Maya’s Progress Report for 2025-04-12

Progress This Week:

  1. Ollama Instance Deployment:

    • Set up an Ollama instance running the DeepSeek-R1-8B model for Erika to use.

    • This model supports reasoning which makes it very good for our usecase
    • Deployed it behind the existing reverse proxy with token verification for secure access.

    • We can access it both over the cli and using the api

  2. Python Backend Development:

    • Continued development of the Python backend to add more features and enhance its functionality.

    • Extended API endpoints and improved data handling for integration with Anya’s code and Home Assistant.

  3. Finalized Components
    • Finalized and purchased components needed for the final house, planning to install the moment the house is ready on Erika’s end

 

As the project enters the verification phase, I am planning the following tests to ensure subsystem reliability and accuracy:

  1. Electronics Subsystem Verification:

    • Conduct repeated tests on the power monitoring electronics.

    • Measure the accuracy of power draw readings under various loads (fans, motors, lights, etc.).

    • Check the robustness of the sensor communication and responsiveness of the system to rapid changes in load.

    • Use comparison against known reference measurements (multimeter and calibrated loads) to verify sensor accuracy.

  2. Backend and Infrastructure Verification:

    • Perform functional tests on the backend APIs to ensure correct data logging, error handling, and performance under stress.

    • Test authentication mechanisms, API response times, and data integrity between the Ollama instance, backend, and Home Assistant integration.

    • Simulate prolonged operation to evaluate system stability and resilience.

Maya’s Progress Report 2025-04-05

  1. Python Backend Development:

    • Began development of a new Python backend designed to log data and facilitate smooth communication between Anya’s code and Home Assistant.

    • Established initial framework for data collection and device interaction.

  2. Faculty Check-In:

    • Had a check-in meeting with the project professors to review current progress and gather feedback for the next stages.

  3. Hardware Integration Planning:

    • Developed a plan to integrate smart hardware components into Erika’s model house.

    • Identified key connection points and strategies for aligning physical devices with the model infrastructure.

Maya’s Status Report 2025-03-15

Work Accomplished:

  1. Home Assistant Resilience Improvements:
    • Reconfigured the Home Assistant setup to be more resilient after a previous system failure.
    • Implemented backup strategies to prevent future downtime.
    • Improved the code deployment pipeline to make iteration a lot faster and seamless
  2. Network Accessibility Enhancements:
    • Set up a reverse proxy on an external server with HTTPS and certificates to ensure secure access
    • Set up a mesh VPN network to make sure that the home assistant node can always be accessed from the reverse proxy as long as it has an internet connection, this means that the entire team will be able to access it no matter if it is at my house or on campus with no extra tweaking
    • Configured port forwarding to allow global access to Home Assistant.
    • From `192.168.1.214:8123` to
  3. Device Integration:
    • Got the power sensors, PWM fans working with the ESPHome
  4. Packaging Code:
    • Started work on dockerizing Anya’s code to streamline deployment.
    • Began packaging it as a Home Assistant addon for easy integration and seamless one-click installation.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Unable to access the soldering station due to conflicts with other users, delaying hardware assembly.

Next Steps:

  • Complete soldering of hardware components to ensure stable connection, tomorrow
  • Expand ESPHome integration with additional devices and refine automation.
  • Continue testing and optimizing Home Assistant configurations for improved performance and security.
  • Explore additional security measures for globally accessible Home Assistant setup.
  • Finalize and test the Home Assistant addon for seamless deployment.

Status

  • Despite the set backs with being able to access equipment, mostly on pace just need to do the soldering tomorrow

Maya’s Status Report for 2025-03-08

  1. Relay ESP32 Setup:
    • Set up a dedicated ESP32 for relay control.
    • Integrated the relay ESP32 with Home Assistant for centralized automation.
    • Began testing the relay functionality with various devices.
  2. Device Integration:
    • Connected minor devices such as a PWM fan, light, and motor.
    • Explored additional devices for potential integration.
    • Evaluated performance and responsiveness of connected devices.
  3. Wiring and Testing:
    • Started wiring and organizing connections for the relay ESP32.
    • Identified and tested different wiring configurations.
    • Determined which setups work best for our needs.
  4. Power Consumption Monitoring:
    • Set up power consumption monitoring to track energy usage.
    • Integrated sensors to measure power draw from connected devices.
    • Began analyzing data to identify potential energy optimization strategies.

Challenges Encountered:

  • Ensuring stable and reliable relay switching for different devices.
  • Managing power distribution effectively to support multiple components.
  • Troubleshooting intermittent connectivity issues between ESP32 and Home Assistant.
  • Calibrating power monitoring sensors for accurate readings.

Next Steps:

  • Expand testing with additional devices to enhance automation capabilities.
  • Optimize wiring layouts for improved reliability and ease of use.
  • Develop automation rules within Home Assistant for better power management.
  • Continue refining the system based on real-world performance observations.
  • Analyze power consumption data to implement energy-saving measures.

Erika’s Status Report for 2/15/2025

1. Accomplishments:
This week, I worked on:

  • Design Review Presentation: I created the slides for the following sections:

    • Testing and Verification Methodology: Outlined our approach to validating system accuracy, including sensor calibration tests and data integrity checks.
    • Implementation: I included a visual of what our user dashboard will look like.
    • Project Management: Developed the Gantt chart, task assignments, and bill of materials for the team.
      [Include a screenshot of your slides or the presentation document]
  • User Dashboard Web App: I started building the front end of the user dashboard using Next.js. I implemented the homepage layout and began integrating basic components such as energy usage graphs and a real-time energy savings counter.

This image is serving as the inspiration for my own dashboard.

  • Model House Demo: I designed the layout for our model house, which will be used to showcase SmartWatt’s real-time monitoring capabilities during the demo. I determined the dimensions of each rooms and the placement of each load.

  • Materials Planning: I determined the quantity of wood and acrylic needed to build the model house. I have ordered the wood so I can start laser cutting as needed. However, I plan to wait until later in the semester to assemble the model house since we don’t currently have a large enough storage space.


2. Progress Status:

  • I am currently on schedule with my tasks. The design review slides are complete, and I made significant progress on both the web app and model house design.

3. Goals for Next Week:

  • Web App: Complete the first iteration of the front-end visualizations and user input interface.
  • Model House: Receive the balsa wood and cut each piece to size. I will also order wood glue to assemble the pieces in the future.
  • Design Review Submission: My teammate will present our design review on M/W.

Erika’s Status Report for 2/8/2025

This week, my team presented our proposal to the class. Taking what I learned from the presentation’s feedback, I wrote up an overarching plan for my capstone project. Then, I researched components and implementation ideas. I spent time refining my approach, identifying key technical considerations, and ensuring the feasibility of my design. This foundational work helped me map out the next steps for development.

My progress is on schedule, as I focused on planning and research to ensure a smooth transition into prototyping. If any unforeseen delays arise, I will allocate additional time to testing and debugging to stay on track.

Next week, I aim to finalize my component selection, begin ordering necessary parts, and start initial circuit and system design.