Text or EMail Message if power switches to batteries

[DaveB1]

I would like to set up a way to get a text message or email notification automatically if the shore power to the coach goes out and the transfer switch goes to battery/inverter power. Has anyone done this and how did you do it? This is a 2019 Thor Venetian M37. I have a WinGard WiFi system in it if that helps. I'm wondering if there is an outlet somewhere that is only on when shore power is available and not powered by battery power for example? Or, vice versa. Then I could plug in one of the commercial products to do this. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Judge]

If you go to the Thor Owners website, you can download the schematics for your coach and see which outlets are powered by the Inverter and which are only live on shore power.

https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owners


I assume you want to use something like this....

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure...81375357&psc=1

[DaveB1]

Judge,
Thanks , yes I am planning to use a device like that. Finding a circuit or outlet seems difficult. Will check the schematic as suggested. Hoping someone has done this before and has some tips.
Dave

[lwmcguir]

On my Tuscany the vacuum plug in the storage isn't on the inverter however it is on the EMS load shedding

My primary area to monitor is the temperature in the Aqua-Hot Bay when were in-between trips in the fall and winter.

Your idea would be another way to monitor what is going on when stored or when your away on a side trip

[DaveB1]

lwmcguir,
Excellent!

I see on my schematics that my Venetian has the vacuum system set up the same way as yours. Also, the Dryer and block heater circuits are powered that way. The vacuum seems like the best opportunity in that there is a receptacle already there and very accessible.

I like your idea regarding Aqua-Hot basement temperature monitoring. I assume you are using a transmitting device to notify you? If so, do you recommend one? Also, are you relaying the signal via a coach WiFi system or a router, or some other means?

Thanks,
DaveB1

[Judge]

You can also just kill shore power and then start testing outlets with a cheap Outlet Tester.... also a good way to verify the neutral, grounds, etc. are all good in your coach...... assuming your coach doesn't have the battery power and Inverter power that they wired every outlet to run off the Inverter.

[lwmcguir]

I have the coach in my shop when between trips so using home wi fi for temperature monitor

[lwmcguir]

I do have a small quartz heater on a thermocube in the compartment just in case

Aqua-Hot replacement runs $4k and upward towards $8

When i winterize i use antifreeze so being cautious until then

[DaveB1]

Originally Posted by Judge

You can also just kill shore power and then start testing outlets with a cheap Outlet Tester.... also a good way to verify the neutral, grounds, etc. are all good in your coach...... assuming your coach doesn't have the battery power and Inverter power that they wired every outlet to run off the Inverter.

Good idea.

[DaveB1]

I do the same - keep small heaters in the basement and in the coach, even though I anti-freeze the AquaHot and other plumbing in the winter.

[jbeletti]

Originally Posted by DaveB1

I would like to set up a way to get a text message or email notification automatically if the shore power to the coach goes out and the transfer switch goes to battery/inverter power. Has anyone done this and how did you do it?...

Dave - I have this in my 5th wheel. I am using a Victron Cerbo communications hub with my Victron gear. Using Node-Red on the Cerbo, a friend wrote some logic in Node-Red to send a Pushover message to me. I get that notification wherever I have the Pushover app in use (phone/watch). My messages say "Grid Lost" and "Grid Restored".

[B17drvr]

Waggle

[DaveB1]

jbeletti,
Thank you - that sounds like a very nice setup. Today I ordered a device ("Power Failure Detector with Text Message and Email Alerts" by MySpool) on Amazon. I am going to plug it into the vacuum outlet and see if it will send me a text message. Your setup sounds better, but if this works, I'll be happy.

Dave B.

[macdaddy1111]

Originally Posted by DaveB1

jbeletti,
Thank you - that sounds like a very nice setup. Today I ordered a device ("Power Failure Detector with Text Message and Email Alerts" by MySpool) on Amazon. I am going to plug it into the vacuum outlet and see if it will send me a text message. Your setup sounds better, but if this works, I'll be happy.

Dave B.

How does it communicate to you if you lose power? how does it talk to the net?

[jbeletti]

Originally Posted by macdaddy1111

How does it communicate to you if you lose power? how does it talk to the net?

When grid AC power goes down, my inverters create AC power. As such, I don't lose power. That said, I am powering all my comm gear with DC power. So long as I have remaining battery power, I'm good to go on comms.

[DaveB1]

The unit I'm using has internal battery backup and the coach internet access is on battery backup.