Actions10
Overview
This node interacts with the eWeLink API to retrieve the number of channels available on a specific device. The "Get Channel Count" operation is useful for scenarios where you need to programmatically determine how many controllable channels (such as relays or switches) a smart device supports. This can be beneficial when automating device management, dynamically configuring workflows based on device capabilities, or validating device configurations.
Example use cases:
- Automatically mapping out multi-channel smart switches in a home automation setup.
- Validating that a device has the expected number of channels before sending control commands.
- Building dashboards that display device capabilities.
Properties
| Name | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Device ID | String | Unique identifier of the device whose channel count you want to retrieve. |
Output
The output will be a JSON object containing the result from the eWeLink API's getDeviceChannelCount method. While the exact structure depends on the API response, it typically includes information such as:
{
"channelCount": 2,
"deviceid": "1000abcdef",
// ...other possible fields depending on the API response
}
- channelCount: Number of channels supported by the specified device.
- deviceid: The unique identifier of the device.
No binary data is returned by this operation.
Dependencies
- External Service: Requires access to the eWeLink API.
- Credentials: You must configure valid eWeLink account credentials (
emailandpassword) in n8n under the credential typeewelinkApi. - n8n Configuration: No special environment variables are required beyond standard credential setup.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
- Invalid Credentials: If your email or password is incorrect, authentication will fail.
- Device Not Found: Providing an invalid or non-existent Device ID will result in errors.
- API Rate Limits: Excessive requests may be throttled by the eWeLink API.
Error Messages:
"Authentication failed"or"Auth settings are not valid: Authentication failed - status 406": Check your eWeLink credentials."Cannot read property '...' of undefined": Likely due to an incorrect Device ID or network/API issues.- General API Errors: Any error thrown by the underlying eWeLink API will be surfaced in the node’s output if "Continue On Fail" is enabled; otherwise, the workflow will stop.
How to resolve:
- Double-check your credentials in n8n.
- Verify the Device ID via the eWeLink app or API.
- Ensure your account has access to the target device.