Understood and I agree on all points. I tried as I may and simply could not get the Dash Board to do all the things I wanted. I also did not have all the pretty graphs and options the SEG provides me.jloram wrote:I agree with much of what you have said, Teken. I think the vast majority of users want a simple solution (as do I). What could be more "one stop" than loading a piece of software on an existing computer? That's all I'm arguing for.Teken wrote:Hello John,jloram wrote:
The Dash Box is an interesting project though I confess that I don't entirely understand it's value. For $300 (am I right? Is that the price?) there are a number of other possibilities (Low end laptops, Android Tablets, even discarded Smartphones), that would provide greater functionality. What it seem to me is really needed is Brultech software to support the Brultech hardware products instead of the current fragmented approach of everybody spinning there own solutions.
But, perhaps Ben or Paul could speak to this and provide us with an overview to their intentions.
-john-
The Dash Box (DB) in my view is a one stop shop solution for a energy monitoring data base. As I am sure you can relate, there is a small percentage of people who are more than capable to develop, integrate, and deploy their own solution.
There are however a large majority of users (consumers) who are not developers, integrators, and deployment techs. The DB is a great solution for those consumer(s) who simply wants a off the shelf plug and play device.
The DB is small in size, energy efficient (4 watts), and integrates tightly with the GEM. It continues to be developed and upgraded to provide the end user more power and data tracking.
Many folks would freak if they had to deploy a Linux Server, SMTP Server, SQL Server, etc etc. All of these aspects the *Avid Tweeker / Tinkerer* is more than happy to do. The Average Joe is simply not prepared or interested in doing so.
Consumers want a turn key solution that simply plugs in. Requires about 5-10 minutes set up time, and be on their way. The DB provides this turn key solution to those wanting their cake and eating it too!
Speaking for myself only: I could not build a box, add in all the required software, and maintain it, to do all of the things the DB does for me. The DB is aprox $225.XX before tax's and shipping and any extra accessories the end user wants.
If you have not read the review I have created about the DB please do. It may provide you more insight as to the attributes and the benefits of such.
Cheers
Teken . . .
I run Brultech Dashboard software on an old Dell laptop with Windows XP that draws 6 watts when the display turns off. Admittedly 1-2 watts more than the Dashbox. It doesn't require that I "deploy a Linux Server, SMTP Server, SQL Server, etc etc." because it all there. Dashboard installs easily, runs reliably, and with just a bit more development it would completely support the GEM's new features.
I don't know what the original thinking was when Dashboard development was stopped and the Dashbox product conceived. I suspect it was mostly about the low power consumption, so you didn't have to keep a desktop running to log data from the EMC/GEM monitors. But there are existing solutions which have advantages over a dedicated (and costly) device.
-john-
During my initial start up it was quite frankly a bear to get the software to the most basic level I could accept. With the advent of the SEG allowing the same data from the GEM to be recorded and be displayed. I simply decided my efforts and time were better spent on migrating my data to the SEG.
The primary driver for me purchasing the DB was that the SEG has from time to time been out of service or not reachable??
With this ever present danger hanging over my head I needed a on site solution that could not only store my historic data, but also push the same to the SEG.The DB does this and more in spades!
I have the best of both worlds where the DB can store my data locally, while at the same time push the same data to the SEG. It is a measure of redundancy that works perfect in my environment and lifestyle.
I know lots of folks are not made of money and I try hard to use / reuse any equipment on hand. But, in my view this was a small investment from me, in many future benefits to come. I can now focus on other things more important to me, and not have to worry about if my energy data is being stored or captured.
I have too many things to do in my life than to worry about *yet another project* like a data base!
Teken . . .