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RVHUB

As of 2023, the generation 1 of the Control and Surveillance system was nearing completion, featuring the following capabilities:

  • A central CanMod master node and two CanMod slave nodes, positioned in the garage and the primary living area
  • Implementation of a CAN-bus network and power cables throughout the RV
  • Temperature measurements integrated into all slave nodes
  • Accurate measurement of fresh water levels utilizing a pressure sensor
  • Real-time monitoring and publication of Victron VE.Direct data on the CAN-bus network

CanMod is the working name for the units I'm designing and producing.

Throughout the winter, the upcoming generation 2, codename RVHUB, will undergo its implementation and finalization. While it will continue to rely on CAN-bus technology and the first-generation slave nodes, it will be expanded with the addition of second-generation slave nodes and a fresh controller.

I'll embark on an experiment with ESP-NOW to supplement the CAN-bus and observe the direction it takes us.

IMG_6490S Liten.jpeg

If you are interested in the hardware and software please continue reading.

Here is some documetation on the Generation 1 hardware

Floor Plan

IMG_6170.png

Currently I have CanMod-nodes in these locations, represented by yellow triangles:

  • Truma space contains the Truma 6E Combi heater and the aft CanMod-node.
  • Victron box contains Victron units such as DC/DC-charger, inverter and solar charger. It also contains the VE.Direct to CAN-bus bridge unit and the CAN-bus to MQTT unit.
  • Driver seat space houses the front CanMod node.

Other spaces:

  • The 4G WiFi router and AppleTV are situated in the overhead compartment.
  • The LiFePO4 living battery is housed within a dedicated battery box accessible from the left exterior of the RV. This is also where the living battery Victron shunt is located.
  • The engine or starter battery is positioned beneath the floor, near the driver's feet. A Victron shunt for the starter battery is also located here.

Subprojects

The RVHUB system is quite comprehensive, encompassing the following subprojects, some of them completed as of generation 1 hardware and some being reworked:

Idea Description Status Results
Software and tools Here you will find the system's requirements, as well as details on the coding implementation. Gen 2 ongoing See the linked page
CanMod ULTRA The new king of CAN-bus nodes, used for the heavy lifting v1 running
CanMod pico I need a tiny slave node for simpler tasks v3 running Works fine
CanMod VE.direct A node to collect data from Victron units v4 running Works but not testet on Victrons yet
EBL666-SP A power distribution unit v2 running
Display units All displays will be using OpenHASP for its framework Gen 2 ongoing Coming..
CAN-bus network Communicate between the nodes in a safe way Done Implemented and it works fine, and I love the fact that ESP32 includes a CAN-controller
MQTT Broker Installing a MQTT broker in the WiFi access point Done Coming..
Fridge temp sensor I need to measure the temp in the fridge without making any alterations to the fridge Done I designed a flexible PCB with a DS18B20 sensor, and it worked perfectly. The PCB can be routed from the inside to the outside without any risk of leakage between cold and warm areas
Freshwater tank level sensing Improve the four-level sensing with a 0-100% measurement capability Done I've installed a pressure sensor that transmits a 4-20mA signal and can be submerged into the freshwater tank
Remote empty wastewater tank Coming.. Planned I have bought a linear actuator to turn the valve
Truma 6E Combi heater integration Coming.. Ongoing I've created a LIN-bus to serial interface, allowing me to monitor the communication between the heater unit and the control box
Remote access Coming.. Planned Coming..
Accelerometer Use an accelerometer to be able to park horisontally Planned Coming..

Updated