Tweet-a-watt - How to make a twittering power meter...

Step 5 Solder the Transmitter - parts list

Before you start...

You should only attempt this project if you are comfortable and competent working with high voltage electricity, electronics and computers. Once the project is complete it is enclosed and there are no exposed high voltages. However, you must only work on the project when its not plugged in and never ever attempt to test, measure, open, or probe the circuitboards while they are attached to a wall socket. If something isn't working: stop, remove it from the wall power, then open it up and examine. Yes it takes a few more minutes but it's a lot safer!

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for this projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. This projects is not intended for use by children.

Use of the instructions and suggestions is at your own risk. Adafruit Industries LLC, disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense. It is your responsibility to make sure that your activities comply with applicable laws.

OK, if you agree we can move on!

Transmitter partslist

For each outlet you want to monitor, you'll need:

Name: Kill-a-Watt
Description: "Off the shelf" model P4400 power monitor
Datasheet: P3 Kill-a-watt
Distributor: Lots! Also check hardware/electronics stores
Qty: 1

Name: Adafruit XBee Adapter
Description: I'll be using my own design for the XBee breakout/carrier board but you can use nearly any kind as long as you replicate any missing parts such as the3.3V supply and LEDs
Datasheet: Webpage
Distributor: Adafruit
Qty: 1

Name: XBee module
Description: We'll be using the XBee "series 1" point-to-multipoint 802.15.4 modules with a chip antenna part # XB24-ACI-001. They're inexpensive and work great. This project most likely won't work with any other version of the XBee, and certainly not any of the 'high power' Pro types!
Distributor: Adafruit
Qty: 1

Name: D3
Description: 1N4001 diode. Any power diode should work fine. Heck, even a 1n4148 or 1n914 should be OK. But 1N4001 is suggested and is in the kit.
Datasheet: Generic 1N4001
Distributor: Digikey Mouser
Qty: 1

Name: D2
Description: Large diffused LED, for easy viewing. The kit comes with green.
Qty: 1

Name: C3
Description: 220uF, 4V or higher (photo shows 100uF)
Datasheet: Generic
Distributor: Digikey Mouser
Qty: 1

Name: C4
Description: 10,000uF capacitor (wow!) / 6.3V (photo shows a mere 2200uF) Try to get 16mm diameter, 25mm long
Datasheet: Generic
Distributor: Digikey [Mouser]
Qty: 1

Name: R4 R6
Description: 10K 1/4W 1% resistor (brown black black red gold) or 10K 1/4W 5% resistor (brown black orange gold). 1% is preferred but 5% is OK
Datasheet: Generic
Distributor: Mouser Digikey
Qty: 2

Name: R3 R5
Description: 4.7K 1/4W 1% resistor (yellow violet black brown gold) or 4.7K 1/4W 5% resistor (yellow violet red gold). 1% is preferred but 5% is OK.
Datasheet: Generic
Distributor: Mouser Digikey
Qty: 2

Name: Ribbon cable
Description: Ribbon cable, or other flexible wire, at least 6 conductors, about 6" long
Datasheet: Generic Ribbon
Distributor: Digikey
Qty: 6"

Name: Heat shrink
Description: Heat shrink! A couple inches of 1/8" and 1/16" each
Datasheet: Generic

It will run you about $50-$60 for each outlet