I recently had the opportunity to attend a 2-day EmpirBus training course at the Garmin headquarters in Southampton.
Along with representatives from five other van conversion companies, I was invited to learn about Garmin’s innovative new digital switching system with a touch screen display.
I was really impressed with the EmpirBus system and in the next few months, I will be installing it in one of our demo vans and look forward to sharing the outcome with you. In the meantime, here is an overview of what the course entailed and my key takeaways.
Course Overview
The course was led by Jony, a Technical Support & Systems Programming expert from Garmin Sweden Technologies. During the two days, we covered a wide range of topics, including:
- System Overview: We gained a comprehensive understanding of the EmpirBus system, its components, and how it can be used to control and monitor various electronic systems in camper vans.
- Hardware: We dove into the details of the EmpirBus hardware, looking at the different components that make up the physical system that we would install into our van conversions. Traditionally we have installed “regular” blade fuse boards and physical rocker switches that do a fantastic job, but do not allow for much versatility.
The EmipirBus Connect 50 module, however, uses “programmable digital fuses and switches” that we can assign various functions and parameters to. The Connect 50 device reduces the number of physical connections needed and reduces the amount of cable used. This will allow for a neater and safer setup.
The other hardware we learnt about was the Garmin SERV multi function display. This is a touch screen available in 7” and 10” options, with a fully customisable graphic display, whereby we can add all of the information that a van owner would need to see. The touch screen will not only display information on the battery capacity and monitor charging parameters but also features switches that can turn on/off all of the 12 volt appliances inside the van.
- Software: We learned how to use the LogiX software for programming, what each circuit will be used for and how this can be individualised and specific to the task at hand. We also learnt how to navigate the GraphiX software which is used to design custom user interfaces and displays shown on the SERV touch screen
- System Integration: We explored how EmpirBus can integrate with other van conversion systems, such as heating and air conditioning from brands such as Truma and Dometic. It can also integrate with the Victron Cerbo GX which allows the SERV monitor to display electrical input and output data from solar panels, the AC / DC loads and inverter controls.
- Practical Exercises: We had the chance to put our newfound knowledge into practice through hands-on exercises, building logic circuits and designing graphical interfaces.
Key Takeaways
- User-Friendly Interface: The EmpirBus system offers a user-friendly and intuitive touch display interface, making it easy for end-users to control and monitor their vans electrical systems.
- Customisation: The system is highly customisable, allowing us to create unique and personalised user interfaces for our clients to use. This gives us a great opportunity to work with a designer to create a branded Vanlife Conversions user interface.
- Efficiency and Safety: EmpirBus can help improve the efficiency and safety of our electrical systems by providing features such as circuit protection, monitoring and automation whilst reducing the amount of cables and terminations.
Conclusion
At Vanlife Conversions, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation in the van conversion industry. We constantly seek out new technologies and solutions that can enhance the comfort, convenience, and overall experience of van life for our clients.
The EmpirBus system, with its advanced features and user-friendly interface, perfectly aligns with our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in van conversions. By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our designs, we're not only demonstrating our dedication to innovation but also providing our clients with the most modern and sophisticated van living experience available.
Overall, the EmpirBus training was a valuable experience and I'm excited to start incorporating this new system into our conversions.
If you’re interested in learning more about EmpirBus and how it can benefit your van conversion, feel free to reach out to us at Vanlife Conversions. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll share more about our experiences with EmpirBus and other exciting developments in the world of van conversions!
