The upcoming release of ESPHome 2021.10.0 introduces a major new feature: graphs. This feature enhances the already robust ESPHome tool by allowing users to create and customize graphs on any compatible display. This advancement enables users to not only display the current state of a sensor, but also to present historical data alongside it.
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Customization and Flexibility through ESPHome
The new graphing function is a polished feature, offering various customization options. Users can tailor graphs to meet their specific needs through several adjustable settings:
- Dimensions: Set the height and width of the graph to fit your display.
- Graph History: Choose the duration of the data history to be displayed.
- Borders and Grids: Enable or disable borders and create x- and y-grids for better readability.
- Axis Values: Set maximum and minimum values for both axes to accurately reflect your data.
- Traces: Display multiple sensors in one graph. Differentiate between them using:
- Line type (
line_type): solid, dashed, or dotted - Line thickness (
line_thickness): defaults to 3 - Colour (
color): sets the colour of the sensor trace
- Line type (
These options provide users with the flexibility to create detailed and informative visual data representations.
Practical Applications and Examples
If you're seeking inspiration for your next ESPHome project, consider incorporating a display with the new graphing capabilities. For example, in previously mentioned projects, I have demonstrated the ease of building e-paper information displays powered by ESPHome. With the new graphing features, these projects can become even more engaging and informative.
Imagine a weather station project where you can not only see the current temperature and humidity but also view trends over the past week. Or consider a home energy monitor that displays real-time power consumption alongside historical usage patterns. These practical applications can greatly enhance the value and functionality of your ESPHome setups.
Conclusion
The addition of graph displays in ESPHome 2021.10.0 marks a significant enhancement, providing users with powerful tools to visualize sensor data in real-time and over historical periods. This feature is highly customizable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you're building a home automation system, a weather station, or an energy monitor, the new graphing capabilities will undoubtedly enrich your projects.
