The ONDA Connectivity system from AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics (VTE) is expanding the range of third-party equipment that it’s compatible with for caravans and motorhomes.

The system enables easier control of heating, cooling, energy and utility systems, either through a single intuitive interface or via the ONDA Connectivity app, giving comprehensive information and control over utilities, including lighting control, interior temperature control, battery state of charge, solar panel charging status, vehicle levelling position, fresh water level monitoring, and precise vehicle location via GPS.

It is already possible for the platform to integrate new products from both AL-KO VTE and third-party producers, with the latter being constantly expanded to bring a wider choice to customers, whether defining a vehicle’s initial specifications or upgrading equipment later.

This is in part down to the ICL-12 gateway, which acts as the communication bridge between ONDA Connectivity platform and compatible appliances, supporting protocols including LIN-BUS, CI-BUS and CAN-BUS.

Integration of the CI-BUS protocol allows AL-KO VTE to rapidly expand the ecosystem of compatible appliances to include the most popular brands of heating and air conditioning systems, refrigerators, batteries and inverters.

“We are working directly with leading equipment manufacturers to make ONDA Connectivity compatible with an increasingly broad range of appliances,” said Michele Menegazzi, R&D Manager at AL-KO Vehicle Technology Electronics. “This gives OEMs, dealers and end users more flexibility while keeping control simple and intuitive.”

Presently, ONDA Connecivity has integrated heating and air conditioning products from Webasto, Dometic, Truma, Alde; batteries from Mastervolt, Super B, Varta, Dometic, Hella, and ten Haaft; refrigerators from Dometic and Indel B; inverters from ten Haaft; lighting and dimming from Toptron; and gas sensors from E-Trailer.

Integrating new third-party equipment into an existing ONDA Connectivity environment in a recreational vehicle is quick and easy. Manufacturers or dealers can trigger a firmware update via a USB stick. Minor adjustments to the wiring assembly may also be required to rapidly integrate a compatible new appliance.

“ONDA Connectivity takes your vehicle to the next level and puts you in control of your motorhome, wherever you are,” said Lucas Bortolotto, ONDA Connectivity Sales & Product Manager at AL-KO VTE. “We are continuously looking at new ways to enhance ONDA Connectivity, from voice control to the potential role of AI in supporting safety, convenience and the overall user experience.”