency bands.

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Suitable for devices that need long battery life.
• Mesh Networking: Supports mesh networks, enhancing network reliability and coverage.
• Interoperability: Promotes interoperability among different manufacturers.
• Security: Incorporates robust security features.

Applications

• Home automation
• Smart lighting
• Security systems
• Health care monitoring

Z-Wave

Overview

Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol designed for home automation, providing reliable and low-latency communication between devices.

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Designed for battery-operated devices with extended battery life.
• Mesh Networking: Enhances coverage and reliability through mesh networking.
• Interoperability: Strong emphasis on interoperability among devices from different manufacturers.
• Frequency Bands: Operates in the sub-GHz frequency bands, minimizing interference.

Applications

• Home automation
• Smart thermostats
• Security systems
• Lighting control

433 MHz RF

Overview

The 433 MHz RF protocol is a popular choice for short-range, low-power wireless communication. It operates in the unlicensed 433 MHz ISM band.

Key Features

• Simplicity: Easy to implement and use.
• Low Power Consumption: Suitable for battery-operated devices.
• Cost-Effective: Inexpensive components and implementation.
• Short Range: Typically covers distances up to a few hundred meters.

Applications

• Remote controls
• Wireless sensors
• Home automation
• Simple data transmission

Wi-Fi

Overview

Wi-Fi is a widely used wireless networking technology based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. It operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.

Key Features

• High Data Rates: Supports high data rates, suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Wide Range: Covers significant distances within homes and buildings.
• Ubiquity: Extensive adoption and integration into numerous devices.
• Internet Connectivity: Provides direct access to the internet.

Applications

• Smart home devices
• Video streaming
• Security cameras
• IoT hubs

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Overview

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless personal area network technology designed for short-range communication with low power consumption.

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Optimized for devices requiring extended battery life.
• Short Range: Typically covers distances up to 100 meters.
• Interoperability: Strong support for interoperability between devices.
• Data Rates: Supports moderate data rates suitable for sensor data transmission.

Applications

• Wearable devices
• Health monitors
• Beacons
• Smart home devices

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

Overview

NB-IoT is a low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) technology developed by 3GPP for IoT applications, operating within existing cellular networks.

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Designed for battery-powered devices with long lifespans.
• Wide Area Coverage: Provides extensive coverage, including deep indoor penetration.
• Scalability: Supports a large number of devices per cell.
• Security: Leverages existing cellular security features.

Applications

• Smart metering
• Asset tracking
• Environmental monitoring
• Industrial IoT

Sigfox

Overview

Sigfox is a global IoT network operator that provides low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) services for connecting devices.

Key Features

• Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-operated devices with extended lifespans.
• Wide Coverage: Offers extensive coverage with minimal infrastructure.
• Cost-Effective: Low-cost connectivity for massive IoT deployments.
• Simplicity: Simple and easy-to-use communication protocol.

Applications

• Asset tracking
• Environmental monitoring
• Smart agriculture
• Industrial IoT

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport)

Overview

MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, optimized for low-bandwidth and high-latency networks. Developed by IBM and now an OASIS standard, MQTT has become a popular choice for IoT applications due to its simplicity and efficiency.

Key Features

• Lightweight and Efficient: Minimizes network bandwidth and device resource requirements, making it ideal for environments with limited network bandwidth and battery power.
• Publish/Subscribe Model: Decouples the client that sends a message (publisher) from the client that receives the message (subscriber), allowing for scalable and flexible communication between numerous devices.
• Quality of Service Levels: Supports three levels of Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure message delivery reliability: QoS 0 (at most once), QoS 1 (at least once), and QoS 2 (exactly once).
• Retained Messages and Last Will Testament (LWT): Retained messages allow a broker to store the last message on a topic and send it to any new subscribers. The LWT feature ensures that clients can notify others if they disconnect unexpectedly.
• Secure Communication: Can be configured to use TLS (Transport Layer Security) for secure communication, ensuring data encryption and protection against eavesdropping and tampering.

Applications

• Home automation
• Industrial IoT
• Environmental monitoring
• Health care
• Connected vehicles

Conclusion

The diversity of IoT communication protocols reflects the wide range of applications and requirements in the IoT landscape. Each protocol offers unique features and advantages, making them suitable for specific use cases. LoRa excels in long-range, low-power applications, while Zigbee and Z-Wave are ideal for home automation with their mesh networking capabilities. The 433 MHz RF protocol is a cost-effective solution for simple, short-range communication, whereas Wi-Fi and BLE are ubiquitous and versatile for various IoT devices. NB-IoT and Sigfox provide robust solutions for large-scale, low-power IoT deployments, and MQTT offers lightweight and efficient messaging ideal for small sensors and mobile devices.

Understanding these protocols’ strengths and limitations is crucial for selecting the right technology for your IoT project, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

The post Exploring Popular Internet of Things (IoT) Communication Protocols appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

Understanding Paxcounter:
Paxcounter’s primary purpose is to accurately estimate the number of people present without invading their privacy. By detecting and evaluating the MAC addresses of nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals emitted from mobile devices, it provides a non-intrusive solution for passenger flow monitoring.

Respecting Privacy:
One of the standout features of Paxcounter is its commitment to privacy. It achieves its goal of counting people without the need to track individual devices. This means that MAC addresses are not stored persistently, and the scanned devices are not subjected to any form of fingerprinting. This privacy-conscious approach ensures that personal data remains secure and anonymous.

Data Storage and Transmission Options:
Paxcounter provides multiple options for storing and transmitting data, allowing flexibility in data management. Here are a few notable methods:

1. Local SD-card Storage: The device can store data locally on an SD card, providing a convenient and accessible way to retrieve and analyze passenger flow information.
2. Cloud Transfer via LoRaWAN: Utilizing LoRaWAN networks like The Things Network or Helium, Paxcounter can securely transmit data to the cloud. This approach enables centralized data storage and analysis, making it ideal for larger-scale deployments.
3. MQTT over TCP/IP: For seamless integration with existing IoT infrastructure, Paxcounter supports data transmission via MQTT over TCP/IP. This protocol enables efficient communication between the device and a local host, ensuring real-time data updates.

Battery-Powered Efficiency:
Paxcounter’s design allows for battery-powered operation, maximizing uptime and minimizing maintenance efforts. Leveraging the ESP32’s deep sleep mode and a single 18650 Li-Ion cell, the device can achieve long-lasting performance. This makes it an excellent choice for applications that require mobility or installations in remote locations.

Applications and Future Possibilities:
The versatility of Paxcounter opens up a world of possibilities in various domains. Here are a few potential applications:

1. Public Transportation: Monitoring passenger flows on buses, trains, or subway systems can provide valuable insights for optimizing service efficiency and resource allocation.
2. Events and Venues: By tracking visitor numbers at concerts, conferences, or sports stadiums, event organizers can enhance crowd management, ensure safety, and improve overall visitor experience.
3. Retail Analytics: Retailers can leverage Paxcounter to gather footfall data in stores, enabling them to identify peak hours, optimize staff allocation, and evaluate marketing strategies.
4. Urban Planning: Collecting data on pedestrian flows in busy urban areas can aid in urban planning, traffic management, and infrastructure development.

Conclusion:
Paxcounter’s ESP32 MCU-based solution presents a groundbreaking approach to passenger flow monitoring. With its privacy-conscious design, flexible data storage and transmission options, and battery-powered efficiency, it offers a powerful tool for numerous applications. As technology continues to evolve, Paxcounter paves the way for smarter, data-driven decision-making, ultimately enhancing the quality of experiences for both individuals and communities.

So, whether you’re an urban planner, event organizer, or an innovative thinker, Paxcounter is a project worth exploring. Embrace the possibilities and embark on a journey of efficient and privacy-respecting passenger flow monitoring.

The post Paxcounter: Revolutionizing Passenger Flow Monitoring with ESP32 MCU appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.