This AC/DC distribution panel looks solid. Please keep us updated on how this turns out!

 

The CAN functionality would be slick to control a portion of the DC circuits, how much of a world of pain em I signing up to sniff this on the wire? Especially without the complete system to signal inputs?

Unless the panel is actively talking to something else, I don't see how you could possibly reverse-engineer its CANbus protocol. There will be nothing much on the wire to sniff. You really need to see actual transactions.

Have you contacted the manufacturer to see whether they consider the protocol to be proprietary? Some do and some don't. Maybe they will just give it to you.

 

Agreed, certainly for the remote switch functionality - any EcoFlow folks in this forum wanna packet sniff their system?

I was sorta hoping that some frequent message would be sent on the bus, to at least note the current draw - but you're likely right that the protocol might need to request this on demand. I have contacted the manufacturer, haven't heard back - also posted in their active reddit forum.

My other idea was to piece together a DIN rail style enclosure, paired with a bunch of Peacefair "PZEM" DC sensors (not very cost effective) OR a KinCony MB board (INA226 sensor). Ideally these would be exposed as something Home Assistant friendly, such as ESPHome.

Unless the panel is actively talking to something else, I don't see how you could possibly reverse-engineer its CANbus protocol...

 

I've also looked at Kincony often for solutions. I'm using them for a few things around the house. They make a few products that get close, but just miss the mark.

If it wasn't for the high price, I would love to reverse engineer an spod: sPOD BantamX Touchscreen - Universal - 4x4 sPod

My wants for a dc distribution panel:

• Open protocol
• configurable eFuses
• inductive or resistive load (i.e. motor or led lights)
• High frequency PWM dimming if desired (greater than 4khz)
• current sense
• expandable (ideally canbus)
• Direct control of each channel via button/switch
• Enough amperage to at least handle a fridge

At least for the lighting, I'm probably going to go with a few of these placed strategically around the van and hooked up to the RS485 port of a Kincony device running ESPHome DMX512.

While I haven't flushed out the A/C side of things, I have to imagine it will be much simpler, probably only three circuits with hardwired smart switches:

1. Cooktop
2. Misc plugs drivers side
3. Misc plugs passenger side

 

At least for the lighting, I'm probably going to go with a few of these placed strategically around the van and hooked up to the RS485 port of a Kincony device running ESPHome DMX512.

Why don't you use Shelly RGBW2s? Smaller, cheaper, more available and many good features.

 

I've also looked at Kincony often for solutions. I'm using them for a few things around the house. They make a few products that get close, but just miss the mark.

Agreed that Kincony is close, but not a perfect fit. You might want to consider some knock-off sPOD's, like WATERWICH 8 Gang Wireless Switch Panel ($230 USD) or Auxbeam 8 Gang Switch Panel ($130). My guess is you could replay the wireless with rtl_433 and a cheapie USB SDR.

While I haven't flushed out the A/C side of things, I have to imagine it will be much simpler, probably only three circuits with hardwired smart switches:

May want to check out the Shelly Pro 4PM for AC.

 

This thread peaked my interest as we have lots of customers with Ecoflow power kits and we are always interested in further development. I ordered a panel, once its here I will open it up and see what all the fuss is about. Will also post photos here if anyone wants to have a gander.

 

That sounds great, internal pictures would be useful. It sounds like the entire system is required, to sniff the various CAN bus messages.

 

Here are the internals of the distribution panel. It is really nicely made I have to say. In typical IP protection fashion the main control chip has had its markings removed and then conformal coating applies. I was kinda hoping we knew what it was so users could just flash their own firmware. The only thing I do not like is the minimal separation between the AC and DC circuits. Would have been nice to see a perforated board there.
Based on the pin location and dimple on the chip, I would say its a stm32f103

 

Do you get any serial console from this labeled port?

 

Outside of taking these photos and looking at it I have not had any time to play around with anything.