Firmware issues - HAEdwin/homeassistant-apsystems_ecu_reader GitHub Wiki

For issues with Daily or Lifetime Energy defaulting to zero or negative values, use the utility meter integration:

utility_meter: lifetime_energy: source: sensor.ecu_xxxxxxxxxxxx_current_power

template: - sensor: - name: "Lifetime Energy (kWh)" unit_of_measurement: "kWh" state: "{{ states('sensor.lifetime_energy')|float(0) / 1000 }}"

Purpose of Firmware-Related Diagnostic Sensors

The APsystems ECU Reader integration includes several firmware-related diagnostic sensors to help users understand the capabilities and operational status of their ECU device. These sensors serve multiple important purposes:

1. Feature Compatibility Verification

Different ECU models and firmware versions support different features. The firmware sensors allow:

  • Automatic capability detection: The integration uses firmware information to determine which features can be enabled
  • Appropriate UI presentation: Only compatible options are presented in the Home Assistant interface
  • Preventing unsupported operations: Commands that aren't supported by your specific ECU model are automatically disabled

2. Troubleshooting Assistance

When troubleshooting integration issues, firmware information is essential:

  • Support requests: Including firmware information helps developers diagnose problems more efficiently
  • Known firmware bugs: Some firmware versions have known issues that may affect integration behavior
  • Version verification: Ensures you're running a compatible firmware version

3. Update Management

The firmware sensors help manage ECU updates:

  • Track current version: Always know which firmware version is running on your ECU
  • Update verification: Confirm successful firmware updates
  • Feature rollout: Be aware when new firmware enables additional integration features

Available Firmware Sensors

Sensor Description Notes
sensor.firmware_version Reports the current firmware version running on your ECU Format varies by ECU model

ECU Model Detection

The integration uses the ECU ID format to determine the model:

  • ECU-R-Pro models have ECU IDs starting with "2162"
  • ECU-C models have ECU IDs starting with "215"

Combined with the firmware version, this allows the integration to precisely tailor available features to your specific hardware.

Feature Availability by Model

Feature ECU-R ECU-R Pro ECU-C Notes
Basic monitoring All models support basic monitoring
Inverter power control Requires firmware support
CT sensor readings Hardware-dependent feature
Zero export control Hardware-dependent feature
ECU reboot Requires firmware support

The firmware sensors are essential diagnostic tools that help ensure the integration works correctly with your specific ECU hardware and firmware combination.