OnDuty

OnDuty, the new mobile command centre

An intelligent system control centre for OEM and retrofitting has been developed by the Berlin start-up company “Digitalisiere Jetzt 42 GmbH”

Words Peter Hirtschulz

Nowadays, modern motorhomes and caravans in all classes and segments are equipped with many technical devices and equipment. These include, for example: lighting, level indicators for batteries or various tanks, but also air conditioning or heating systems and much more. Each device is individually developed and controllable by the corresponding manufacturer, similar to how there are various remote controls for TV, decoders, etc. on the table at home. A common and independent monitoring control simplifies the comfort and convenience for the users. Added value arises automatically through the use of the information from the devices that were previously unnetworked. Now the Berlin start-up company “Digitalisiere Jetzt 42 GmbH” has developed OnDuty - a tried-and-tested product similar to the smart home for the mobile leisure vehicle industry. “Why have more than one control element when it can be done differently? There was no such thing, so we just did it,” says Daniel Kalwitzki, the creative mind behind OnDuty. The theoretical basis for this development

The couple Kalwitzki on tour when deciding for OnDuty is, among other things, the “CI-BUS” (Camping Industry BUS) launched in 2011 by the German Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD). A CIVD working group developed a BUS system specially adapted to the demands of the caravanning industry. This created the necessary conditions for the establishment of a common platform for the creation, maintenance and service of a uniform data bus system in the caravanning industry and put it on paper in a “CI-BUS cooperation agreement”. But OnDuty can do so much more: further necessary systems have been developed, such as switching and light control units that can be used modularly from very small to very large. That was the theory, but what about the practical implementation? The idea for OnDuty was born during a six-month trip through Europe by the founders, Ines and Daniel Kalwitzki, in their own camper van,

so OnDuty solves real problems from the everyday camper life. After all, who hasn’t laid awake at night wondering if the rear garage doors are locked? With OnDuty, every camper can easily check this in the APP and, if necessary, lock the doors without having to get out of bed. “OnDuty is made in Germany and based on 10 years of industry experience. It is a modular, smart and intelligent platform for controlling a motorhome, yacht, boat or island solution. With OnDuty, all components of a usable system are combined in a unified operation,” says Daniel Kalwitzki. “We were simply dissatisfied with the many display elements for the different devices, some of which are very traditional and from different style eras. It was time for a single smart and contemporary display that can control all the fixtures of a recreational vehicle. That’s why we developed the OnDuty display,” he sums up further. OnDuty integrates all common systems such as water, light, air, energy supply and management, heating/air conditioning, etc. It is operated via a central display or the APP. OnDuty is already an integral item for a premium liner manufacturer from Germany and, with a new Compact edition, is also available for the first time to all campers and dealers for all vehicle classes at an attractive price. The system is sold through a network of distributors and dealers, which can be viewed at onduty. online.

Touch screen display or APP operation

All functions of the system can be conveniently controlled by touch operation on the permanently installed OnDuty display. The same range of functions is also available via the APP “OnDutyControl” on a tablet or smartphone. The app uses the vehicle’s WLAN network for this purpose. A future cloud integration will also make it possible to operate the system from any location. The fixed display variant can of course also be used without WLAN and even the connection of additional physical switches is possible. Every user can choose the best of all worlds. The integration of all components available in the system not only enables operation via just one interface, but can also create energy-saving functions for the first time through intelligent dependencies. Whether inverters, tank integration or lighting control, OnDuty enables operation without constantly having to get used to manufacturer-specific operating element.

Green Caravanning - a small contribution to the environment

For example, when the batteries are fully charged, the energy surplus of a solar system can be used to run the refrigerator and thus conserve the gas supply. The self-sufficiency time is extended and the use of fossil fuels is minimised. “We will soon be refuelling our electric motorbike with the solar surplus. Why should we waste the energy gift of the sun?” the founder elaborates. This is an absolute novelty in the motorhome sector. Normally, manufacturers of electric installations always proudly show how quickly their batteries are full. What other options arise from the solar surplus has not been considered so far.

For OEM and retrofitting

Even when a vehicle is retrofitted with items, owners can still benefit from the OnDuty options. “For example, ambience is not a value, but a feeling,” says Daniel Kalwitzki. “With OnDuty, everyone can dim their lights to an individual level and feel comfortable, even with the LEDs already installed, which experience shows are too bright when undimmed. Without the system, you have to live with the brightness of the LEDs that the manufacturer has provided. The adjusted light saves the battery, because especially in the evening, light is the main power consumer.” Temperature control via room zones increases comfort. People no longer have to think in terms of devices, but simply specify a target temperature for the sleeping and living areas - the OnDuty system handles communication with the corresponding devices in the background. It is possible to mix heating and cooling devices from a wide range of manufacturers, as the OnDuty system is completely manufacturer-independent.

“OnDutyCore Compact” available with immediate effect

The OnDutyCore Compact Edition system is now available on onduty.online and usable for all campers/dealers for every vehicle class: starting from an entry-level price with small surcharge compared to the usual energy management systems for the smallest van license for self-builders and the small van class up to the Black license for liners. Thanks to the different editions, large manufacturers can use OnDuty just as much as self-builders. Individual configuration is possible by the user or the manufacturer. Remote support in the event of problems with the vehicle, and the capability for individually controllable updates via an encrypted procedure, round off the advantages for the installation partner as well as for the bodybuilder. The company behind OnDuty, “Digitalisiere Jetzt 42 GmbH”, is a member of the CIVD. There are 67 CIVD member companies on four continents that have signed the CI-BUS cooperation agreement, clearly demonstrating the trend: the caravanning industry is going digital. Detailed information is available at any time via onduty.online. At the Caravan Salon 2021, the integration of batteries in OnDuty will be presented on the LIONTRON stand. This integration works without additional devices, just with a cable - simple and convenient.