Systems

In progress Electronics & telemetry

Diagnostics, networking, compute, and the sensor layer that gives the van live senses. This is likely to grow into its own app over time. For now it lives here alongside the physical build.

1Diagnostics (OBD / FORScan)

OBDLink MX+Bluetooth, connected, generic OBD-II reads via phone

Vgate vLinker FSUSB (~$36), wired Mac/Windows reads

FORScan LiteIndependent Edition, Android sideload

As-built writesNative Windows + FORScan, done by a trusted colleague

Hard rule: FORScan as-built writes require a native Windows machine. Apple Silicon emulation carries unacceptable bricked-module risk. Reads are safe to automate; writes are human-at-the-keyboard only. The same read-safe, write-human boundary applies to any system with a destructive failure mode.

2Networking

RouterGL.iNet GL-X3000 Spitz AX (~$350)

WAN failoverStarlink (bypass mode via Ethernet) and cellular

CellularDual SIM: Telcel + a US carrier

AntennaRoof MIMO. The fiberglass shell is RF-transparent; the internal 8020 frame scatters but is not a cage

Primary internetStarlink

3Compute & agent host

Mac mini running permanently in the van as the primary agent host.
Headless Windows mini PC (N100/N150 class, ~$130 to 180) as a dedicated box for the FORScan GUI via RDP. Native x86, no emulation, small enough to live in the van.
Python/pyserial read layer on macOS, talking to the vLinker FS over USB serial. No VM needed for reads.
Agent subscribes to both OBD data and the Ekrano GX's MQTT feed.

Already connected

Victron Ekrano GXVenus OS, exposes MQTT/Modbus

12V switchingPlanned via ESP32 / ESPHome relays with on-device logic (not yet installed)

4Sensor network (ESP32, planned)

All nodes run ESPHome firmware and publish over MQTT to the Mac mini agent.

First node (hello-world)

Fridge interior and electronics bay temperature monitoring. Parts identified, about $25 to 30 (ESP32-WROOM-32 dev board, DS18B20 waterproof stainless-tip sensors, 4.7kΩ resistor, USB cable; a van-grade version adds protoboard, IP65 box, and a 12V-to-5V buck converter). Probes at the CFX3 interior, the NRX50E interior, and the electronics bay ambient.

Planned future nodes

Dog safety: mmWave presence, temperature, automated mini-split control, and phone alerts.
Pre-drive checklist: Happijac bed position, guillotine door latch, water pump interlock.
Washboard vibration telemetry correlated with GPS.
Water flow sensing: consumption tracking and leak detection.
Starter battery voltage monitoring.
Salt-air corrosion sensor.
E-ink status display (state of charge, water, weather) near the door.

Build log

No photos yet. Newest will show first as they come in.