Using DS18B20 Temperature Sensors with Shelly Plus Add-on

Owned by Michael Salerno
Oct 02, 2024
3 min read

 

image-20241002-140312.png

 

The Shelly Plus Add-on offers a superb interface for linking DS18B20 temperature sensors to monitor ambient temperature. A notable benefit of this configuration is the capacity to simultaneously connect up to 5 DS18B20 sensors, enabling thorough temperature surveillance across various sites.

Hardware Setup

  1. Connecting the Shelly Plus Add-on

    • Ensure your Shelly Plus device is disconnected from power.

    • Carefully attach the Shelly Plus Add-on to your Shelly Plus device, aligning the header pins (C) with the device's header connector (D).

    • Make sure the brackets (A) lock onto the Shelly Plus device hooks (B).

  2. Wiring the DS18B20 Sensors

    • Connect each DS18B20 sensor to the Shelly Plus Add-on as follows:

      • VCC/VDD pin to any VCC terminal on the Add-on

      • DATA/DQ pin to any DATA terminal on the Add-on

      • GND pin to any GND terminal on the Add-on

You can connect up to 5 DS18B20 sensors in parallel to these terminals

image-20241002-140427.png

Software Configuration

  1. Adding the Shelly Plus Add-on

    • Power on your Shelly Plus device.

    • Access the Shelly Plus device's web interface.

    • Navigate to the "Add-on" settings and add your Shelly Plus Add-on

  2. Adding DS18B20 Sensors

    • Go to the "Peripherals" setting in the web UI.

    • Click the "+" button to add a new peripheral.

    • Select "Temperature (DS18B20)" from the list of peripherals.

    • Click "Rescan" to detect your connected DS18B20 sensors.

    • Tick the sensors you want to add and click "Add" or "Add and reboot".

  3. Configuring Each Sensor

    • In the Add-on menu, click on each added DS18B20 sensor to access its settings.

    • Set a name for easy identification.

    • Adjust the Delta Threshold (0.1°C to 5°C) to determine when temperature changes trigger reports.

    • Set an Offset value if needed to improve accuracy.

Creating Actions

You can set up actions based on temperature readings:

  1. In the sensor's settings, go to the "Actions" section.

  2. Create a new action, specifying:

    • Active time (when the action can be triggered)

    • Execution condition (after temperature change or every 60 seconds)

    • The action to be performed (e.g., controlling another device)

Best Practices

  • Ensure proper wiring to avoid short circuits or incorrect readings.

  • Place sensors in appropriate locations for accurate ambient temperature measurement.

  • Regularly check and calibrate sensors for optimal performance.

  • Use the offset feature to adjust for any systematic errors in readings.

Integrating DS18B20 temperature sensors with the Shelly Plus Add-on offers a versatile and powerful solution for ambient temperature monitoring. The ability to connect up to 5 sensors simultaneously provides comprehensive coverage for various applications, from smart homes to industrial settings. With straightforward wiring, easy configuration through the Shelly web interface, and customizable actions, this setup allows for precise temperature control and automation. By leveraging this system, users can enhance energy efficiency, improve comfort, and gain valuable insights into their environment's thermal characteristics. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this combination of Shelly Plus Add-on and DS18B20 sensors provides a flexible and reliable platform for temperature-based smart control and monitoring.