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Appendix P Briggs and Stratton Controller Information
Genmon includes a configuration file for Briggs and Stratton Single Phase standby generators with the GC-1030 series controller (GC-1031/GC-1032). This controller series is included with Briggs and Stratton standby generators manufactured in 2020 and newer. References in this article to GC-1030 can be used interchangeably with GC-1031 and GC-1032 models of the controller.
Most features listed in the genmon wiki are available with the GC-1030 configuration file. The GC-1030 switch state is either Manual or Auto which is a slight difference from the document. Please see the GC-1030 Operation Manual for information on switch state definitions and specific alarm conditions which are monitored by the controller.
The following features are not available:
- Ability to set generator time
- Ability to set exercise time
- Firmware update notifications
- Display Generator Serial Number
Video walk-through of the available features
The GC-1030 Controller uses the RS-485 standard for serial communication and the generator has a dedicated terminal block to connect wires, negating the need for a custom cable. This is a significant deviation from the hardware section of the genmon wiki as the Generac generators require custom cables and utilize the RS-232 standard.
RS-485 allows for communication over long distances and therefore you have many options on placement of the physical hardware needed for genmon. There are two main options for hardware to facilitate communication with the Raspberry Pi:
- Connect a RS-485 HAT expansion board directly to the Raspberry Pi.
- Use a network based RS485 converter device. *This type of device is easier for users who are less familiar with Linux. See Appendix F for details on Serial over TCP/IP.
Either option can be placed near the generator and powered by the generator's 12-volt system. Alternatively, if the hardware has a ground terminal (look for A/B/G connections) you can locate the equipment in a remote location such as inside your house and powered by an AC adaptor. Consider the strength of your Wi-Fi network near the generator and environmental conditions such as heat and humidity when deciding on placement. If you are still evaluating the options, purchasing a device with an A/B/G terminals will offer the most flexibility as a device with only A/B terminals must be powered by the 12-volt system and placed near the generator.
NOTE: Use the "Cellular" connections on the generator's RS-485 terminal bus, the WIFI side does not output the data needed for genmon.
Video walk-through of the configuration
You will need to obtain a few parameters from the configuration menu on the controller. To enter the configuration menu, press Stop/Config to enter "Manual Mode", then press Stop/Config a second time and hold for 5 seconds. Select "Module" and arrow down to "Communication" for the settings. Press Stop/Config for 5 seconds to exit the menu. The GC-1030 Operation Manual has additional instructions if needed.
- Modbus Slave ID
- Baud Rate
- Parity Bit
Make note the settings in this menu as you will need them later.
Video walkthrough of how to view the settings
After genmon is installed per Section 3.3 of the wiki, there are a few settings specific to the Briggs and Stratton GC-1030 controller.
Access the Advanced Settings menu by clicking the wrench in the top right corner twice, then configure the following:
- Enter the Modbus slave address *This is the Modbus Slave ID you obtained from the controller settings above
- Enable "Use Modbus FC4 instead of FC3"
- Controller Type "Custom"
- Custom Controller Config File "Briggs_Stratton_GC-1032.json"
- If you are using direct serial communications (not serial over TCP) you may need to set the Serial Parity setting on the Advanced Page to Even, depending on your controller setting.
Optional - If you wish to track your fuel level, enter the "Fuel Units" and Half/Full Load consumption rates from the generator spec sheet while in this menu.
After the settings are configured, select "Save" at the bottom and genmon will restart.