Please update your config: extend flash life

[flaviut]

ESPHome has been storing the daily energy data to the flash memory at a 1-minute interval. This isn't great, since it will wear out the flash prematurely.

Please add the following to your config file:

preferences:
  # the default of 1min is far too short--flash chip is rated
  # for approx 100k writes.
  flash_write_interval: "48h"

[nekorevend]

Will you also change the default interval?

[flaviut]

I can't do that. It's in the ESPHome base code, and I can't change that from a component. New users will begin with copy-pasting from the updated example config.

[rananna]

I just noticed this recommendation. My emporia has been running for over a year with old firmware (500k+writes At 1/m? ) . I understand that I may not be able to upgrade the device in future if flash fails. (,although it is still upgrading but taking more time to do so. ) What are the effects of degrading flash memory on performance? Will the vue still continue to work if flash memory fails? What is the flash memory used for in the firmware? Should I replace the unit, or can flash memory be replaced?

[rananna]

Fixed it. The external components yaml had changed also, and it compiled when I brought it up to date

[rananna]

One last question (I hope). The log file now shows warnings like this:
[09:08:52][W][component:204]: Component emporia_vue.sensor took a long time for an operation (0.05 s).
[09:08:52][W][component:205]: Components should block for at most 20-30ms.
Is this normal?

[flaviut]

Normal and unfortunately pretty much unavoidable, also brought up here: #196

[rananna]

Thanks one final final question:
I find the frequency is slightly off 60hz, (59.8) and the phase angle is 177 degrees as apposed to 180 degrees for a purely resistive load. What can we do with these sensors? Are they information only?

[flaviut]

it's really best to make a separate topic for questions, but yes, these sensors are known to be very imprecise.

Phase angle has nothing to do with load factor, just with how the transformers to your house are configured. 180° means you have a split phase system.

And yeah they're pretty much useless if you live in a country with a stable power grid.

[rananna]

I will certainly post new questions as separate topics in future.
Thanks again for you emporia mod.
Great work!