= Introduction =
[[Image(Brultech-ECM-1240.jpg, align=right, 30%)]]
[[Image(Brultech-Meters.png, align=right, 30%)]]
The Brultech Energy Monitor plugin is a [http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Luup_Plugins Luup component] that captures, displays, and periodically updates Energy Usage information from a [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/default.htm Brultech ECM-1240] Energy Monitoring device.

= How does it work =
Brultech's ECM-1240 is a Device that measures Power consumption in a home.  Users may deploy one or more ECM-1240 devices, as outlined on Brultech's website, as shown in this walk-through:

    http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/howItWorks.htm

There are various [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/communicationOptions/default.htm connectivity options] available for the Brultech ECM-1240.  These are outlined on Brultech's website.

The ''current'' generation of this plugin works side-by-side with their [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/packages/plugAndPlay.htm Plug & Play] packages, and "sees" the same data that would normally be sent on to their Plug & Play service ([http://my1240.com my1240.com]).  

Since the Plugin co-exists with their Plug & Play solution, data is exposed both in MiOS, as Devices, in addition to any third party service that the ECM-1240 has been setup to use.

Future versions of this Plugin may provide native decoding of both their Text and Binary streams, and will work with their [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/packages/packages.htm Standard Packages].

Each ECM-1240 can measure the Power usage on up to 7 circuits.  This plugin exposes this data to Vera using a parent, Brultech Controller, device along with up to 7 child devices.  Each of these children exposes the Wattage value for their respective channel within the Dashboard.  If additional ECM-1240's are connected to the same Serial communications device, then the Plugin will see their data as well, exposing 7, 14, 21 or 28 channels of measurement data.

In addition, Vera will also report your data up so you can see it under the ''Energy Usage'' tab of your ''cp.mios.com'' account, or to the ERGY Plugin of UI5/Vera3.

= Installation =
This document assumes you've already ''physically'' installed your Brultech ECM-1240 and have followed the instructions, and warnings, on their site in regard to the physical device installation.

Once physically installed, you need a Serial (RS-232) connection between the Brultech ECM-1240 and your Vera.  You connect Vera to the ECM-1240 using one of the [http://wiki.micasaverde.com/index.php/Serial_Supported_Hardware Serial Supported Hardware] solutions that's been published.

You can also use the Brultech !EtherBee, if you have their XBee-enabled models, to bridge to Ethernet.  This option provides a nice option for those looking for a Wireless solution.  See the Brultech Communications options links below for further details.

 * For UI4 Installation, please follow the [wiki:Installation-UI4 UI4 Installation procedure]
 * ECM-1240'a can be reconfigured to Plug-n-Play mode [wiki:Installation-ECM1240 ECM-1240 Reconfiguration]

= My Configuration =
My configuration consists of:
 * 2x Brultech ECM-1240 Modules with XBee option (XB-1240-1)
 * 1x Brultech !EtherBee Gateway with External Antenna (EB-1-E)
 * 2x SPLIT-200 Split Core CT's for the main bus bars
 * A large number of Micro-40 Donut Style Current transformer (for each circuit)
 * A small number of Micro-80 Donut Style Current transformer (for the larger circuits)

The Plugin is configured to connect, over Ethernet, to the !EtherBee which in turn bridges data from the ECM-1240 Modules.  I could connect over RS-232, and avoid the !EtherBee Ethernet bridge, but this type of installation avoided putting low power wiring near the Sub-panel box.

= Discussion =
The Brultech Energy Monitor plugin is discussed in this forum thread, along with it's development history:
  http://forum.micasaverde.com/index.php?topic=5518.0

Feel free to ask questions on that thread, as well as make any suggestions & contributions to the future development of the plugin's functionality.

= References =
* Brultech's Website [http://brultech.com]
* How the ECM-1240 works [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/howItWorks.htm]
* Brultech's Plug & Play installation options [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/packages/plugAndPlay.htm]
* Brultech's [http://brultech.com/products/ECM1240/communicationOptions/basics.htm Communication Options page]