--- a/mqtt_metrics.py	Sat Aug 10 23:02:51 2024 -0700
+++ b/mqtt_metrics.py	Sat Aug 10 23:03:57 2024 -0700
@@ -59,10 +59,27 @@
     return message
 
 
+async def requestStatuses(client: aiomqtt.Client, period=10):
+    '''shellys post status updates periodically, but I want them more often.'''
+    while True:
+        for topic in [
+                "do-r-power/command/switch:0",
+                "ga-fridge-power/command/switch:0",
+                "ga-washer-power/command/switch:0",
+                "tt-fridge-power/command/switch:0",
+                "ws-bench-power/command/switch:0",
+                "ws-desk-power/command/switch:0",
+                "ws-solder-power/command/switch:0",
+        ]:
+            await client.publish(topic, 'status_update')
+        await asyncio.sleep(period)
+
+
 async def mqttTask(metrics: MetricsWriter):
     try:
         client = aiomqtt.Client('mqtt2.bigasterisk.com', identifier="mqtt-exporter")
         async with client:
+            asyncio.create_task(requestStatuses(client))
             await client.subscribe('#')
             async for mqttMessage in client.messages:
                 try: