NodeMCU, Tasmota and repeated restarts

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Hello, I have a problem with what I can’t get any further. I’ve recreated this HomeStorageDisplay. Really a very nice idea. Basically, it also works well.
I use a NodeMCU with Tasmota as firmware. The communication runs via MQTT. The NodeMCU is operated under Tasmota as WemosMini.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work the way I want it to. Repeatedly restart the NodeMCU, then all displays are reset. All LEDs are off until the device sends a new message.

Tasmota’s info shows me that:

WeMos D1 mini Module

Sonoff

Program Version	5.10.0
Build Date & Time	2017-12-01T13:55:52
Core/SDK Version	2_3_0/1.5.3(aec24ac9)
Uptime	41 Hours
Flash write Count	273 at FB000
Boot Count	133
Restart Reason	Software/System restart

It would be nice if someone could give me a hint as to why this is the case and how I can change it.

@thrusty Might be a power problem

• Does your setup include the 1000uF capacitor between ground and Vcc as advised in the sketch?
• What kind of power supply do you use?
• Is Vcc connected to Vin of the NodeMCU board (assuming the power supply is 5V or even more)?

@thrusty said in NodeMCU, Tasmota and repeated restarts:

All LEDs are off until the device sends a new message.

You have to set the „retained“ Flag in the messages you send to your MQTT-Broker, so the Status-Displays shows after reboot the state witch the MQTT-Broker became last.

You don’t use the Sketch from Bernd for your Display? My works verry well, the only issue I have is, I had dimmed all LED’s to 10% and sometimes they flash short with 100% (only the LED’s who are on at this time).

@mwittig
I have in my structure this board installed to protect the LEDs from high voltage and current.
I don’t have a capacitor in the circuit. I’ll give it a try.
My power supply delivers over 2A. That should be enough for 26 WS2812 think. About 1.6A is required.
I supplied the NodeMCU via the MircoUSB. I’ll change that to Vin.

@V1per
I want to check it out if the set flag changes something.
I wanted to install 4 small buttons on the display. To reset one or the other LED. Or to make a difference. The Tasmota firmware seemed more suitable and easier for me.

@thrusty said in NodeMCU, Tasmota and repeated restarts:

I have in my structure this board installed to protect the LEDs from high voltage and current.

OK, but this board is to protect your LEDs against over voltage. It does not help with potential powering issues of the NodeMCU board.

I don’t have a capacitor in the circuit. I’ll give it a try.

Ok, great. Please give a try and report back. Actually, the large capacitor is to avoid voltage fluctuations, e.g. when the LED are switched on, which may cause resets. If you use Vin, the voltage fluctuation should be less of an issue as the voltage regulator of the board should compensate this.

In some cases it is also recommended to use small capacitors, e.g., 0.1 uF to denoise the power rail. It is said the noise may also cause resets, but I haven’t seen this yet in my experiments. I assume the NodeMCU board already has the capacitor included for this purpose. See also

https://internetofhomethings.com/homethings/?p=396
http://henrysbench.capnfatz.com/henrys-bench/arduino-projects-tips-and-more/powering-the-esp-12e-nodemcu-development-board/

helped me with:

https://blog.thesen.eu/esp8266-reset-probleme-loesen-und-relais-stabil-schalten/ (german)

I first added “retain: true” to the MQTT commands. With success, now the LED’s turn on again after a restart. At least when I disconnect the power supply. I have to wait and see how it behaves when the ESP itself makes a reset. @V1per Thanks for the tip.

Then I connected the power supply on Vin to the NodeMCU. As a result, some LEDs switch sporadically. Okay, then a 470μF electrolytic capacitor to the power supply. (I don’t have a bigger one at the moment) The sporadic glow has gone.

Now I have to wait and see how long the ESP runs. Anyway, I ordered a few 100nF ceramic capacitors, as in @top44’s tip.

Thanks for your help.