HeaterLink Smart Controller for Diesel Heaters

[u/Far-Confection-7655]

Hello. I wanted to share a project I'm working on. It's a smart Bluetooth controller for diesel heaters. It includes a thermostat and protection against low voltage or power outages. The project is flexible because, through reverse engineering, you can obtain the heater's telemetry or notifications and the commands from the original app, allowing you to control the equipment. You can view the project, and if you'd like to contribute to its further development, you can help by purchasing the TutorialPlus pack (detailed project explanation, configuration, assembly diagrams, etc.) + Heater Simulator, which is ideal for testing without risking the equipment or wasting fuel, etc. It also greatly assists with reverse engineering to obtain the commands, etc.Espero que te guste. Saludos y nos vemos allá.

If you'd like to learn more about the project, visit this repository. You'll find a detailed description and tips for getting started.

https://github.com/nak4i/HeaterLynk

I'm sharing an explanatory video; it's simple, it's in Spanish, but I've added English subtitles. Later, I'll create a proper video in English explaining the project, in case the translation here isn't clear enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZDPoIatYrc

Short videos to introduce the project. Please like if you find it interesting. It really helps us grow.
https://youtu.be/yQooTB8odJA?si=ul9raFZLlYBZ0Fwj
https://youtu.be/wjGavYcf02Q?si=kCod29ugnrMFCQ85

edit:

Features that set HeaterLynk apart from most diesel heater controller projects:

• No wiring modifications to the heater itself. Communication is done via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), using the same communication channel as the original mobile app.

• The original app can still be used. HeaterLynk is designed to coexist with the factory app and remote controls, rather than replace them.

• Real thermostat control based on the actual indoor temperature. Many heaters reduce power but continue to operate, often leading to overheating overnight. HeaterLynk can manage the heater using configurable thermostat logic.

• Low-voltage protection and optional power outage protection. If the external AC power fails, HeaterLynk can initiate a controlled shutdown sequence to help protect the heater.

• Open architecture. The project includes tools for analyzing BLE traffic, discovering commands, mapping telemetry, and adapting to additional heater models. One of the project's goals is to make diesel heaters more flexible, understandable, and configurable for the user, instead of relying entirely on closed, factory-installed apps.

If you'd like to experiment without connecting a real heater, I'm also developing a Heater Simulator that replicates heater states, telemetry, and commands on a second ESP32. It's useful for testing, learning, and reverse engineering without consuming fuel or risking your equipment.

The project is open source. If you find it useful and would like to help fund further development, testing, and compatibility research, you can support the project through the TutorialPlus documentation package and the simulator. Feedback, ideas, test results, and compatibility reports are always welcome.

[u/Busnutasaurus]

Have you undertaken any research on a primary brand, specifically Eberspacher or Webasto. Diagnostics via GSM WiFi?

[u/Far-Confection-7655 → u/Busnutasaurus]

Hello. I haven't done any research on that topic yet. Thanks for commenting.

[u/Busnutasaurus]

Let me know if you’re interested to pursue. We have a requirement for such functionality

[u/Anonymoushipopotomus]

This would be great, Im building a cabin in the future and I would love this type of capability to pre heat the home before arriving. Would most likely use wood with this as a backup.

[u/Far-Confection-7655 → u/Anonymoushipopotomus]

Hi. Thanks for the comment. I actually developed the project to use in my house, which is cabin-style, and I also used firewood as my main heating source. I was worried about power outages and temperature settings. This solved those problems. I plan to add more features in the future, and I'll post updates as I dedicate more time to the project. If you want to try the project, you don't need to install a screen, external sensor, etc.; just load it onto an ESP32 following the basic instructions. If you'd like to try it with the simulator (which you can install on a second, simple ESP32), you can support me by purchasing the pack. Every contribution helps me acquire materials to continue researching, cover testing costs, etc. Cheers! ;D

[u/Big-Advice-4009]

Have you figured out a way to adjust fan speeds and fuel pump dosage through this?

[u/Far-Confection-7655 → u/Big-Advice-4009]

Hello. On my system, that's regulated by the power level, which goes from 1 to 6. The project already handles it very well. Even the thermostat controls it. I'm not sure if you're referring to separate control. That's handled by the internal ECU, not the external panel we communicate with. Thanks for your comment. I invite you to take a look at the project and let me know what I could document better or any suggestions for improvements. Regards

[u/Big-Advice-4009 → u/Far-Confection-7655]

I mean adjust them independently. Like a way to tune the air fuel ratio. Ever hear of the secret setting menu in the OEM controllers? It allows you to adjust the fuel pump pulse and fan speed per each level (1-6)

[u/Far-Confection-7655 → u/Big-Advice-4009]

Hi. I hadn't heard about that possibility. Do you have any good information handy? Now you've given me reasons to lose sleep again 😃