Video summary

Anchor Chain Counter with SMART SCOPE

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary: Anchor Chain Counter with SMART SCOPE (ESP32 + INA219 + Magnetic Pulse Sensor)

This video/tutorial walks through building a practical, accurate anchor chain counter for a boat using an ESP32 integrated with Home Assistant. The system provides:

  • Real-time chain deployed length (counts gypsy/winch rotations)
  • Direction detection (chain letting out vs retrieving)
  • Depth-based “SMART SCOPE” recommendations for how much chain to deploy
  • Safety alerts when the deployed chain is insufficient for the current conditions
  • A dashboard UI showing winch activity and chain status, plus a reset button after fully retrieving the anchor

Hardware / Sensing Approach

1) ESP32 as the hub

  • The ESP32 acts as the central controller, wirelessly sending anchor/chain data to the smart boat system / Home Assistant dashboard.

2) INA219 voltage sensor (winch state)

  • INA219 measures winch voltage to determine whether the winch is operating retrieving vs letting out chain.
  • Logic described:
    • If INA219 voltage > 2V, the system considers the winch in a retrieving/powered state.
    • Otherwise, it’s considered letting out.

3) Magnetic pulse sensor (rotation counting)

  • A normally-open magnetic reed-switch style sensor is mounted near the anchor winch/gypsy.
  • A small magnet is attached to the gypsy; each time it passes the sensor, it generates a pulse.
  • The ESP32 counts pulses and uses direction (from the INA219) to increment/decrement the deployed chain count.
  • Calibration uses distance-per-pulse (e.g., “20 cm per pulse” initially), which the installer should tune for their specific winch + chain.

SMART SCOPE Feature (Depth-Based Chain Recommendation)

A key product feature in the setup is SMART SCOPE, which:

  • Uses real-time depth readings from a depth sensor in Home Assistant.
  • Calculates a recommended chain length using configurable scope ratios by depth ranges.

Rationale / Example scope ratios

  • Shallow water: weaker chain catenary effect → recommend higher scope ratios
    • Example ratios: 7:1 or greater
  • Deeper water: stronger catenary effect due to more deployed chain → recommend lower ratios
    • Example ratios: 4:1 or 3:1
    • Goal: avoid over-deploying

Alerts

The system triggers an automation/alert if:

  • The boat is anchored (or chain length suggests anchoring), and
  • Deployed chain length is below the recommended chain length

Example behavior:

  • If winds/currents cause the boat to swing into deeper water, it warns that the current scope setting is insufficient.

Home Assistant Integration (Setup Artifacts)

The creator provides code/templates from their website for:

  1. ESPHome YAML (ESP32 firmware)

    • Includes INA219 I2C config, pin assignments for wiring, and logic for winch direction + chain counting.

  2. Template sensor helper for SMART SCOPE

    • Computes “recommended chain length” from depth sensor readings using scope-ratio rules.
    • Mentions rounding and notes you can use tools like ChatGPT to help craft YAML if needed.

  3. Dashboard configuration

    • A custom dashboard with:
      • Chain sensor state (magnet detected / winch operating)
      • Current deployed chain length
      • Winch operating indicator
      • Reset button to set chain length to zero after fully retrieving the anchor

  4. Automation YAML for alerting (e.g., “chain scope loop”)

    • Includes a threshold rule (mentions using a minimum deployed chain like ~5 m) to avoid notifications when not anchored.

Calibration / Installation Notes

Calibration method

The best approach described is:

  1. Let out a known length of chain (example: 10 m).
  2. Count the pulses generated.
  3. Compute distance per pulse as:
    • 10 m / pulse_count

Calibration improves precision for the user’s specific winch + chain.

Physical installation details

  • Magnet placement: attach directly to the gypsy in a location that won’t interfere with the chain path.
  • Sensor placement: mount the magnetic sensor so it is close enough to reliably detect the rotating magnet.
  • The sensor is described as waterproof and production-oriented (with a link to the manufacturer’s manual).

24V vs higher voltage

  • If running 24V systems, the video suggests switching to INA226 for higher-voltage compatibility.
  • The setup is described as identical, aside from changing the sensor configuration.

Step-by-Step Tutorial Flow (High Level)

  • Assemble wiring:
    • INA219 to ESP32 via I2C (SDA/SCL) + power + ground
    • Magnetic sensor to ESP32 digital input (with logic based on magnet pass)
  • Configure ESPHome using the provided YAML, including:
    • distance-per-pulse calibration value
    • winch direction detection threshold
  • Install ESPHome firmware over-the-air (OTAA).
  • Add the SMART SCOPE template helper based on depth sensor name.
  • Create the Home Assistant dashboard using provided raw dashboard configuration.
  • Add the automation for insufficient chain deployment alerts.

Main Speakers / Sources

  • Main speaker: The YouTube creator (tutorial author) demonstrating the build, coding, and Home Assistant setup.
  • Referenced sources/components:
    • ESP32 (central hub)
    • INA219 voltage sensor (and INA226 for higher voltage)
    • Magnetic sensor from Quick (with manufacturer manual referenced)
    • Home Assistant / ESPHome (software integration platform)

Original video