Blue Line Innovations BLI 31100 PowerCost Monitor WiFi Gateway

This unit broadcasts the current status on the network every 31-32 seconds. If you have a Linux or Windows computer, you can capture the results for later use via this command:nohup socat -u udp-recv:30278 create:EnergyUsage.txt,append &>> EnergyUsage.err &socat should be in most distros (zypper in socat, sudo apt-get install socat) or here for windows [...]msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1981; Reg=13387786; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=86; uTime=1369833832;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1995; Reg=13387803; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=80; uTime=1369833864;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1976; Reg=13387820; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=73; uTime=1369833895;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1968; Reg=13387837; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=73; uTime=1369833927;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=2008; Reg=13387854; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369833959;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=2008; Reg=13387871; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369833991;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=2008; Reg=13387901; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834023;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1954; Reg=13387918; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834055;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1982; Reg=13387935; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834087;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1987; Reg=13387952; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834119;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1959; Reg=13387969; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834151;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1959; Reg=13387986; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834183;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1959; Reg=13387987; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834215;msgtype=PCMWiFi; DeviceID=XXXXXXXXXXXX; Inst=1943; Reg=13388003; Temp=31; BattLow=0; SQI=66; uTime=1369834246;msgtype is constant.DeviceID is your mac address of the unit.Inst is either the instantaneous Watt Hours, or the average since last update.Reg is the Total consumption. I am not sure if that is since reset, or reboot of the actual sensor or wifi receiver.Temp is the temperature in C.BattLow will show 1 when the sensor's battery is low, otherwise it is 0.SQI is the signal quality indicator of the wifi unit receiving the signal from the monitor/sensor. It is a percentage.uTime is unix time [...].

This product is infuriating and the instructions on the Blue Line innovation site and in the documentation are plain wrong. I think this is because there is a new / different version and blueline innovation have removed the instructions for this version.Bottom line this is how you set it up.1) Connect the USB to your Windows computer2) Connect the AC t the bidge3) if you want to use it with PlotWatt run this app [the link is in the comments] it will update the wifi bridge with the latst software, help you setup the wifi settings and register on the PlotWatt website.4) press the sync button for 5 seconds on the wifi bridge and then go press the rest button on the meter sensor for 2 to 3 seconds.Done.I will update the review once I have had it working a month and to see if PlotWatt is accurate.**update1** changing to 1 starnot sure if it is accurate but I think I understand the issue. I think blueline innovations has replaced this older WiFi 802.11b model with a new G version. They have removed instructions rom their website for the older b version. They have only the instructions for the new G version. The older 31100 version appears to come in old Microsot Homn packaging - if you get that version SEND IT BACK - in fact I would check with ANY seller which versions you are getting.Given blueline innovations have dropped this like a hot potato I can neither recommend this version or any future version as it brings, in my mind, them into question wrt their commitment for their products.**update 2**this cannot be made to work with Bidgely, plotwatts disaggregation never worked, DO NOT BUY this version, buy the BLI-32000.The only thing going for BL is the sensor it still works, never had to reposition. also not BL does not offer support 7 days a week, it is mon-fri 8 to 5 eastern ONLY. Their website still doesn't warn people to not buy this old version. Their support still sucks.

The Blue Line WiFi power monitor is a really neat tool to be able to collect your home electrical usage. It is easy to set up and connect to the website to see real time as well as historical data of the electricity being used. The website also provides information concerning how much my electrical use is costing me and an estimated monthly cost for my electric bill. Being able to see how much electricity is being used and when, helps me find ways to lower my use which lowers my bills. It also can be a great teaching aid for my children to understand how much it costs me to keep the lights and TV's on or how much more it will cost just by lowering the thermostat 2 degrees to make the house colder.The only drawback that I have for this item is not being able to collect my electrical data directly to my computer. I must rely on logging to a Website that uploads the data and then presents it to me in graphic form.I hope that a future software revision will allow me to tap this data directly instead of going through a third party.Even with this drawback I still feel the product is a great tool for any household that wants to know more about their electrical use and how to reduce it. I recommend this product to those that have the Blue Line or Black & Decker power monitor. This WiFi gateway is a great addition to that product.