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Connect a DynaGen generator controller

BoatKit connects directly to a DynaGen TG410 or compatible TOUGH Series generator controller over its documented Modbus RTU interface. The integration reads generator, engine, AC-output, runtime, warning, and fault state and provides guarded Auto enable/disable, Start, and Stop controls.

Before you begin​

You need:

  • A DynaGen TG410 or a TOUGH Series controller whose documented Modbus map is compatible with the BoatKit adapter.
  • A registered dedicated BoatKit device. Direct DynaGen input is not currently supported when the mobile app hosts the vessel.
  • An isolated RS-485 interface. HALPI2 can use its integrated isolated RS-485 port; another BoatKit device needs a supported USB RS-485 adapter.
  • The controller's configured RS-485 baud rate and Modbus address.
  • Administrator access in BoatKit.

Before enabling remote controls, have a qualified installer review remote-start wiring, interlocks, ventilation, exhaust safety, shore-power and transfer-switch behavior, and the controller's own protection settings.

Connect the RS-485 bus​

Follow the DynaGen manual and RS-485 interface instructions for bus polarity, common/reference conductor, shielding, termination, and grounding. Do not infer A/B polarity from another manufacturer's labels because naming conventions vary.

The BoatKit connection uses 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. Supported baud rates are 9,600, 19,200, 38,400, and 57,600. The default TG410 settings are commonly 9,600 baud and Modbus address 1, but BoatKit must match the controller's actual settings.

Several controllers can share one half-duplex adapter when they use the same baud rate and each has a unique Modbus address from 1 through 247. BoatKit prevents two enabled integrations from claiming the same address on the same adapter.

Add the integration​

  1. Sign in to BoatKit and open the registered vessel.
  2. Open Settings > Integrations and add DynaGen Generator Controller.
  3. Select the RS-485 interface. On HALPI2, choose the integrated isolated RS-485 port identified in the control description.
  4. Select the controller's baud rate.
  5. Enter its Modbus address.
  6. Enable the integration.

Add another DynaGen integration for each additional controller. Reusing one adapter is supported only with matching baud rates and unique addresses.

Confirm operation​

The integration page should show Connected, the resolved serial device, and the controller's serial number, firmware, and hardware version. Its Advanced section retains raw input, output, event, warning, and fault diagnostics.

Open Tools > Generators for normal operation. If the vessel has multiple generators, select one at the top of the page. The page provides the guarded Auto, Start, and Stop controls; current controller, sequence, engine, and AC-output information; and rolling 15-minute tapes for RPM, engine temperature, and oil pressure. Generator data is also available to configurable dashboards and Data History. Settings > Equipment > Generators provides naming, visibility, and battery SOC automation. See Automatically run a generator from battery SOC for thresholds, quiet hours, and timed or SOC-targeted starts.

An em dash means the controller reported that measurement as unavailable. BoatKit does not turn DynaGen's 0xFFFF unavailable value into a displayed number such as 6,553.5 A. In Advanced settings, event status is decoded into names; System OK and the controller's fixed unit bits are normal status, not faults.

Test controls only when someone is at the vessel and the generator can start safely. The DynaGen controller remains authoritative for cranking, stopping, and engine protections.

For battery SOC automation, optional Cerbo GX generator AC-input warm-up and cool-down periods, and the timed or SOC-targeted Start dialog, see Generator automation. Both Cerbo timing periods default to None and require an enabled Victron integration.

Enable Auto is available only while the controller reports Off. Once it reports Auto, Enable Auto is gray and Disable Auto is available instead. While the generator is starting, running, stopping, or cooling down, use the normal Stop control and wait for that sequence to finish. Only then can Disable Auto place the controller back in Off mode; BoatKit performs a fresh stopped-state check before sending DynaGen's Disable command because that command can otherwise bypass cooldown.

Troubleshooting​

If the controller does not connect:

  1. Confirm the selected serial interface is still present and not assigned to another integration.
  2. Confirm RS-485 polarity and the reference/common conductor against the manuals for both devices.
  3. Confirm every controller on the bus uses the same baud rate.
  4. Confirm the configured Modbus address is unique and matches the controller.
  5. Check termination, shielding, cable routing, and grounding for the actual vessel installation.
  6. Confirm the controller model and firmware use the TOUGH Series register map BoatKit implements.

BoatKit marks the integration Disconnected when its selected USB or onboard RS-485 interface disappears and Disabled when the integration is turned off; stale measurements are cleared in either case. After reconnecting the same interface, BoatKit discards the failed serial handle and reconnects automatically. If an operating-system device identity changes after moving the adapter to another USB port, select the interface again in the integration settings.

DynaGen and Cattron are third-party trademarks. BoatKit's independent support does not imply certification or endorsement.