Category: eRVin How To’s
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 this procedure, just think CoachProxy wherever you see eRVin written in the procedures below. 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 itLearn 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 Firefly/Spyder uses for all of their drop cable connections. Easily crimps with a pair of pliers. Available from many sources including Firefly IntegrationsLearn 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