When technology meets a drive to innovate, meaningful solutions emerge. Jesse Wagler, founder of Valley Hi Tech and a Victron Ambassador, embodies this spirit of ingenuity. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Jesse and his team design and manage alternative energy solutions for industries including RVs, aviation, agriculture, and, most notably, mobile medical solutions and automation.
One of their standout projects involves transforming trailers into reliable, fully equipped mobile diagnostic units. These trailers deliver critical healthcare services to rural and underserved communities, housing advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT machines. Operating these mobile units, however, presents unique challenges.
The challenge
Delivering life-saving diagnostic tools like MRI and CT machines to remote areas requires more than just advanced medical equipment—it demands a dependable infrastructure that works in mobile settings.
Previously, these trailers offered limited monitoring with no remote control options. “These trailers need constant, reliable power, stable environments, and remote monitoring to function,” Jesse explains. “Before our integration, even simple issues like temperature changes, or serious power supply problems required sending a technician on-site, causing delays of days or even weeks.” With many clients managing hundreds of trailers across various locations, the absence of real-time monitoring often resulted in significant delays.
The solution
Jesse discovered Victron Energy in 2019 through YouTube: “What caught my eye was the scalability and quality of the products. They fit perfectly into our projects because they’re adaptable and can integrate with other systems.”
Using Victron’s open ecosystem, Valley Hi Tech developed the VHT-2000x Series Remote Monitoring, Controls, and DC Distribution System. At its core, Victron’s Cerbo GX integrates with technologies like Mitsubishi PLCs, MQTT protocols, and Ignition IoT for the user interface.
Victron Energy’s Cerbo GX and a Mitsubishi PLC manage communication between the shock and tilt sensor, third-party HVAC controls, and Victron equipment using Modbus TCP. The system also connects to a Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen.
Data collected from both devices are sent to a secure web application using two mobile data connections (LTE). This allows users to check and control everything remotely, from anywhere in the world. The solution required six months of development, resulting in a comprehensive interface and a reliable backend for monitoring and control.
Key features of the VHT-2000x:
- Real-time updates: Tracks critical data such as power supply, temperatures, and trailer conditions, transmitting information to a secure cloud server.
- Automated controls: Automated alarms and equipment like generators and air conditioners, customised to client specifications.
- Integration: Combines Victron’s Cerbo GX with Mitsubishi PLCs and CAN/Modbus for power management and environmental monitoring.
- Shock protection: Custom sensors measure movement during transport, safeguarding sensitive medical devices.
- Power monitoring: Monitors the power supplied to the medical units and other critical equipment to ensure reliable operation. Also powers and monitors auxiliary systems such as trailer legs and patient lifts.
- Environmental monitoring: Continuously tracks temperature, battery conditions, and HVAC systems, with alarms for out-of-range parameters.
- User-friendly UI: Developed with Ignition IoT, the system provides a centralised dashboard for easy access and monitoring.
The result
By leveraging Victron’s open ecosystem, Valley Hi Tech has transformed mobile medical operations. Hospitals can now monitor and maintain their trailers remotely, solving problems in real-time and preventing costly downtime.
“It’s a game-changer for our clients,” Jesse says. “They don’t have to wait for someone to drive out to fix an issue anymore. Everything is visible in real time, so they can address problems right away.”
Final thoughts
Reflecting on the experience, Jesse credits much of their success to Victron’s open, customisable platform and the support provided by its technical team. His advice for those considering similar solutions includes:
- Invest in high-quality components to ensure reliability.
- Leverage Victron’s “openness” to create tailored solutions that meet specific needs.
- Reach out to Victron’s network for expert support when needed.
For more information about Valley Hi Tech and their innovative solutions, visit their website at: https://valleyhitech.com/
Resources for installers and software integrators
This story is just one example of how Victron’s customisable ecosystem can help businesses to unlock new possibilities, bridging technology and practicality to make life easier. If you are an installer or a software integrator, here are some links that might be useful for you:
- To find a software integrator suitable for your project, visit our Victron Recommended Software Integrators list.
- Are you a software integrator? Take the next step and apply here.
- To learn more about the Software Integrator Program, please read our blog post, Introducing our new Software Integrator Program.
If you need any assistance or would like to share your story about the Software Integrator Program, please get in touch with us at softwareintegrators@victronenergy.com. We’d love to hear about your projects and see the innovative solutions you’re creating!
