GoWired Multiprotocol Gateway Adds RS-485, USB, and CAN Devices to a Home Automation Network
This open source device supports three standards and four protocols simultaneously.
Automating a home means connecting sensors back to a central server. While open source software like Home Assistant has modules that support nearly everything related to home automation, not every computer has ports that support communication protocols like MODBUS, CAN, or RS-485. The new GoWired Multiprotocol Gateway coming soon from Domatic aims to solve the challenge of interconnecting sensors and a home automation controller.
Previously we covered GetWired, an Arduino-compatible module that supports RS-485. The new GoWired Multiprotocol Gateway improves on that design with an upgraded microcontroller and additional interfaces.
Domatic chose a Microchip SAM D21 running at 48 MHz to power the new GoWired Gateway. The Arm Cortex-M0+ core in these chips is popular with 32-bit based Arduino boards. Just like the previous board, GoWired should be compatible with the Arduino IDE.
GoWired supports three communication standards: USB, RS-485, and CAN. By adding an RS-485 port, for a total of two, GoWired can communicate with four protocols simultaneously.
The onboard microSD card slot is helpful for logging information. For example, the onboard power monitoring circuit can monitor an external device's power usage if the gateway powers that device.
While Domatic will be open sourcing the software for GetWired, its GitHub repository is currently empty. However, it is probably safe to assume that the same level of detail made available for the previous GetWired device will be available for the new GoWired Gateway.
For more information, sign up for updates on the GoWired Multiprotocol Gateway Crowd Supply pre-launch campaign page.
