Symcon Motorhome

« Back to References

Object

  • Motorhome
  • Small installation

Hardware

  • Teltonika RUTX (Router)
  • Victron MPPT
  • Shelly for controlling lights
  • RPi Pico for Truma connection

Symcon-Products

  • Symcon Basic
  • RUTX special version

What was it about?

The aim was to provide convenient control in a motorhome with little space and energy reserves. A minimalist Symcon version was created for this purpose, which was installed on an industrial router. The aim was to achieve integration without major effort and modification of the motorhome. This was achieved through connectivity via WLAN (MQTT) for heating and lighting control. The router provided the required Wi-Fi, which can also be used for the mobile internet. Access to the motorhome should be possible at any time via the Symcon Connect service and the location should also be tracked in real time.

Which systems were used?

A Teltonika RUTX incl. matching antenna forms the basis of the installation, which has a very low power requirement with a load of just 0.2A at 12V. The router provides the LTE connectivity to reach the motorhome at all times. A Victron MPPT for the PV system and a Raspberry Pico for integrating the Truma heating system were also integrated. A Shelly takes over the task of lighting control.

What were the challenges?

When selecting the hardware, particular attention was paid to low power consumption. For this reason, Symcon was also installed on the router to avoid the need for an additional device (such as a SymBox). In addition, connectivity was established via WLAN. This allowed the router + MPPT to be mounted next to each other in the rear of the vehicle and the heater control unit to be placed directly next to the heater. This saved a lot of work with the cabling.

How was Symcon used?

The special version that was compiled for the RUTX is optimized for a small size and only provides the most necessary module for the operation of the selected devices. This means that a lot of RAM and flash memory is still available for the remaining applications on the Teltonika. The Connect service can be accessed via the app so that it only retrieves a small amount of data and consumes little data volume. In addition, the motorhome is integrated directly into the motorhome owner's main Symcon via the Sync Remote extension, so that all values are also available directly at home and can be logged there in the long term.

Project Link To the community project
Integrator Symcon GmbH
Location 23554 Lübeck
E-Mail support@symcon.de
Phone +49 451 30 500 511

Conclusion

Symcon can also work as a special version in devices with very low power reserves and increase convenience. Full compatibility with the app gives quick access to the motorhome and allows the PV system to be monitored and the heating and lighting to be controlled. Ideas for the future include the integration of gas levels and water/waste water levels.

Any questions?