Category: eRVin How To’s
Using MQTT Explorer to View the RV-C Network
Wait, I thought RV-C was a CAN bus protocol? Yes RV-C is for sure a CAN protocol, but a core component of eRVin listens to RV-C traffic and converts it to MQTT traffic so it can more easily be manipulated. What is MQTT? MQTT is a lightweight and efficient publish-subscribe protocol used for IOT (Internet of Things) applications. The nitty gritty details aren’t pertinent to this discussion, so for more info have a look hereLearn More
Tutorial: Updating an OS File & Importing a New Flow
This Tutorial walks thru an example of modifying the Shades in eRVin for a previously unsupported RV. In this case the example is for a 2014 Born Free. There are two parts to the modification: PART 1 – installing a new version of the window_shades.pl script in the eRVin OS that matches the hardware shade controller configuration on the RV. PART 2 – installing a new version of the Node-Red Shades flow to match theLearn More
Tutorial – How To Change Lighting Instances in eRVin
For eRVin (and CoachProxy) users trying to adapt a non-supported coach, one of the most common questions is “how do I do some basic modifications so things will work on my coach”? This tutorial will describe how to modify the lighting configuration in Node-Red, which should provide a good intro to working with Node-Red, as well as to get your lighting working. About Instances: All lights in an RV-C equipped RV use the same RV-CLearn More
Controlling Lights from an eRVin Terminal Window
This post is for those of you that are eager to explore the inner workings of coachproxy/eRVin. And potentially for those of you that have a coach for which an eRVin configuration does not already exist and you need to create a ‘map’ of what commands are required to control individual lights. A prerequisite to this post is that you have access to your eRVin Raspberry Pi (RPi) desktop, learn how to do that here.Learn More
Configuring Alexa Account Info (eRVin v0.6x and up)
This post will describe how to configure Alexa capability in eRVinOS v0.6x and newer using Virtual Smart Home an Alexa skill that interfaces with eRVin. The configuration involves installing the skill in the Alexa app, then linking the skill by entering your Amazon account info into the appropriate Alexa “nodes” in eRVin via node-red. This is a one time task, that when complete, will provide reliable integration between Alexa and your RV lights (and downLearn More
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
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