jgyates
commented
1 year ago @ssmoss
Neither of these are new.
the USB port is for firmware upgrades. It does not support any other function. This is standard on Evolution 1.0 and 2.0 controllers.
The wireless module was introduced with Evolution 2.0. Genmon does not sue this connection a the firmware limits what is transmitted over the wireless module based on a subscription.
the short answer is, no. These two things do not provide any means of communicating to genmon.
ssmoss
skipfire
I wanted to start by saying thank you for making this software. It really should replace the MobileLink offering as it is a thousand times better.
I am going to be getting a 22kW Air Cool Generac unit and I am trying to figure out the best way to get genmon up and running. My understanding is that my unit is going to have the wireless module installed which will block the connector port needed by genmon.
After looking over the wiki it seems that the awesome folk(s) at PintSize.Me created a solution to the problem which is this spliter and I really like the improvements in V1.1 though I do have a question about the disclaimer:
I am assuming the V1.1 has been tested and works so is this saying something could change in the future which could pose an issue? I believe after 2018 of the Guardian Series air-cooled come with it pre-installed.
It seemed that powering the Pi from the controller connector via the GPIO connector is a very clean solution in conjunction with using one of HATs / pHATs from PintSize.Me. It also seemed like it had the added benefit of surge protection from something like a lightning strike as the controller fuse would protect against something like that (unless I am understanding something incorrectly). Then I came upon this this disclaimer:
With this I assume I could just a Pi Zero as I suspect that is more than sufficient until I saw this disclaimer:
So at this point I was a little at a loss how to continue with the plan to use GPIO to power the Pi until I stumbled upon this on the Making A Cable page. It seems that Evolution 2.0 (which I believe my generator will have) now has a 12v connection along with the 5v from Evolution 1. I downloaded the instructions for the HATs / pHATs I see the following:
Based on this it seems like one can use the power from the generator's controller to power Pi + HAT and using Pi 3 / 4 should work without issue? I assume since the controller needs to remain powered during an outage that powering from the controller would keep genmon running during outage / load transfer?
Is it recommend to use a fan to provide cooling? It doesn't get super hot or super cold in my area if that makes any difference.
Will placing the Pi inside an enclosure inside the generator's housing cause an issue with the wireless single? Is it recommended to get an external antenna or if the access point is within 20 feet it shouldn't be an issue?
Is a fully turn key solution available for purchase that just requires plugging it in, basically something that would just require me to unplug the wireless unit, plug-in the turn-key unit, and connect the wireless module to it?