Hardware Versions
The P1MeterKit is available in three hardware versions. This page helps you understand the differences.
📢 Note: The current P1MeterKit is V3, built on the ESP32-C6 platform. V1 and V2 remain supported for existing customers, but V3 is the newest hardware generation.
How to Identify Your Version
Not sure which version you have? Check the device information in Home Assistant or ESPHome:
| Version | How to Recognize |
|---|---|
| V3 | Current model with ESP32-C6 hardware. Check Hardware Version or firmware/device information in Home Assistant. |
| V2 | ESP32-C3 hardware with Bluetooth / Improv BLE support. |
| V1 | ESP8266 hardware. |
Tip: The easiest way to identify your version is in Home Assistant: Settings → Devices & services → Devices → P1MeterKit → check the device and firmware information.
Version Comparison
| Feature | V1 (ESP8266) | V2 (ESP32-C3) | V3 (ESP32-C6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bluetooth / Improv BLE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thread | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Thread firmware) |
| P1 Energy Monitoring | ✅ DSMR 4/5, ESMR 5 | ✅ DSMR 4/5, ESMR 5 | ✅ DSMR 4/5, ESMR 5 |
| Gas Monitoring (MBus) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Temperature & Humidity | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Performance | Good | Better | Best |
| WiFi Setup | Captive Portal | BLE + Captive Portal | BLE + Captive Portal |
| Hardware Platform | Legacy | Previous generation | Current generation |
V1: ESP8266 (Legacy)
The original P1MeterKit based on the ESP8266 chip.
Key Features:
- WiFi connectivity (2.4 GHz)
- P1 energy meter reading (DSMR 4, DSMR 5 and ESMR 5, older meters with custom ESPHome settings)
- MBus gas meter monitoring
- Temperature & humidity sensor
- Powered via P1 port or USB-C
Limitations:
- No Bluetooth support
- Limited memory for advanced customizations
- Older hardware platform
V2: ESP32-C3
The second generation added a newer ESP32-C3 platform and Bluetooth provisioning.
Key Features:
- Everything from V1
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support
- Improv via BLE for easier WiFi setup
- Better performance and more memory than V1
V3: ESP32-C6 (Current)
V3 is the current P1MeterKit hardware generation and uses the ESP32-C6 platform.
Key Features:
- Everything from V2
- ESP32-C6 hardware platform
- WiFi and Bluetooth / Improv BLE provisioning
- Works over Thread with the Thread firmware, see Connect via Thread
- Better suited for current firmware builds and long-term support
- Open-source ESPHome firmware
Best For:
- New installations
- Users who want the latest P1MeterKit hardware
- Installations where current firmware support and stability matter most
Connectivity & Setup
All versions support WiFi connectivity:
| Connection | V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi (2.4 GHz) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bluetooth LE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Thread | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Setup via Captive Portal | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Setup via Improv BLE | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Power Options
All versions can be powered in two ways:
-
Via P1 Port (DSMR v5 meters)
- Most modern smart meters provide power through the P1 port
- No external power needed
-
Via USB-C
- Required for older meters (DSMR 2.2, 4.0, 4.2)
- Provides stable 5V power
Firmware Compatibility
All hardware versions run ESPHome and are fully compatible with:
- Home Assistant Energy Dashboard
- Custom ESPHome configurations
- OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates
- ESPHome Device Builder adoption
Firmware Source:
- GitHub: smarthomeshop/p1meterkit
- V1 firmware:
p1meterkit-v1/p1meterkit.yaml - V2 firmware:
p1meterkit-v2/p1meterkit.yaml - V3 firmware:
p1meterkit-v3/p1meterkit.yaml - V3 Thread firmware:
p1meterkit-v3/p1meterkit-thread.yaml
Current Availability
We currently sell the V3 (ESP32-C6): the newest hardware generation with:
- ✅ ESP32-C6 hardware platform
- ✅ Bluetooth Low Energy support
- ✅ Improv BLE for easy WiFi setup
- ✅ Open-source ESPHome firmware
- ✅ Current-generation firmware support
V1 is no longer in production. V2 remains supported for existing customers.
Legacy Version Reference
For existing V1/V2 owners, here's a quick reference:
| If you have... | Key difference from V3 |
|---|---|
| V1 (ESP8266) | Legacy ESP8266 hardware, no Bluetooth |
| V2 (ESP32-C3) | Previous-generation ESP32-C3 hardware |
Upgrading Between Versions
The P1MeterKit hardware versions are not upgradeable: each version is a separate device. However:
- Configuration in Home Assistant can be exported/imported
- Historical data remains in Home Assistant when replacing the device
- Firmware customizations can be ported between versions, with small adjustments where needed