Troubleshooting: Zap Connected but No Data in App
Sometimes your Zap device might be successfully onboarded and connected to WiFi, but you're not seeing any data in the Sourceful Energy app. Here's how to diagnose and fix the issue.
Quick Check: Query Your Device Directly
The fastest way to check if your Zap is receiving data from your meter is to query it directly through your web browser.
Step 1: Access the Raw Data
While connected to the same network as your Zap, open your web browser and go to:
http://zap.local/api/data/p1/obis
What You Should See
If everything is working correctly, you'll see raw OBIS data that looks something like this:
{ "status": "success", "ts": 1753186891374, "data": [ "0-0:1.0.0(250722132130W)", "1-0:1.8.0(00062012.537*kWh)", "1-0:2.8.0(00009198.043*kWh)", "1-0:3.8.0(00000266.920*kVArh)", "1-0:4.8.0(00009464.074*kVArh)", "1-0:1.7.0(0000.000*kW)", "1-0:2.7.0(0005.521*kW)", // ... more data lines ] }This raw data contains your meter readings in OBIS format. Each line represents a different measurement from your meter.
If zap.local Doesn't Work
Some older routers don't support mDNS (the technology that makes .local addresses work). If you can't access http://zap.local/, you'll need to find your Zap's IP address manually:
Check your router's admin panel for connected devices
Look for a device named
esp32c3-XXXXXX(where XXXXXX is a unique identifier)Example:
esp32c3-3421E4This is the hostname your Zap device uses when registering with your router
Use the IP address instead:
http://192.168.x.x/api/data/p1/obis
You can also access the device's main page at http://zap.local/ (or the IP address) to check signal strength (RSSI) and other diagnostics.
Common Issues and Solutions
No Data or Empty Response
If you're getting an empty response or no data array, here are the most common causes:
1. P1 Port Not Activated
Many utility meters have the P1 port disabled by default
Contact your power company to request P1 port activation
This is often a free service but may require a technician visit
2. Incompatible Meter
Some meters use encryption or proprietary protocols
Not all meter types are supported yet
If you're getting data but the app still shows nothing, save the raw output and contact support
3. Connection Issues
Ensure the RJ12 cable is firmly connected to both the meter and Zap
Try unplugging and reconnecting the cable
Check that you're using the correct port on your meter (usually labeled P1)
Data Shows Locally but Not in App
If you see data when querying directly but nothing in the app:
Check your Zap firmware version (check latest release: https://github.com/srcfl/srcful-zap-firmware/releases)
Ensure your device has a stable internet connection
Wait a few minutes - sometimes initial sync can be delayed
Try power cycling the device (unplug for 10 seconds)
Need More Help?
If you're still experiencing issues after these steps:
Take a screenshot of the raw data output (if any)
Note your meter make and model
Contact support with this information
We're continuously adding support for new meter types, so even if yours isn't compatible today, we may be able to add support through a firmware update.
Advanced Network Discovery Methods
For technical users who are comfortable with command-line tools, here are additional ways to find your Zap device:
Using ping (Windows/Mac/Linux)
ping zap.local
This will show you the IP address even if your browser can't resolve zap.local.
Using arp (Linux/Mac)
arp -a | grep esp32c3
This scans your network's ARP table for the device. Look for entries like:
esp32c3-3421E4.localdomain (192.168.1.235) at dc:06:75:34:21:e4
Using network scanning apps
Many mobile apps can scan your local network:
Fing (iOS/Android) - Shows all devices with their hostnames
Network Analyzer (iOS) - Provides detailed network information
IP Scanner (Mac) - Desktop tool for network discovery
These tools will show devices named esp32c3-XXXXXX with their corresponding IP addresses.