# Introduction

<figure><img src="https://869162580-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F50CFzoSHtUAx13D3ZcfB%2Fuploads%2FQtKstEg6ozWaFM4kiX6R%2FP1%20Modbus%20Pro%20v2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=45aef4a9-e8d2-4658-92ed-d892d50edcf5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
The dongle is made for v5 SMR meters. In The Netherlands v2/v4 meters are common too. Some data is missing in v2 and v4 meters.
{% endhint %}

## Why we do this?

Started designing and manufacturing the dongles in 2020. The main reason is an open solution that is affordable without any subscription.

The concept can be summarised in a few words:&#x20;

* Privacy first: data always belongs to the user and is not shared&#x20;
* Safe design&#x20;
* No subscription&#x20;
* Accessible: in terms of costs and user experience
* Open solution&#x20;

## Primary functions

The primary functions of the dongle are:&#x20;

* Power supply from the P1 meter (DSMR version 4/5 only)&#x20;
* Reading the smart meter (via the p1 connection)&#x20;
* Sharing the P1 information via Modbus RTU (RS485)

## Quick start

The dongle is ready for use in a few minutes. The steps are:

{% content-ref url="quick-start/installation" %}
[installation](https://docs.smart-stuff.nl/p1-modbus-dongle/quick-start/installation)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="quick-start/register-mapping" %}
[register-mapping](https://docs.smart-stuff.nl/p1-modbus-dongle/quick-start/register-mapping)
{% endcontent-ref %}