TinkerCAD voltage divider strange result-for smart meter data

I am trying to prepare to extract values of 3 current phases from a smart electric meter. I have gotten a HAN module that outputs the data though a network cable. I was able to see that it had a 24.1 V rest state and every 10 s sent out a bunch of data dipping down to 13.8 V. I tried asking ChatGPT for an arduino suggestion. It said that the voltage would be too high and suggested a voltage divider with suitable resistors. Unfortunately I had written 28 V instead of 24. It suggested R1: 100 kΩ
R2: 22 kΩ

I looked at the handiest resistors in my Arduino box. I then tried to recreate the suggestion from ChatG in the TinkerCaD simulator. My mockup is based on taking down 28 to 5.

The strange thing is that I'm only getting 1.24 V instead of 5 V. I thought maybe the UNO was somehow influencing the voltage there, but it remains the same even if I break the wire from the breadboard to RX.

I have a 330 ohm below the divider and (1000+330+220=1550) ohm above.

28/(1550+330) = X/330 should give 4.9 V unless I'm missing something. The voltmeter shows only 1.24 V! Am I the stupid one or is the simulator in error? Should I send an error report to them (or me! :smiley: )?

Is there anyone that can point to someone that has a working circuit for capturing data from a Kamstrup smart meter?

This is my first post in the forum. Not sure if I've chosen right. I thought maybe project category might be right, but I wasn't allowed to submit there.

In case the TinkerCAD link doesn't work, here's a screenshot:

What is the voltage going into the divider. Open circuit and circuit voltages can and many times are different. Try this link for your calculations: Voltage Divider Calculator

Thanks for my first answer!
"Open circuit and circuit voltages" can vary
That's why I tried breaking the wire to the uno, but no difference.
That calculator gives 4,9 as expected.

Link to that HAN module?

Is this real life problem or TinkerCad problem?
I don't see continuity here.

2 Likes

Good spotting, two for the price of one even.

HAN module

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.