Generator Control and Monitoring
Know it’s ready. Know it’s running. Know why it stopped.
Why Remote generator Monitoring Matters
Remote generator monitoring helps ensure reliable power while reducing unnecessary site visits and maintenance costs. Whether you’re monitoring diesel generators, natural gas generators or hybrid power systems, Senquip provides a flexible platform for monitoring, control and remote management.
Low fuel
Battery failure
Failed to start
Fuel theft
Missed service
Engine fault
Overload
Theft
BENEFITS
Whether you’re managing one generator or an entire fleet, remote monitoring helps reduce site visits, improve reliability and respond to problems before they become outages.
Reduce Site Visits
View fuel level, battery voltage, controller status and alarms remotely.
Improve Reliability
Know your generator is ready before it’s needed.
Reduce Maintenance Costs
Service generators based on engine hours and operating conditions.
Monitor and Control Remotely
Start, stop, run tests, and monitor generators from anywhere.
Improve Fleet Visibility
Track location, utilisation and operating hours across your fleet.
TYPICAL applications
From standby generators to small-scale renewable systems, power installations have different monitoring and control requirements. Senquip provides a common platform that adapts to each application.
Standby generator
Monitor readiness, battery voltage and automatic transfer events so generators are ready when power fails.
Remote power
Monitor fuel consumption, engine performance and hours for continuous power applications.
Rental generator
Track location, utilisation and engine hours while reducing theft and simplifying fleet management.
Hybrid power system
Monitor diesel, battery and solar systems together to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption
WHAT YOU CAN MONITOR
Engine
Alternator
Site
Engine hours
Engine speed
Fuel level
Oil pressure
Coolant temperature
Battery voltage
Fault codes
Voltage
Current
Frequency
Power
Power factor
Energy
Load %
Tank level
Ambient temperature
GPS location
Door switch
Flood detection
GPS location
Batter charger
WHAT YOU CAN Control
Remote Start/Stop
Load Management
Start and stop generators remotely using relay outputs, Modbus or CAN. Commands can originate from the Senquip Portal, your SCADA system or your own cloud platform.
Control generator operation based on demand, battery state or external control systems.
Controller Reset
Alarm Escalation
Remotely acknowledge alarms and reset compatible generator controllers without travelling to site.
Notify the right people immediately when a generator stops or fails to start.
Exercise Scheduling
Hybrid Control
Automatically perform regular test runs and verify successful operation.
Coordinate diesel generators with batteries or renewable energy systems.
WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING EQUIPMENT
Integrate with your existing engines, controllers and instrumentation. No rip and replace required.
ENGINE MANAFACTURES
ENGINE CONTROLLERS
INTERFACES AND PROTOCOLS
J1939
RS485
Modbus
RS232
Voltage
4-20mA
Pulse
Frequency
Duty Cycle
Switch
Resistance
Reference
Accelerometer
GNSS
Bluetooth
Output
VSET
Tamper
Magnetic
Scripting
CAN Bus is the communication network used by modern engines, machine controllers and industrial equipment. A single network can carry hundreds of measurements, including engine speed, temperatures, pressures and fault codes. Senquip supports both Classical CAN and CAN FD for monitoring and control.
J1939 is the most common CAN-based protocol used by diesel engines and engine controllers. Senquip devices can decode standard and proprietary J1939 messages, making it easy to monitor engine performance, fuel consumption, fault codes and operating hours.
RS485 is a robust serial interface designed for long cable runs and noisy industrial environments. It is commonly used to connect sensors, PLCs, variable speed drives and other industrial equipment. Senquip supports RS485 for reliable data acquisition and control.
Modbus is one of the world’s most widely used industrial communication protocols and typically operates over RS485. Senquip typically acts as a Modbus Master, allowing it to read measurements from sensors, controllers and drives, and control compatible equipment. It can however act as a slave and pretend to be a sensor.
RS232 is a simple point-to-point serial interface found on many sensors, GPS receivers and legacy industrial devices. Senquip can capture serial data or communicate with compatible equipment for monitoring and integration.
Measure analogue voltages from sensors, battery systems and control circuits. Built-in calibration converts raw voltages into meaningful engineering units such as fuel level, pressure or temperature.
The 4–20mA current loop is the industrial standard for transmitting analogue measurements over long distances. Senquip connects directly to pressure, level, flow and many other process sensors with high accuracy and excellent noise immunity.
Count pulses from flow meters, water meters, rain gauges and other pulse-output devices. Senquip can also measure pulse frequency to calculate flow rates, speed and equipment utilisation.
Measure frequency outputs from sensors, magnetic pickups and rotating machinery. Frequency can be used to monitor speed, engine RPM, flow or any sensor that reports information as a pulse train.
Measure the percentage of time a digital signal is ON compared with its total cycle time. Duty cycle is commonly used for PWM control signals, proportional valves and electronically controlled actuators.
Monitor simple ON/OFF signals such as float switches, pressure switches, engine run signals, alarm contacts and door switches. Ideal for detecting machine state, alarms and equipment status.
Connect resistive sensors such as fuel level senders directly to the device. Senquip provides a precision excitation current and automatically calculates sensor resistance for accurate level measurement.
Generate a precision 0–10V reference output for controlling variable speed drives, proportional valves and other equipment requiring an analogue control signal. Output voltage can be adjusted locally or from a script.
The integrated three-axis accelerometer measures movement, tilt and vibration. It can detect machine operation, harsh impacts, excessive vibration and equipment orientation without additional sensors.
ntegrated GNSS provides accurate position, speed and time using GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou satellites. Ideal for asset tracking, geofencing, utilisation monitoring and theft prevention.
Receive data wirelessly from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors and beacons. Monitor temperature, pressure, humidity, battery status and many other parameters without additional wiring.
Each multifunction I/O can switch power, ground or configurable voltages to control relays, valves, lights and other field devices. Outputs can be operated from settings, scripts or remote commands.
VSET provides a configurable supply voltage for powering external sensors directly from the Senquip device. It is ideal for switched sensor power in low-power and solar-powered applications.
An integrated tamper switch detects when the enclosure is opened. Tamper events can generate immediate alerts, providing additional security and a record of authorised or unauthorised access.
An internal magnetic switch allows the device to wake up, enter setup mode or trigger custom functions without opening the enclosure. Simply place a magnet over the marked position on the device.
Senquip devices include an onboard JavaScript engine for local automation and custom data processing. Create application specific control logic, decode proprietary protocols and automate machines—even without network connectivity.
TYPICAL GENERATOR MONITORING AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE
The diagram below shows a typical generator monitoring architecture using a Senquip device. In most applications, Senquip connects directly to the engine controller via CAN or RS485 to monitor engine performance, electrical measurements and alarms. Optional I/O can be added for functions such as remote start/stop, fuel level monitoring and site sensors.
Recommended Products
Most modern generators already include a sophisticated engine controller that measures engine performance, electrical parameters and alarms. Rather than installing additional sensors, Senquip can simply interface with the controller via CAN or Modbus to access this information. The choice of Senquip device then depends on how much additional monitoring, control and integration your application requires.
Senquip UNI
Cost-effective telemetry for OEMs and fleets. Ideal for repeatable machine designs deployed at scale.
Learn More
Suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For most generator applications where the engine controller already provides the information you need.
Simple integration – Connect directly to leading generator controllers using CAN or Modbus.
Production ready – Compact design with an integrated Deutsch connector for rapid installation.
Additional monitoring – Spare I/O can be used for applications such as enclosure door monitoring, external fuel level, emergency stop status or other digital inputs.
Remote control – Supports functions such as remote start/stop and alarm acknowledgement.
Built for OEMs – Rugged IP67 enclosure with integrated antennas and global connectivity.
Senquip ORB
For remote, power-constrained sites where assets are exposed to heat, dust, and vibration and must run unattended. Learn More
Suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For generator applications requiring additional sensors and interfaces or more complex communications.
Expand monitoring – Connect resistive fuel level senders, analogue sensors and additional digital I/O.
Multiple interfaces – Ideal where the controller communicates via Modbus while the engine is monitored independently over CAN.
Greater flexibility – Supports more field instrumentation and application-specific automation.
Built for remote sites – IP67 enclosure, internal antennas and a large backup battery.
Senquip QUAD
For complex industrial machines and mixed fleets where deep integration and control is required.
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Suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For hybrid power systems and advanced machine integration that requires multiple CAN networks or integration with complex power systems.
Everything ORB offers – Plus dual CAN buses for additional engine and sensor networks.
Hybrid power – Ideal for diesel, battery and renewable energy systems.
Maximum integration – Additional interfaces and processing for sophisticated control strategies.
Flexible installation – External antennas simplify installation inside metal switchboards and electrical enclosures.
Senquip Portal
A secure portal for viewing data, data storage, remote configuration, firmware updates, and user account management. Learn More
Suitability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ideal where customers need a complete remote monitoring and fleet management solution.
Flexible plans – Free and hosted options to suit different deployments.
Manage – Organise devices into groups and create custom dashboards.
Monitor – View live data, trends, charts and infographics from anywhere.
Configure – Remotely update settings, deploy scripts and install firmware.
Integrate – Connect to your own server directly or use the Senquip API.
Useful RESOURCES
APPLICATION NOTE
Integration with a Kensho Controller
Find out how to interface with a Kensho engine controller.
Learn More
APPLICATION NOTE
Integration with an Enovation MPC-20
Modbus integration with an Evovation engine controller.
Learn More
APPLICATION NOTE
Connecting to a Deep Sea Controller
Modbus integration with a Deep Sea engine controller.
Learn More
Contact us
Corporate Office
755 Hunter St,
Newcastle West, NSW 2302,
Australia
Delivery Address
Unit B, 15 Soldiers Point Road,
Soldiers Point, NSW 2317,
Australia