ONDA Home automation on wheels

Communicating with various CL-BUS and CI-BUS protocol based devices, the new Onda gateway from AL-KO VTE allows the end user to comfortably manage the recreational vehicle

AL-KO VTE, part of AL-KO VT as well as DexKo Global, launches its new gateway: the project, which has been given the name Onda, aims to replicate what we call home automation in the home in recreational vehicles. More than a specific need we can talk about a “convenience”, in line with current market demands that seek increasingly comfortable and better connected RVs. This new product from AL-KO VTE channels the various devices in the vehicle into a single application, enhancing the user experience. We talked about this new product with Andrea Lombardi, product manager of the Onda project as well as AL-KO VTE sales manager responsible for the RV sector.

Aboutcamp BtoB: The new CL-BUS based gateway is now a reality in the AL-KO VTE landscape: what is it?

Andrea Lombardi: The new ICL12 gateway is a device developed to allow, at a hardware level, a connection and therefore a communication between the system based on CL-BUS protocol (i.e. AL-KO VTE systems) and exter- nal devices based on CI-BUS protocol (Basic system version). This communication between systems allows us to offer our App as a control tool for the motorhome, based on the connected devices and the information available. It’s possible to take advantage of local communication via Bluetooth (Advanced version) or remote communication with data in the cloud (Pro version). Our gateway is small and lightweight, making it easy to install even in RVs with limited space, such as camper vans. It’s suitable for both motorised RVs and caravans.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Is this product reserved exclusively for RV manufacturers, or will it also be marketed in other ways?

Andrea Lombardi: The project is mainly geared towards manufacturers, but the intention is to extend the application to the aftermarket as well. The challenge here is considerable: we have to deal with retro-compatibility issues, the wide range of devices on the market and the difficulties in making installation easy for the end user. It’s essen- tial that the vehicle is equipped with our system including the junction box and control panel.

Aboutcamp BtoB: What are the key stages in the development of the new product?

Andrea Lombardi: First of all, we de- fined the system requirements. We did a major job of gathering feedback and requirements with customers, then we talked about defining the hardware and choosing stakeholders for the cloud part. Our goal is to be able to offer the system and provide prototype batches as early as the 2023-2024 season.

Aboutcamp BtoB: AL-KO VTE was born from the experience of CBE and Nordelettronica: to what extent has this experience contributed to the development of the new project, and how does this project fit into the broader AL-KO VTE panorama?

Andrea Lombardi: As far as the development of new products is concerned, Onda represents one of the first projects realised in synergy between the two companies. As development progressed, the major contribution in terms of know-how of both companies became apparent, as they already had a similar product, but at an earlier stage than the one we want to achieve. The system will work with both Nordelettronica and CBE equipment.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Where and how will production of the new product take place?

Andrea Lombardi: Production will be in one of our production plants, using processes and partners already managed by us. In keeping with our quality standards, we’ll carry out testing for the prototype phase and up to product validation, which will cover 100 per cent of the devices with relevant lifespan tests.

Aboutcamp BtoB: How does remote control work?

Andrea Lombardi: The end user will need to have a Wi-Fi access point inside the vehicle, with SIM and data connection, to which our gateway will connect to transmit/receive information and instructions. The data is stored in the cloud, in compliance with privacy and data protection regulations, and will be accessible to the user via our App.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Does the user have to have the latest generation of devices?

Andrea Lombardi: There are no special requirements, all you need is a Smartphone (Android 4.3 or higher, iOS 10.0 or higher) and data connection when using the system with remote connection.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Is the possibility of voice management considered fundamental for a device like yours, or is it just a plus that may appeal to end users?

Andrea Lombardi: We could call it an appreciated feature to complete the system and at a reasonable cost.

Aboutcamp BtoB: What on-board devices and utilities can you connect to?

Andrea Lombardi: It’s possible to display internal and external temperature, tank fuel level, battery charge status among other things. It’s also possible to switch lights and the water pump on and off. Additional utilities include geolocation and vehicle levelling readout, useful when parking. These are our devices, but we’ll be able to add external devices such as a stove, refrigerator and air conditioner. More generally, the system will be set up to connect and communicate with devices, equipped with a CI-Bus communication protocol, providing information on their status or instructions on commands to be carried out. A functionality will be implemented to identify types and brands of connected devices, to present the available features to the user via widgets.

Aboutcamp BtoB: Is it possible to expand the system with new functions? If new devices are developed in the future, will it be able to interface with them?

Andrea Lombardi: The system will be constantly updated to interface with the most popular devices. We’ll be releasing updates that will also be downloadable by the end user.

Aboutcamp BtoB: You also provide the vehicle geolocation function. How important is this service for the user and how does it relate to other solutions offered by other operators, e.g. insurance companies?

Andrea Lombardi: The principle with which the application was developed is to be a hub of information relating to the vehicle, so geolocation is also an interesting utility, which nevertheless is not intended to replace or interfere with external functions or services. A typical situation in which it can be useful is searching for your vehicle when you can’t remember how to find it.