Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

cstanton — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:04:07 GMT

Current Revision posted to Documents by cstanton on 1/26/2024 3:04:07 PM

Every once in a while, Kaleb’s generator needs a restart, which involves a trek outside. To minimize wading through the mud on rainy days, he decided to build a remote control that allows him to start and stop the generator, as well as display any relevant statistics. The project requires a microcontroller, relays, an LED display, and a handful of buttons and switches. Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

For the microcontroller, Kaleb opts for the Arduino Nano IoT 33, due to its Wi-Fi capabilities and ample IO. The four-digit displays, previously used in a clock project, are used to convey information. Driving the displays are MAX7221 LED controllers, known for their compatibility with Arduino and stackability. Kaleb also incorporates momentary switches for start and stop functions, along with a rocker switch to conserve power when the system is not in use.

The project involves two circuits – one for the house and another for the remote location near the generator. The house circuit includes buttons, LEDs, and a switch, while the remote circuit has relays to control the generator’s start and enable functions. Kaleb demonstrates the functioning of the system, which allows remote starting and stopping of the generator, displaying wattage generated, and other relevant information.

In the code overview, Kaleb explains the key elements, including button handlers, MQTT communication, and display toggling. The code, along with design files, will be available on GitHub for the element14 Community. The completed project works successfully, giving Kaleb a convenient and efficient way to control the generator remotely, saving him from unpleasant treks out to the generator in unfavorable weather conditions.

Downloads and Links:

Code and CAD Files: Episode 639 Resources
Github Mirror: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Tags: Seven-segment display controls, Remote Start, Remote device management, Smart home generator control, Home automation innovations, Microcontroller IoT applications, Creative electronic solutions, Wireless generator operation, diy, Electronic circuitry for home use, Energy-efficient control system, generator, DIY IoT electronics, Innovative Arduino projects, arduino iot projects, Remote generator start, off-grid, arduino, e14p_KC, DIY remote device activation, Honda EU-7000is, friday_release, Generator automation technology

Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

cstanton — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:03:08 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Documents by cstanton on 1/26/2024 3:03:08 PM

www.youtube.com/watch

Downloads and Links:

Code and CAD FilesEpisode 639 Resources
Github Mirror: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

tariq.ahmad — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:39:40 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/25/2024 6:39:40 PM

www.youtube.com/watch

Downloads and Links:

Download Code and CAD Files: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

pchan — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:39:40 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Documents by pchan on 1/25/2024 6:39:40 PM

www.youtube.com/watch

Downloads and Links:

Download Code and CAD Files: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

tariq.ahmad — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:49:23 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/25/2024 3:49:23 PM

For the microcontroller, Caleb opts for the Arduino Nano IoT 33 due to its Wi-Fi capabilities and ample IO, making it suitable for the task. The four-digit displays, previously used in a clock project, serve as an effective means to convey information. The MAX7221 LED controllers, known for their compatibility with Arduino and stackability, are chosen to drive the displays. Caleb also incorporates momentary switches for start and stop functions, along with a rocker switch to conserve power when the system is not in use.

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

The project involves two circuits – one for the house and another for the remote location near the generator. The house circuit includes buttons, LEDs, and a switch, while the remote circuit has relays to control generator start and enable functions. Caleb demonstrates the functioning of the system, which allows remote starting and stopping of the generator, displaying relevant information like wattage generated.

In the code overview, Caleb explains the key elements, including button handlers, MQTT communication, and display toggling. The code, along with design files, will be available on GitHub for the Element14 community. The completed project successfully addresses the challenge, providing a convenient and efficient way to control the generator remotely, saving Caleb from the unpleasant trek in unfavorable weather conditions.

Downloads and Links:

Download Code and CAD Files: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Off-Grid Remote Generator Starter -- Episode-639

tariq.ahmad — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:30:06 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Documents by tariq.ahmad on 1/22/2024 3:30:06 PM

When I need to run the generator on Bonesnapper Ridge, it usually means that it's raining or snowing and generally muddy. The walk from the house to the generator in those conditions is doable, but not my favorite. There could be many solutions to this, but for me, it's building something that works exactly the way I want it! In this episode, I build a remote generator start for a Honda EU-7000is that is controlled via WiFi and a custom made panel with displays.

Watch the Video:

www.youtube.com/watch

Downloads and Links:

Download Code and CAD Files: https://github.com/KalebTheMaker/GeneratorRemote

Bill of Material:

Product Name	Manufacturer	Quantity	Buy Kit
Arduino NANO IOT33 Wifi	ABX00032	2	Buy Now
LED 7-SEG DISPLAY, COM CATHOD, GRN	TDCG1060M	6	Buy Now
MAX7221ENG+ Display Dirver 8 digit	MAX7221ENG+	4	Buy Now
Rocker Switch	SRJ22A3BBBNN	2	Buy Now
SWITCH, SPST-NO, 0.4A, 32VAC, ROUND, RED	59-112	4	Buy Now

element14 presents | About Kaleb | Project Videos

Tags: Remote Start, diy, generator, off-grid, arduino, e14p_KC, Honda EU-7000is, friday_release