My Journey with Modbus TCP and Wellpro WP8028ADAM

Hi there! I’ve been exploring the world of Modbus and OpenHab for a while now, and I wanted to share my experience with the Volison ADM-5850G gateway and the Wellpro WP8028ADAM module. While this journey had its challenges, it also taught me a lot about persistence and problem-solving.

Initially, I was drawn to the Volison gateway because of its Ethernet connectivity. However, I quickly realized that configuring it wasn’t as straightforward as I hoped. The interface was limited to Internet Explorer, which was a bit of a hurdle. Despite this, I managed to set up the network, serial, and Modbus operating settings, ensuring everything was aligned for optimal performance.

Next, I turned my attention to the Wellpro WP8028ADAM module. This device was a perfect fit for my needs, offering 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs. The challenge here was to ensure compatibility between the module and the gateway, which required meticulous alignment of baud rates and addressing. After some trial and error, I got it working seamlessly!

To integrate everything into OpenHab, I configured the modbus.things and wellpro.items files. This involved setting up pollers for both inputs and outputs, ensuring real-time updates. The sitemap was then customized to display the inputs and outputs in a user-friendly manner, making it easy to monitor and control everything from one interface.

Throughout this process, I encountered a few bumps in the road, especially when troubleshooting baud rate mismatches and addressing issues. However, each problem presented an opportunity to learn more about Modbus and OpenHab. I also found the Wellpro manual and software invaluable for configuring the module manually before integrating it into OpenHab.

Reflecting on this experience, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. What started as a daunting task has turned into a valuable learning experience. I hope sharing my journey can inspire others to tackle similar projects with confidence. If anyone has questions or needs further clarification, feel free to ask—I’m happy to help!

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore more devices like the Wellpro Relay module and the Eastron SDM230 energy meter. Each new device is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to expand my knowledge and capabilities in the world of smart home automation. Stay curious and keep experimenting!