We are thrilled to announce the release of our latest model, the SVBox IoT 1.0. This new model is a significant upgrade from our previous versions, focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the 'brain' of the Smart Van Box.

The SVBox IoT 1.0 is designed for daily use within your vehicles. It is a compact, efficient, and powerful device that can seamlessly integrate with your existing vehicle systems.

Assembly and Configuration​

We have made the assembly process as simple and intuitive as possible. The SVBox IoT 1.0 uses HAT modules, which are designed to be stacked one on top of the other, much like LEGO bricks. This design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, providing flexibility and convenience.

In addition to the main HAT modules, there are three other boards (2x gas sensors

• relays) that need to be connected via cables to the main block of the device, which also houses the Raspberry Pi. Once you have received all the components, you can proceed with the assembly.

Specifications and Features​

The SVBox IoT 1.0 comes with a host of features and specifications. It can provide GNSS info from various systems (GPS/Beidou/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS), detect movement, orientation, and the magnetic field, provide environment-related data, and much more.

With the AW9523B, the IO Expansion board can listen up to 16 buttons (8 by default) and control up to 16 relays (8 by default). Victron's SmartSolar/BlueSolar series devices can provide info about the service's battery status, solar panel charge, and load consumption.

The UPS Pack with its own battery for the IoT block provides info about the battery status. The SIM7600 module can provide mobile connectivity and its status. You can use the onboard RPi WiFi to provide a local WiFi network and keep track of the RPi load status.

We are delighted to announce the release of JOD Smart Van version 1.0.0, bringing a host of new features, improvements, and firmware updates. Here are the key highlights of this release:

Major Updates​

• Build Configurations: Implemented robust production and development build configurations to enhance project setup.
• Firmware Management Scripts: Integrated firmware management into pre-startup.sh and post-startup.sh scripts for improved control and efficiency.
• Firmware Version Updates:
  • FW Victron updated to v1.0.2. View Sources
  • FW SIM 7600 introduced with version 1.0.0. View Sources
  • FW UPS Pack_V3 added with version 1.0.0. View Sources
  • FW Sense Hat included with version 1.0.0. View Sources
  • FW IO Exp introduced with version 1.0.0. View Sources
• File Structure Updates:
  • Updated the struct.jod file to match Smart Van Specs.
  • Added structure files for all SV specs sub-groups.
  • Added structure files for any included firmware.

Here you can download the JOD Smart Van distribution - v1.0.0 release.

For a detailed overview, please refer to the changelog or git commits.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to your feedback on this exciting release! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the latest update to our Smart Van project website, bringing you more features, information, and a smoother browsing experience. Here's a quick overview of the changes in version 1.1.0:

1. Homepage Announcement Bar:

   • 🚀 Now, stay informed with our announcement bar on the homepage. Catch the latest updates, news, and announcements right at the top.

2. Enhanced Software and Hardware Pages:

   • 🔄 We've revamped and updated the Software and Hardware pages, providing you with more detailed and organized information about our project.

3. New Pages: Specifications and Features:

   • 📋 Dive into the specifics! Explore the newly added Specifications and Features pages for a comprehensive understanding of what Smart Van has to offer.

4. Firmware Section in Software Pages:

   • 🧰 Discover our firmware updates! The Software pages now include dedicated sections for firmware details, making it easier for you to access and stay up-to-date.

5. Blog Posts Section:

   • 📰 Check out our new Blog Posts section. We've added articles covering the FW Victron v 1.0.2 release, highlights from Maker Faire Rome, and, of course, details about this website update.

6. Various Fixes and Text Refinements:

   • 🛠️ We've listened to your feedback and made several improvements to enhance your overall browsing experience. From fixes to text refinements, we strive to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable visit.

Thank you for being a part of the Smart Van community. Explore the updated website and stay tuned for more exciting developments on our journey of DIY innovation! 🚐💡

The Maker Faire 2023 was not only an exceptional showcase for the Smart Van project but also an opportunity for engaging conversations. Two notable interviews provided unique perspectives on our innovative venture:

Interesting Engineering Interview by Emily Johnson:

📰 Emily Johnson from Interesting Engineering delved into the details of the Smart Van project, exploring how it is revolutionizing the concept of van life. Read the Full Interview: check out the comprehensive article published on the Interesting Engineering website: Discover how the Smart Van project is making van life accessible to everyone.

Radio Citta Aperta Interview with Miro Barsa (Katzenjammer Program):

🎙️ Miro Barsa from Radio Citta Aperta, in the Katzenjammer program, engaged in a dynamic conversation about the Smart Van project. Tune in to the podcast to hear insights into how this project caters to digital nomads and enthusiasts. Listen to the Interview: follow the link to the Radio Citta Aperta podcast and catch the lively discussion about Smart Van.

These interviews provide a deeper understanding of the Smart Van initiative and its impact on the world of DIY and mobile living. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to share the journey of making van life smarter and more accessible.

Maker of Merit Award:

🏆 The Smart Van project received the esteemed Maker of Merit Award at Maker Faire 2023. This accolade is reserved for projects that demonstrate exceptional innovation and hold the promise of significant success.

We extend our gratitude to the Maker Faire community for this honor and appreciate the enthusiasm of all visitors who explored the Smart Van project. Stay tuned as we continue to evolve and inspire in the realm of DIY innovation.

Exciting news from the Maker Faire Rome, where the Smart Van project made a stellar appearance from November 20 to 22, 2023. Positioned in the vibrant pavilion 4 Life, just to the left upon entering, our innovative project drew attention and captivated the audience.

In pavilion 4 Life, alongside other groundbreaking projects like fruit-picking robots and high-tech greenhouses, the Smart Van project showcased its brilliance. The enthusiasm was palpable as visitors explored the diverse range of innovations.

Our booth featured an entire camperized van 🚐, complete with the prototype panel installed. The immersive display transported visitors to a camping and windsurfing scene, showcasing the practicality and versatility of the Smart Van Box.

The response exceeded our expectations, with a continuous stream of visitors eager to learn about the Smart Van Box functionalities and the camperization process. Questions ranged from technical aspects to the sheer curiosity about transforming a regular van into a smart and functional mobile hub.

🏆 Maker of Merit Award: To our delight, the Smart Van project was honored with the prestigious Maker of Merit award. This accolade is reserved for a select few projects deemed the most intriguing and with significant potential for success.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Smart Van team, who tirelessly answered questions with passion and wore brilliant smiles throughout the three-day event. Your dedication and enthusiasm truly made the Smart Van project shine.

We're thrilled about the success at Maker Faire Rome and look forward to sharing more exciting updates as the Smart Van journey continues! 🌍✨

We're thrilled to announce the release of FW Victron version 1.0.2, packed with exciting updates and improvements. Here's a rundown of the key changes:

1. Enhanced Performance:

• Implemented property cache on run.py for optimized runtime efficiency.
• CaFlculated properties now seamlessly integrated into dbus_definitions.py.

2. VESimulator Upgrades:

• Updated the VESimulator with the latest values for improved simulation accuracy.

3. Code Synchronization:

• Achieved code synchronization across various firmware repositories, ensuring consistency and compatibility.

4. Exception Handling:

• Improved exception handling mechanisms, enhancing overall system robustness.

5. Documentation Additions:

• Introduced new documentation pages:
  • supported_devices.md: A comprehensive guide to supported devices.
  • values_mapping.md: Detailed mapping of property values for reference.

We encourage users to explore these updates and provide feedback. Check out the latest release on our GitHub repository.

Thank you for your continued support, and happy coding! 🚀🔧

Finally, all the resources of the prototype have been made public and available on the prototype page.

NB: This first prototype is intend to be a development device. That means, maybe it will not perfect to mount it on your camper or van; and his design can be improved... But, if required, it can be easily customized to your own needs. If you'll do it, please remember to share your experience with the Smart Van's community.

Into the prototype's Resources page you can find all schematics and BOMs required to assemble your own Panel Prototype. It's composed by more than 180 components (including all wires)... so it will be a perfect challenge for all Makers!

Don't wait any longer, go to the Guides page and start creating your first Smart Van device!

Updated the FW Victron.

Added the --simulate cmdLine arg that initialize a VEDeviceSimulator instead a normal VEDevice. That become usefull for testing purpose when no VE.Device is phisically connected to the testing machine.

Improved also script compatibility with OS adding sig INT and TERM handlers.

Here you can download the FW Victron - v1.0.1 release.

The first version of the JOD Smart Van distribution is available online via the source code repository.

This distribution is based on the 2.2.4-DEV version of the JOD daemon. In this way it is possible to exploit the new workers for DBus and optimize global performance.

Included in this version, we find the firmware for integrating Victron solar chargers. This firmware reads the data published by the device through the VE.Direct serial cable, after which it transmits it to the JOD daemon via DBus. Actually it supports SmartSolar and BlueSolar series devices with the VE.Direct port. More info about this firmware on his repository.

Here you can download the JOD Smart Van distribution - v0.1.0 release.

Published the first version of the FW Victron.

The v1.0.0 can connect to a Victron device (SmartSolar or BlueSolar series) via serial (VE.Direct) and listen for published data. Once a value has been updated, then the FW Victron, send an update message on the DBUS.

This firmware has been developed based on following specifications:

• VE.Direct Protocol 3.33

Here you can download the FW Victron - v1.0.0 release.