Multiplex Control Systems for RVs
RVing has a long and treasured history. It is believed to have been inspired by the roaming Roma caravans of the 1800s. However, the exact birth date of the RV is unknown.
The Origins of RVing
Early models such as the 1928 Ford Model House Car offered a solution for those who couldn’t afford both a home and a car. The Airstream, a classic model still in production today offered bare bones comfort. The Curtiss Aero Car was the official first commercially built fifth wheel. These classic RV’s offered simple builds with limited technology. Some RVs of the time offered plumbing and heating by way of stove.
Modern RVing
When compared to the RVs of the early and mid-20th Century, modern RVs are full of electronics. Broken into classes, modern RV’s come in various sizes and build types.
Class A’s are large bus like RV’s. They are generally used for touring as they come with modern comforts and advanced control and electrical systems.
Class B’s are like classic RV’s as they are built in-to a vehicle chassis. They offer similar controls and electrical systems as the Class A, but are smaller in size.
Class C RVs are built on a truck chassis. These units are smaller and offer storage and space in the front. These RVs are usually bigger than Class B RVs but are more affordable than a Class A.
Additional classes for RVs are Pop-Ups, Toy Haulers, Travel Trailers, and Fifth Wheels. All these vary in size and commodities. While some are better for living, others are best for towing and storage for toys.
Modern RV Control Systems
As technology has advanced in RVs, more and more accommodations have been incorporated into the RV. RVs, mainly the larger classes, come with sophisticated electrical systems. Slide outs enlarge living quarters. HVAC systems cool down the RV in the heat and heating systems in the winter. Control lifts and levels with the push of a button.
As RV electronics become more advanced, multiplexing control systems are growing in popularity.
Multiplexing in RVs
Technopedia describes Multiplexing as “the technology that combines multiple communication signals together for them to traverse a single signal communication medium simultaneously.” The purpose of multiplexing is the ability for signals to travel more efficiently over a communication channel.
In a RV, a multiplexing system controls the lighting, slide outs, HVAC, lifts, shades, and anything else on the electrical system. Additionally, multiplexing in CAN-Bus can provide critical battery diagnostics such as status and health. Multiplexing on the electrical system can also inform the user of tank levels for water and gas tanks.
Intellitec has created the Road Commander Multiplex Control System for use in RVs and specialty vehicles. Able to be customized for any RVs electrical system, Road Commander is made up of the modules:
- Low Current IO Module
- High Current IO Module
- Slide Out Module
- HVAC Interface Module
- Genset Interface Module
- Systems Monitor Module
Additionally, the control system can be controlled from a smart phone using the Road Commander App when linked to the system using the Bluetooth Module. To learn more about the Road Commander Multiplex Control System, go to Intellitec’s Product Page or reach out to our Applications Engineering Manager.
Sources
Hudspeth, Allen. “Multiplexing: An Intro to How It Works.” Technopedia.Com, Technopedia, 26 May 2017, https://www.technopedia.com/2/28320/internet/web-services/multiplexing-an-into-to-how-it-works.
“The History of Campers | How Campers & RVs Have Evolved.” Volo Auto Museum, https://www.volocars.com/blog/history-of-rvs-and-campers. Accessed 19 Jan. 2022.