ONDA Connectivity expands third-party equipment integration for motorhomes and caravans

A single intuitive, easy-to-use interface operates both the vehicle’s digital control panel and the ONDA Connectivity mobile app for convenient operation onboard or on the go. This gives comprehensive information about a range of vehicle functions, and convenient control over utilities:

• Lighting control
• Interior temperature control
• Battery state of charge
• Solar panel charging status
• Vehicle levelling position
• Fresh water level monitoring
• Precise vehicle location via GPS

A key benefit of the ONDA Connectivity platform is the possibility to integrate new products from AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics and other manufacturers. This brings a wider choice to customers, whether defining a vehicle’s initial specifications or upgrading equipment later. 

The ICL-12 gateway acts as the communication bridge between ONDA Connectivity platform and compatible appliances, supporting protocols including LIN-BUS, CI-BUS and CAN-BUS. An appliance’s full range of functionality can then be controlled at the push of a button via the ONDA Connectivity interface, on the vehicle’s control panel or via the mobile app.

Integration of the CI-BUS protocol has allowed AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics to rapidly expand the ecosystem of compatible appliances. 

Integration of CI-BUS means that the most popular brands of heating and air conditioning systems, refrigerators, batteries and inverters can easily be integrated into the ONDA Connectivity supervision system. AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics is continuously expanding the list of compatible equipment, based on its validated compatibility tests and approval from the respective manufacturers. The following brands are currently integrated into the ONDA Connectivity system:

• Heating & air conditioning: Webasto, Dometic, Truma, Alde
• Batteries: Mastervolt, Super B, Varta, Dometic, Hella, ten Haaft
• Refrigerators: Dometic, Indel B
• Inverters: ten Haaft
• Lighting & dimming: Toptron
• Gas sensors: E-Trailer

CI-BUS is an industry standard developed in 2011 for the motorhome and caravaning industry. It was created via the CIVD, the German association of recreational vehicle manufacturers and suppliers (Caravaning Industrie Verband e.V.). More than 60 manufacturers and equipment suppliers have signed up to CI-BUS, with many thousands of appliances and vehicles using the protocol for onboard digital control systems.

“We are working directly with leading equipment manufacturers to make ONDA Connectivity compatible with an increasingly broad range of appliances” says Michele Menegazzi, R&D Manager at AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics. “This gives OEMs, dealers and end users more flexibility while keeping control simple and intuitive.”

Integrating new third-party equipment into an existing ONDA Connectivity environment in a recreational vehicle is quick and easy. Manufacturers or dealers can trigger a firmware update via a USB stick. Minor adjustments to the wiring assembly may also be required to rapidly integrate a compatible new appliance.

The ONDA Connectivity mobile app is the intuitive, easy-to-use interface for managing all aspects of a recreational vehicle’s onboard equipment from anywhere. It enables communication with smartphones and tablets, either locally via Bluetooth or remotely via the internet.

The simple one-screen layout – which is mirrored on the vehicle’s onboard control panel – shows all the important information clearly and enables instant adjustments at the push of a button.

The ONDA Connectivity app is available on the Apple Store and Google Play and includes an interactive DEMO mode, to give everyone a taste of what ONDA can do. Experience the ONDA Connectivity app by clicking here.

ONDA Connectivity delivers energy management and digital control, bringing the latest in connected technology to motorhomes and caravans. 

Functionality goes beyond the peace of mind which comes from checking that battery and water levels are appropriate when out and about. Users can heat or cool their vehicle before arrival to ensure comfort upon arrival, adjust the fridge temperature to prepare the perfect evening aperitif, prepare hot water for a relaxing shower, or even locate the vehicle in an unfamiliar campsite. Whatever the need, ONDA Connectivity enables access to a vehicle’s onboard systems from near or far.

“ONDA Connectivity takes your vehicle to the next level and puts you in control of your motorhome, wherever you are” says Lucas Bortolotto, ONDA Connectivity Sales & Product Manager at AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics. 

ONDA Connectivity is designed not only to support today’s connected technologies, but also to prepare vehicles for the next generation of digital products and services.

Lucas Bortolotto adds: “We are continuously looking at new ways to enhance ONDA Connectivity, from voice control to the potential role of AI in supporting safety, convenience and the overall user experience.”