Author: Rob
Finding eRVin’s IP Address
If typing coachproxyos into a browser does not connect you to eRVin, make sure you are connected to the same network that the eRVin device is connected to. If that checks out ok, then you will need to look for the eRVin IP Address on your local network and use that instead. There are many ways to do this: If you are familiar with the operation of your router, you can connect to it andLearn More
eRVinOS Image v0.5x vs. v0.6x
Summary: At this time there are two primary image versions, v0.5x and 0.6x. Bottom line, v0.6x and above has a new and superior Alexa integration, but requires some end user configuration, whereas v0.5x does not require end user configuration, but in all probability the Alexa integration will not work due to ongoing changes in the Amazon infrastructure. Technical Details: Both versions are based on the original CoachProxy, but in both versions the eRVinOS has beenLearn More
Archive: Installing an eRVin Software Image with Balena Etcher
WARNING: If you already have a running eRVin or CoachProxy system DO NOT overwrite the existing SD card! Purchase a new card (they are cheap), that way you can easily revert to the original should something go wrong. In addition to the image file you will need the following: An 16gb or larger Class 10 micro SDHC card. An 8gb card should work but we recommend a 16gb card to provide for future expansion.Learn More
How to Install Dataplicity for Remote Access to eRVin
This post describes how to install Dataplicity remote access for your eRVin system. Note: CoachProxy users may also use the Command Line version of this procedure. What is Dataplicity? Dataplicity is a service that will allow you to use eRVin from anywhere you have internet access. I have found it to be efficient, fast, reliable and best of all it’s free for private use! In fact it is so efficient I use the Dataplicity connectionLearn More
How to Build the eRVin Hardware
As described on the home page of this site, eRVin is a micro-controller that interfaces to an RV-C based Firefly RV control system that is present on many late model RV’s. eRVin provides the ability to remotely (from anywhere there is internet) control the RV systems via an “app” or web page, and also adds additional support for devices like the Amazon Echo (Alexa) to enable voice control of lights and other subsystems. This postLearn More
How to Connect Devices to the RV-C Network
The diagram below outlines the basic RV-C network layout. The Firefly Gx panel has a 12 volt power supply feed and this is where the switching and dimming takes place for the lights (or other devices) as shown to the left of the diagram. The right of the diagram shows the RV-C network. The blue line is the main Trunk, note the ‘T’ at each end of the trunk indicating a 120 ohm termination resistor.Learn More
Working with 3M Mini-Clamp Connectors
This post describes how to prepare wire and crimp the 3M Mini-Clamp connectors to it. Tools needed are a pair of slip joint or channel lock style pliers, wire cutters (or sharp scissors) and a wire stripper or utility knife. Mini-Clamp II Series 371 Plugs part # 3M 37104-A165-00E. These are the connectors Spyder/Firefly uses for their drop cable connections. Other OEM suppliers are using them as well, such as Garnet. I really like these connectors,Learn More
Installing gpsd Alternate Method w/o Enabling IPv6
This is an alternate method to install gpsd daemon on a Raspberry Pi running CoachProxy or eRVin version 0.2 and older. eRVin version 0.3 and newer already has the gpsd daemon installed. This method allows the dependency error to occur during installation, describes a fix, then allows the install to complete. This method was how I originally resolved the problem and is just here for reference. The newer install method fixes the dependency issue (whichLearn More
Adding GPS to your eRVin System
Adding a GPS Receiver to eRVin Adding a GPS receiver to eRVin is very straightforward, especially for eRVin version 0.3 and newer, all you need do is plug a USB GPS receiver into one of the eRVin USB ports! So why does eRVin need a GPS? eRVin is an automation system, the more things it knows, like location, the more useful the things it can do. Here are some ideas: Set specific lightsLearn More
Installing an eRVin Software Image
What’s an Image? An eRVin image is a data file that contains all the necessary software for your eRVin hardware allowing it to control your RV, this includes the operating system (OS) as well as all the application and configuration files. The uncompressed size of the image is about 3.5GB, the zipped download is about 1.1GB. This post describes how to download an image and flash it to a micro SD card. The download mightLearn More