Genset Control

This project allows you to connect a Victron CerboGX or any other device with a static generator run state to your power generator. In my case, I use it to start and stop a Cummins Onan MDKDR in my Boat.

Features

• Connect to your WiFi network an control your Genset from your Mobile Phone using a Browser

Prerequisites

• Generator to control using dedicated START and STOP relays
• For Cummins Onan MDKDR connection a Deutsch 8-pin connector
• Resistor and 3.3V Zener diode to limit the generator running signal
• ESP32 Relais 2 Channel Modul LC-Relay-ESP32-2R-D5 from OEM

Optional

I maybe integrate Modbus RS485 connectivity for detailed status information about the generator. To do so, another Module to convert TTL to RS485 is required. This module would be connected to the PIN 7 to Modul B- and PIN 8 to Modul B+ of the deutsch connector.

Required connections

• Connect the START signal from the CerboGX Relay NO (Normally Open) to GPIO PIN 26.
• Connect the STOP signal from the CerboGX Relay NC (Normally Closed) to GPIO PIN 27.
• Power the CerboGX Relay by connecting the 3.3V PIN to the relay's COM (Common) terminal.
• Connect a 3.3V limited running signal (do not use the 12/24V from the generator directly) to GPIO PIN 25. (optional)

Deutsch 8-pin Cummins Onan Connector

Please verify with your own Generator.

My MDKDR will be connected to:

• Pin 4 to COM of both Relays
• Pin 2 to NO of Relay 2 (closer to the middle)
• Pin 3 to NO of Relay 1 (outer side of the board)
• Pin 6 to GPIO PIN 25 using a 3.3V limiter (example, resistor and zenner diode)
• Pin 7 to TTL-to-RS485 B- (Optional, upcoming feature)
• Pin 8 to TTL-to-RS485 B+ (Optional, upcoming feature)

Enclosure

To properly install the box, I created a enclosure that can house all components. You can download and 3D print it yourself from Onshape. In order to properly run the cables, use PG Cable Glands Screw Joints.

Web UI

It's not required to use the WebUI, but it certainly adds some value.

Wifi Hotspot

The device opens up an WIFI Hotspot with the name Genset Control. After connecting to this wifi using a Laptop or Mobile device, you can open the browser on IP 192.168.4.1 or if mDNS is working genset-control.local. Please reconfigure the WIFI to access your own AP, this is unfortunately right now only available through the CLI using: curl -X POST http://192.168.4.1/api/wifi/add -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{ "apName": "yourSSID", "apPass": "YourPassword" }'

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you find any issues or have suggestions for improvements, please open an issue or submit a pull request.

License

genset-control (c) by Martin Verges.

This project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

You should have received a copy of the license along with this work. If not, see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/.

Commercial Licenses

If you want to use this software on a comercial product, you can get an commercial license on request.