LoRaGen smart controller
$ 220
- Description
- Additional information
Description
LoRaGen smart controller
Auto start generator controllers with LoRa communications link between V6 and V7 AutoGen smart controllers
LoRaGen smart controller with WiFi and Long Range communications up to 8 kms.
With its LoRa connectivity, the controller connects to a linked V6 or V7 AutoGen auto start generator controller, therefore sending and receiving data, which is also accessible from our AutoGen app.
By placing a LoRaGen in a remote location where no access to WiFi or GSM is available, you can send or receive sensor data, voltage readings or enable external relays directly connected to the LoRaGen smart controller.
LoRaGen has a communications range of up to 8 kilometres / 5 miles LoS (line of site) with a linked V6 or V7 AutoGen auto start generator controller.
LoRa (short for long range) is a spread spectrum modulation technique derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. LoRa devices and wireless radio frequency technology is a long range, low power wireless platform that has become the de facto technology for Internet of Things (IoT) networks worldwide. LoRa devices enable smart IoT applications that solve some of the biggest challenges facing our planet: energy management, natural resource reduction, pollution control, infrastructure efficiency, disaster prevention, and more. LoRa devices and have amassed several hundred known uses cases for smart cities, smart homes and buildings, smart agriculture, smart metering, smart supply chain and logistics, and more.
With this technology we have created a link between the main V6 or V7 AutoGen auto start generator controller to send and receive sensor data.
As a result, device to device networking brings connectivity to hard to reach places. Now the V6/V7 AutoGen smart controller with WiFi + LoRa can send or receive data or sensor readings from a LoRaGen controller, through low power wireless communication. That’s right, wireless communication at only 1 watt! With the standard 3.0dBi gain fitted antenna, controllers can create a local connected network with an effective range upto 8 kms / 5 miles.
Here are a few brief examples of receiving data from a distance using LoRa:
- Measure battery bank voltage or check for the presence of mains utility ac voltage over long distance.
- Check water level depth of a holding tank at remote location.
- Receive an analogue signal from external device or controller(3 analogue inputs available).
- Measure temperature or humidity in a greenhouse.
- Send commands to turn on/off relays on LoRaGen controller( 2 relay digital outputs available).
- Monitor pressure valves over long distance…etc
We have performed various range tests successfully at a distance of 8 kilometres / 5 miles LoS(line of sight) between AutoGen and LoRaGen controllers. No packet loss was observed at these distances.
Even with some small hills, trees and buildings obstructing the LoS, we managed to receive a great signal at 6 kilometres / 3.67 miles. Transmission power set at only 1 watt every few seconds.
An example of LoRaGen with V6/V7 AutoGen auto start generator controller installation.
Your generator is located at a distance from a water well or bore pump. The generator starting process is automated via an installed V6 or V7 AutoGen smart controller connected to the internet and is the main power source for the bore pump. This can be either of the following, wifi, ethernet or gsm depending on selected model.
The water well has no way of communicating to the internet, so we can send a direct LoRa signal to the V6/V7 AutoGen to start the generator. With a LoRaGen installed at remote location , we can send the water level sensor reading directly to the V6/V7 AutoGen, automating the start and stop process.
Additionally we can control 2 external relays at the LoRaGen location by sending the commands either automatically from the V6/V7 AutoGen controller or manually via AutoGen app.
LoRaGen smart controller features.
- Monitor battery bank volts
- Monitor AC voltage
- Generator running status
- Temperature reading through added sensor(sold separately)
- Ability to start and stop generator according to temperature reading
- Monitor/sense Mains AC voltage and start or stop generator accordingly
- LoRa wireless communications
LoRaGen smart controller has 2 digital outputs to control external 5v relays, 3 analogue inputs to monitor external sensors or voltage readings up to 60vdc and ac voltage detection circuit.
If you have any special requests with a LoRaGen smart controller, we can alter its sensor readings with a quick OTA(over the air) update. LoRaGen has inbuilt wifi capabilities to accept OTA updates. You would need to provide a temporary mobile hotspot or wifi access point for any updates. Contact us with your requests and we can make the alterations pre or post sale.
Additional information
| Weight | 0,5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10 × 5 × 4 cm |
Customer Reviews
I purchased the V6 AutoGen controller for my manual Predator 9500 inverter generator so that it could start the generator automatically in case of a power outage and power my house. After many weeks of trial and error and LOTS OF HELP from customer service, the controller is finally working properly. Be careful while wiring the controller, I made a mistake and wired the controller directly to the generator without using relays and accidentally burned out the starter pin #4 (the controller can only handle 1A of max current), but the controller still managed to work after using customer support’s suggestion of repurposing pin #5 as a starter pin. So far im happy with the controller and I recommend it.
WOW !!! The Best After Sales Service In My Life.
I bought a 24 volt V2 auto gen control to run my generator especially for late fall and winter to run my 120 volt refrigerator and radiant floor system.
The generator serves as a back up to my solar panels to recharge my battery bank
I installed it on a Honda generator 3000is and everything works fine.
I want to thank Nick for his extraordinary kindness and patience.
Believe me you will not be disappointed.
Thank you for your review Daniel.
It was a pleasure!
I purchased the AutoGen V2 as a solution to make a portable generator to become a standby generator for a small FM radio transmitter shack. Nick Alexander was there the whole time -- before and after the sale. His support and immediate help (when possible) will win your confidence to see your project end successfully.
Have two Autogen v2 systems setup to keep a constant power source on a remote location.
Main generator turns off and on via the Autogen v2 on a set timer. When it turns off, the propane generator kicks in for the remainder of the day.
Excellent system, excellent support. Nick wrote some custom code specifically for this operation.
Thanks again!
Glad to help out with the installation Cee.
I must admit, it was a fun project!
As full-time off-gridders since 2008, our remote location makes it difficult to maintain our batteries if we are absent during weeks of prolonged low solar output (typically November through January). With temperatures regularly dipping below -20 degrees C during this period, having our older 4cyl diesel Onan generator controlled remotely via my phone has given us the freedom to leave our home for extended periods of time without worrying about broken water pipes. Nick and Elena were awesome during the entire process, answering my incessant questions promptly and patiently. Once we were ready to hook-up our V7, both and Nick and Elena were there again, giving us fantastic customer service.
OUR SYSTEM: The V7 is mounted in a weatherproof box, which is placed within the generator shelter. The unit operates in the outside ambient temperature, and the unit has operated successfully down to -30 degrees C (I made sure to test it when the temperature dropped). The unit is powered by 12vdc and instead of using the generator starting battery to power the unit, I used 48vdc POE over a 40 m CAT6 patch cable, then used a POE-compatible dc-dc converter to reduce the voltage to 12vdc. The data connection is achieved via CAT6 cable and POE is injected into the twisted pair directly from the 48vdc breaker panel (off the battery bank). To ensure a good start each time, I keep an extension cord from the house hooked-up to the generator’s block heater and a 2amp battery charger hooked-up to the generator starting battery. The power to the extension cord is controlled by a smart switch, which allows me to remotely control the length of time the charger and block heater are operating. We used a Roadmaster 790 Hy-Power Diode to connect the V7’s starter cut-off switch (prevents racing the starter during start-up) but noted there was some voltage drop across the diode, so the alternator charges the starting battery at 13.8vdc, not 14.6vdc (which is why we use the 2amp charger, jic).
Once I had the unit wired-up, Nick remotely adjusted the programming on the unit to accommodate my start-up needs (timing for the glow-plugs, long shut-down sequence to ensure the fuel solenoid turned off, etc.). Aside from a few issues due to my poor familiarity with the App (since rectified), the unit worked perfectly. I have never heard the starter race during all the times I have used the V7 to start the generator, even remotely (I listen to the generator start-up via my Mobotix doorbell and camera).
Having the V7 attached to our generator has given my family the year-round freedom of travel we have been seeking since we moved out here in 2008. Our solar system handles our power requirements for most of the year, and we only rely on the generator for approximately 90 hours of use per year. But that sweet 8kW array (on Deger tracking system) doesn’t help you when the sun isn’t shining, your power system is failing, and you’re not home.
Thank you, Nick and Elena. Your patience, professionalism, and high-quality product means a lot, and I have no problem recommending your products to anyone, even those living in the frigid corners of North America.
