Kohler generator

[k5map]

Has anyone successfully connected genmon to a Kohler generator?

[jgyates]

Yes, the Kohler APM603 controller has been tested. This page has more info:

https://github.com/jgyates/genmon/wiki/Appendix-N-Genmon-Supporting-Other-Controller-Types

[k5map]

@jgyates ... first of all, you wrote a GREAT program and thanks for the prompt reply. The link was very helpful. The only other thing I am struggling with is how to connect the RPi to the APM603. I haven't been able to find any documentation or videos. Any suggestions?

[jgyates]

I don't have specific info but can add some details in this thread.

I think the AMP603 supports a RS-485 serial interface communicating at at data rate set in the controller with no stop bits, 8 data bits and 1 stop bits. If you set the controller to 9600 serial rate it will work with genmon without modifying the genmon rate. You can get a RS-485 serial HAT for your pi to communicate with the controller via serial modbus RS-485 or you can get a RS-485 serial to TCP converter and then communicate with the pi over your local network via Modbus over TCP. Somethign like this would work: https://www.amazon.com/USR-TCP232-306-Serial-Ethernet-Device-Server/dp/B07G5P4CPR/

RS-485 HAT
AMP604 <---> pi

Serial to TCP
AMP604 <--> Serial TCP converter <--> pi

Also, user @mstackler may have more info to add on this topic as he has done some of the testing with a Kohler.

[k5map]

@jgyates ... MUCH thanks for the info and link. Once I get knee deep into it, if I have any questions/issues, I'll reach out to @mstackler.

[k5map]

@mstackler... I purchased a Kohler 26kW generator and would like to connect a RPi running genmon. jgyates indicated in this thread, you have done some testing with the Kohler. If so, I would like to exchange a few emails with you.

[mstackler]

APM603 controller supports RS485 and Modbus over ethernet. I used the ethernet as I already had network cabling ran to the unit. You assign your generator and email address and you then program the pi to look at that IP for the register data. Let me know if you need anything further. I have another kohler to try with RS485 when i get time. I ordered a USB to RS485 adapter cable and should be able to use it just like the RS232 version

mark

message me here mstackler@gmail

[Bristerboy911]

Has anybody been able to get genmon to work with the Kohler RDC2 controllers?
I'm in the process of purchasing a new Kohler 20KW set, but am unsure what kind of pinouts are seen on the RDC2, similar to the Generacs with the Molex plug?

Thanks, all!

[jgyates]

No, only on the APM603. I would be happy to help getting this one working if you have one to test with.

The steps for supporting a new controller are outlined here: https://github.com/jgyates/genmon/wiki/Appendix-N-Genmon-Supporting-Other-Controller-Types#the-process-of-creating-a-new-controller-support-within-genmon

I can do step 3 if you can provide the other steps. Let me know if you have any questions.

[k5map]

@Bristerboy911 did you ever get your Kohler RDC2 connected to genmon? If so, did you connect via serial or network?

[k5map]

Reopening to see if anyone has a Kohler RDC2 communicating to genmon

[arw00d]

I just started digging into this topic as well given the recent Oncue sunset. My immediate concern has been that perhaps Kohler's residential units are not using the same Modbus/RS485 approach as the industrial ones featuring the APM603. Thumbing through manuals, it looks like my unit uses this proprietary RBUS thingy. Not encouraging...

[arw00d]

I see. I hadn't noticed the ethernet - modbus tcp line on there. Unfortunately, I don't see any details on modbus tcp in my generator's manual (plenty on RBUS though).

I'll also admit to being pretty far out of my comfort zone here. I'm happy to test, but I have no idea how to get started...

[arw00d]

It seems we would be headed this way then?

https://github.com/jgyates/genmon/wiki/1----Software-Overview#otherappsmodbusdumppy

Reading this, I'm not sure I understand how one would find the right options (other than, perhaps, the generator's IP address) for modbusdump.py to access the data we are interested in. I certainly don't have a sense of the modbus address we would be looking for even if this was a viable route.

[jgyates]

You would need to the IP address and port number. for example if you know the IP address is 192.168.1.10 and the port is 9988, then you could use this command line:

 python3 modbusdump.py -i 192.168.1.10 -t 9988 -a all -s 1 -e 1000 -m

This will probe all modbus holding registers 1 thru 1000 on all modbus addresses (0 - 255). Since you are not specifying an modbus address this will take a long time to execute.

If you know the modbus address then you can insert it instead of "all", for example the if the modbus adress is 64 hex (100 decimal) then you would type

 python3 modbusdump.py -i 192.168.1.10 -t 9988 -a 64 -s 1 -e 1000 -m

If thoes doe not work then we can look at other options but these are the command lines I would try first.

Let me know if you have any questions

[arw00d]

Understood (and, yes, I see it in the docs, now that you point it out).

Looks like I need to go set up genmon on my Linux server to do this testing. That may take a minute, but I'll give it a go. Thanks, @jgyates for your continued support here.

[k5map]

Good luck... all of us Kohler owners have our fingers crossed you get a successful connection and data download :)