My apologies: the description on GitHub is in Ukrainian.
SVITLO-E: Intelligent Generator Control System
A professional (almost) automation and monitoring system for a gasoline generator based on ESPHome. Provides safe start-up, lubrication parameter control, hour meter and remote control.
Important
ATTENTION: The system works only when the physical ignition key is in the “ON” position. Since it is impossible to track the key position (“OFF”/“ON”) using standard means, full automation will require replacing the ignition switch with another one. All components (sensors) are connected in parallel, except for the damper actuator and temperature sensor. Standard control systems are not disrupted: even if SVITLO-E fails, it will be available!
Light indication (Generator Status LED)
The LED indicator displays the current system status in real time:
Yellow (steady): System is in standby mode.
Yellow (flashing): System needs oil change.
Green (flashing): Engine start cycle is in progress.
Green (steady): Engine has been successfully started and is operating normally.
Red (steady): Low oil level (Low Oil Alarm).
Blue (flashing): General switch is off, system does not respond to any commands.
Control and operation logic
Main sensor: The engine is running
Important
ATTENTION: Connect the sensor to the additional 12V output on the generator! The 12V output is a low-voltage DC line built into most modern gasoline generators. The main functions of the 12V output on a gasoline generator are - Charging car batteries - but!!! The output has a very strong pulsating current! Do not connect just any battery for charging!!
Important
Life hack: A fuel solenoid valve is connected to the 12V output (see diagram)! This helps to automatically supply fuel to the carburetor and the fuel tap is always in the open position!
The engine is running - The engine operation sensor (running/not running) is the logic center. It is responsible for:
Timely shutdown of the starter.
Operation of the hour meter and throttle control.
Locking: When the engine is running, activation of the starter is impossible with either virtual or physical buttons!
Sensors and monitoring
Is the engine hot? — Engine temperature sensor (threshold 30°C).
Damper is closing? — Air damper status (closed/open).
Start key — Physical position sensor of the “Start” key.
Low Oil Alarm — Standard low engine oil level sensor (if active - starter activation is impossible neither with virtual nor physical buttons!).
Oil Change Required — Oil change sensor.
Running Hours — Total engine operating time (calculated with any starting method).
Last Run Duration — Operating time since the last start (reset with each new start).
Oil Change Interval (Hours) — Maintenance interval setting.
Voltage — Battery voltage sensor.
Controls (Buttons and Switches)
Mechanical buttons (Physical Inputs)
Start button:
Single press: Engine start. Works under the following conditions: engine not started, oil level normal, General switch is on.
Press and hold (2s): Starter activation without start logic (analogous to a physical key). Works only if the engine is not started and the oil is normal.
Stop button:
Single press: Engine stop (always works).
Double press: General switch state switching (with corresponding LED indication).
Control using a 433 MHz remote control
It is possible to control the start and stop of the generator using a 433 MHz remote control. Settings are available in the code.
Virtual elements (Dashboard)
General switch: Automation operation switch. If turned off, the system will not start automatically (does not affect starting with a standard key).
Start / Stop: Virtual control buttons.
Open / Close the damper: Manual damper control buttons.
Reset Motor Hours: Resets the total operating hours (also automatically resets the oil change sensor).
Automatic start algorithm
Logic when pressing the Start button, virtual Start or from the remote control:
Safety check:
Is the engine already running? (if yes — cancel).
Is the oil level sufficient? (if not — start blocked).
Is the general switch on? (if not — start blocked).
Preparation (Damper):
If the Pre-closing damper is on AND the engine is cold (Is the engine hot — OFF): close the damper.
Start:
Activate the starter for the Start delay time.
Result analysis:
Engine started: Instantaneous cessation of starter operation! Open the damper after the Damper delay time.
Engine will not start: Open the throttle and perform a restart cycle (up to Max start attempts).
Developed with focus on engine safety and reliability.
Project contributor Igor Ivakhnenko
All documentation is here GitHub - lordzid/SVITLO-E: SVITLO-E Smart Generator Control System based on ESPHome & Home Assistant. Features: Auto-start, adaptive choke control, engine hours counter, and oil monitoring.