MEP-802/803/831 Generator Control & Parameter Monitor by WIFI Demo

[WillsC]

Just ordered and looking forward to installing it.

 

[WillsC]

Ordered on Monday, received on Thursday. Installed and works PERFECT Thank you Kurt.

 

[kloppk]

Can this be used on an 804a??? Please say yes!!

Very soon!
I have a prototype ready for testing in an 804A. I'll be in touch with you to set up a visit.

 

[kloppk]

Announcement.... I now offer a Remote Start Kit for the MEP-831A
It incorporates the Governor Controller function and the WiFi Remote Start and Parameter monitoring all in one!
They are available in the Classifieds at: https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...rt-Governor-Controllers&p=2245549#post2245549

Installed

 

[DieselAddict]

Looks awesome!

 

[kloppk]

A few customers have requested the following feature and it is easily accomplished by purchasing a low cost WiFi switch relay.

Remote Start/Stop from anywhere via the internet
If you wish to remotely start and stop the generator using my controller from anywhere via the internet
you can purchase a Sonoff 4CH Pro R2 Advanced Smart Switch or a similar product. They are available on Amazon and eBay.
Any WiFi remote switch system that can connect to the internet via your homes router and has non-powered relay contacts.
Simply configure the Sonoff and connect one of it's relay channels to my controllers 2-wire interface.
Done.

If using this method you will only be able to Start & Stop the generator via the internet. You will NOT be able to view the
real time parameters over the internet. That can only be done via WiFi when you are within ~300 feet of the generator.

 

[mlaxton]

Since my venture into developing the replacement MEP831A Governor Controllers was a success I thought I'd revisit MEP remote start/stop with parameter monitoring.
About 2 years ago I developed a similar capability. However the control components were a closed design, didn't use WIFI and was not readily producible.

So.. Here is the 2018 version of a similar capability except all control is via WIFI. In this demo I'm using an old cell phone with just a browser. No "app".

Prototype starting a MEP-802A via WIFI. Controls all phases of startup such as PreHeat, Priming, Starting, Running, Closing the Contactor.
Sequencing and parameter reporting are accomplished with a small WIFI microcontroller that hosts the web pages and acts as a WIFI access point.
Live data streaming of generator and engine operating parameters.
- AC Voltage
- AC Frequency
- % Load
- Coolant Temp
- Fuel Level
- Oil Pressure
- Battery Voltage
- Air Temperature (Not functional yet. Awaiting sensor delivery)
Includes remote shutdown functionality also. Opening the contactor, Cooling down and Shutdown of the genset.

Genset can also be started and stopped manually.
Wiring from the controller connects to the meters and switch's in the control cube. Only 1 generator wire needs to be cut and spliced into. All other connections "piggyback" onto existing terminals of the meters and switch's.

WIFI connection is direct from the cell phone to generator. No router used. Password protected connection for security. 200'+ range.
Generator can be controlled by any device with WIFI and a web browser such as a Laptop, Cell Phone, Tablet, etc. No "app" needed.

Will be continuing to test and improve over the coming weeks and possibly months.
If there is enough interest I may persue producing the controllers once the design is solid and proven.
For now I'm be targeting MEP-802A, MEP-803A & MEP-831A since I have an 802 and 831's to integrate with.
The MEP-831A will have less parameter monitoring due to it's lack of engine Temp & Oil pressure sensors.

Thoughts?

Question, I am interested in this product strictly for monitoring the health of the gen set from inside the house. Is it live data or does it update every couple mins? Also does this alter the way the gen set works manually at all?

 

[69birdman]

Question, I am interested in this product strictly for monitoring the health of the gen set from inside the house. Is it live data or does it update every couple mins? Also does this alter the way the gen set works manually at all?

It is live data and does not alter manual operation at all.

 

[kloppk]

The data on the screen shown above automatically updated at 1 second intervals. The statistics in the table at the bottom of the bottom of the screen are updated every 10 seconds of operation.

 

[taylordc15]

can this be adapted to a MEP-003?

 

[Mogman]

Can it be integrated into a network of must it run WIFI stand alone? Can it be run from a PC or only from a smartphone app?

 

[kloppk]

It was designed to run standalone so that it would work in a worse case scenario, no utility power, no internet, no router, off grid cabin, etc.
Wasn't set up to integrate onto a network.

It will work over WiFi with any device with WiFi and a browser withing WiFi range. (Smart Phone, tablet, laptop, etc)

It does not use an "app" on a smartphone. Just the browser. The webserver on the controller does all the work.

 

[mlaxton]

Can it be integrated into a network of must it run WIFI stand alone? Can it be run from a PC or only from a smartphone app?

It works great, I have one

 

[DieselAddict]

Can it be integrated into a network of must it run WIFI stand alone? Can it be run from a PC or only from a smartphone app?

If you absolutely have to access it via another network you can setup a RaspberryPi using the graphical version of RPi OS. You'd use the RPi's WIFI to connect to the generator controller and its LAN connector to connect to your main network. You would use a remote desktop app to view the desktop on the RPi from other devices. Not elegant but functional.

There are significant network security issues with this approach that you will need to watch for. For one you shouldn't allow RDC connections to the internet.

I'm not recommending doing this but this is one method you could use to get it done.

 

[superman4283]

How far will the wifi work from the generator?

 

[DieselAddict]

On an 803 I've tested it to ~600' line of sight.

 

[superman4283]

On an 803 I've tested it to ~600' line of sight.

I was not expecting it to reach that far. I'll have to get one soon.

 

[kloppk]

A few internet connectivity enhancements have been made to the Remote Start kits that I offer.
Here are the current connectivity options...
1) The original version (AKA Version 1) provids a direct WiFI link between your smart phone and the controller - no router or internet required.
Great for off grid setups with no internet
2) The controller can be also be configured (before shipment) to connect via WiFi to your homes WiFi router thus making access available to all devices with web browsers on your homes WiFi network. AKA Version 2
3) With a simple process of "port forwarding" you can make the Version 2 controller accessible from anywhere on the internet. Requires a couple of setting changes in your router to enable it to make the controller accessible from anywhere via the internet.

 

[kcld10]

Are V1 kits upgradable to V2 capabilities?

 

[kloppk]

Yes requires returning just the controller card to me so I can add your homes WiFi router credentials to it.
No charge to do that update other than return shipping.