[{"content":" Have questions, feature requests, or need technical assistance with GenDash? We are here to help.\n👨‍💻 About the Creator I’m Marc, an independent creator based in Montréal. Like many, I was tired of guessing my generator’s fuel levels—constantly walking outside or scrambling with a notepad in the middle of the night. After finding nothing but subscription traps and bloatware, I decided to build the tool I actually needed. I created this application to be rock-solid, offline-first, and completely focused on one thing: giving you reliable data when you need it most.\nAfter 300 hours of work and more than 1000 modifications, I'm happy to share GenDash with other users who want to eliminate the guesswork, take complete control of their backup energy systems, and protect what matters most—with zero compromises on privacy.\nsupport@gendash.app Copy Launch Mail App Send a Message Fill out this form and our support team will get back to you directly via email.\nYour Email Subject Message Send Message ","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/contact/","section":"","summary":"","title":"About \u0026 Contact","type":"page"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Categories","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/contact/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Contact","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/gendash/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Gendash","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/support/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Support","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/support/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Support","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"31 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Tags","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/documentation/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Documentation","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/ios/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Ios","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/product/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Product","type":"categories"},{"content":" Table of Contents # Location \u0026 Environment Home Assistant (Optional) Add Your First Generator Notifications \u0026 Critical Alerts Planning Your Load (Appliances) Launching the Run Monitoring in Real-Time Stopping the Run The Onboarding Wizard (First Launch Setup) # When you open GenDash for the first time, a setup wizard walks you through five steps. You can configure them immediately or skip them and adjust later from the Settings or Garage tabs.\n1 Location \u0026amp; Environment # Why it matters: Altitude and temperature drastically affect engine performance. A generator at 6,000 feet loses ~18% of its capacity, and extreme cold adds further thermal inefficiency. Setup: Grant Location Access when prompted. GenDash automatically fetches your elevation and current local temperature from a public weather service (completely privately; your location is never saved or shared). Manual Fallback: If skipped, you can toggle GPS off and manually enter these values in Settings \u0026gt; Environment. (Note: Elevation/temperature penalties do not apply to battery-powered stations). 2 Home Assistant (Optional) # Why it matters: If you use Home Assistant (HA), GenDash can automatically pull real-time energy sensor readings from your home network to calculate live fuel burn. Setup: Enter your Local URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:8123) and optionally a Remote URL for cellular data fallback. Paste a Long-Lived Access Token (generated from the very bottom of your Home Assistant Profile page). Manual Fallback: Skip this step if you prefer manual entry using tactile sliders. 3 Add Your First Generator # Access this step during onboarding, or anytime via the Garage tab -\u0026gt; + button.\n3.1 Choose from Library (Recommended) # Browse over 60 pre-configured models (Honda, Yamaha, Generac, Champion, Predator, EcoFlow, Jackery, etc.) to instantly load accurate engine curves and specifications.\n3.2 Enter Custom Specs # Fill in critical details for custom or unlisted models:\nTechnology Type: Inverter (variable speed/Eco Mode), Traditional (constant 3600 RPM), or Battery/Power Station. Tank/Battery Capacity: Litres (for combustion engines) or Watt-hours (Wh) for power stations. Watts: Continuous rated capacity and maximum peak surge capacity. 4 Notifications \u0026amp; Critical Alerts # Why it matters: Outages are unpredictable. You need to know immediately if the fuel tank is empty or if the generator stalled unexpectedly, even if you are asleep. Setup: Authorize standard notifications. Ensure you explicitly enable Critical Alerts so high-priority engine stalls or low-fuel warnings can bypass your iPhone\u0026rsquo;s mute switch and Focus/Do Not Disturb modes. 5 Planning Your Load (Appliances) # Why it matters: Telling GenDash what you plan to run allows the engine to pre-calculate your load and provide an accurate initial Time to Empty (TTE) countdown from the second you start. Setup: Select common household appliances from the templates (e.g., Kitchen Fridge, Chest Freezer, Sump Pump, CPAP, lighting). These loads are pre-filled with standard running wattages which you can edit at any time. Active Outage Control (Your First Run) # Once setup is complete, you are ready to start monitoring.\n1 Launching the Run # Tap the large green Start Run button on the dashboard. Choose one of three starting pathways:\n1.1 Guided Start Wizard # Walk through step-by-step to input precise starting fuel/battery level, verify which planned appliances are actively turned on, and toggle Eco Mode.\n1.2 Quick Start (Full Capacity) # Instantly starts a session assuming the tank or battery is at 100% capacity.\n1.3 Use Saved Settings # Starts instantly using the retained load and fuel metrics from your previous run.\n⚠️ Safety Gate (The 110% Rule): If the total sum of your active Appliances and Manual Loads exceeds 110% of your generator\u0026rsquo;s rated capacity, the Start button will disable to prevent physical damage. Shed load to proceed.\n2 Monitoring in Real-Time # 2.1 Live Activities # Swipe to your Lock Screen or look at the Dynamic Island at the top of your screen to see your live Time to Empty (TTE) countdown and current wattage without opening the app.\n2.2 Refuel Mid-Session # If you pour gas or swap a propane tank, tap Fuel on the dashboard dock. Select a preset (e.g., 50%, 100%) or enter an exact volume. The TTE countdown adjusts instantly.\n2.3 Adjust Loads # Tap Watts on the dock to toggle appliances or slide manual wattages up and down using high-precision tactile sliders.\n3 Stopping the Run # Tap the red Stop button. Choose your resolution:\nStop Engine: Pauses the countdown timer (e.g., overnight shutdown) but keeps the run active for tomorrow. Finish Run \u0026amp; Save: Saves duration, fuel used, and operating costs to your Logbook. Finish Run and Delete: Discards the session data (best for tests). Maintenance Tracking \u0026amp; Logging # Keep your fleet in peak condition by tracking service intervals directly within the app.\nSetup: In the Garage tab, select a generator and toggle Enable Maintenance Tracking. Configure Tasks: Enable specific maintenance tasks (Oil Change, Spark Plug, Air Filter, etc.) and enter their next due dates or due engine hours. Overdue items are automatically highlighted in red. Log Completion: Tap Add Task to Log or the + button in the Maintenance Log sheet to record a service event (including date, engine hours, and notes). History: View, edit, or delete past maintenance logs directly from the logger view. GenDash — Stay safe and stay powered.\n","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/quick-start-guide/","section":"","summary":"","title":"Quick Start Guide","type":"docs"},{"content":"","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/quick-start/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Quick-Start","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"18 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/user-guide/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"User-Guide","type":"categories"},{"content":" Your generator,\nmonitored. GenDash is your smart generator command center, designed to answer the single most important question when running on backup power: \"How much time do I have left before I need to refuel or recharge?\"\nTrack real-time burn rates and precise Time-to-Empty for any gas, propane, diesel, or battery generator. Natively sync live household loads via Home Assistant or budget your power with our built-in Appliance Library to prevent unexpected stalls and keep your backup system running at peak efficiency from anywhere.\nAvailable now for iOS. Connect your smart hub or configure custom hardware telemetry in minutes. All data is processed 100% locally on your device with no accounts, no cloud dependencies, and absolute privacy—fully offline-ready when the network goes down.\nAbout \u0026 Contact→ Fair, Transparent Pricing GenDash is fully free to try for 7 days with all features unlocked. If it helps keep your home safe and powered during outages, unlock it forever with a one-time $4.99 lifetime purchase. No subscriptions, no ads, no cloud accounts, and no data harvesting.\nUser Manuals \u0026 Documentation Select your preferred language to access detailed manuals, setup guides, and hardware configurations.\n🇬🇧 English Manual Access full instructions, propane manifold setup, and network telemetry guides.\nRead Manual → 🇫🇷 Manuel Français Accédez aux instructions d'installation, configuration propane et télémétrie réseau.\nConsulter le manuel → 🇪🇸 Manual Español Acceda a instrucciones de instalación, configuración de propano y telemetría de red.\nVer manual → Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. ","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/","section":"","summary":"","title":"","type":"page"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/fr/tags/confidencialit%C3%A9/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Confidencialité","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/es/tags/documentaci%C3%B3n/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Documentación","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/es/categories/gu%C3%ADa-del-usuario/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Guía-Del-Usuario","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/fr/categories/guide-utilisateur/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Guide-Utilisateur","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/manual/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Manual","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/fr/tags/manuel/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Manuel","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/es/categories/pol%C3%ADtica_de_privacidad/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Política_de_privacidad","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/fr/categories/politique_de_confidencialit%C3%A9/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Politique_de_confidencialité","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/es/tags/privacidad/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Privacidad","type":"tags"},{"content":"This Privacy Policy explains how GenDash handles your information.\n1. No Data Collection # GenDash is a local-first application. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal data, generator telemetry, or financial information to any external servers.\n2. Data Storage # All data entered into the App, including fuel levels, maintenance logs, and generator status, is stored locally on your device. If you choose to use the Home Assistant integration, that data is sent only to your own self-hosted Home Assistant instance via your local network.\n3. In-App Purchases # All transactions are processed through Apple\u0026rsquo;s App Store. We do not have access to your credit card information, bank details, or billing address.\n4. Third-Party Services # The App does not use any third-party analytics, tracking, or advertising services.\n5. Your Rights # Since no data is collected by the developer, you have total control over your information. Deleting the App will permanently delete all local data associated with it.\n6. Contact # ","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/privacy-policy/","section":"","summary":"","title":"Privacy Policy","type":"docs"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/privacy_policy/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Privacy_policy","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/privaly/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Privaly","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/es/categories/producto/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Producto","type":"categories"},{"content":"","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/fr/categories/produit/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Produit","type":"categories"},{"content":"Version 1.2.0 | All data stays on your device. No cloud required.\nTip For a fast, high-level setup, please refer to the Quick Start Guide.\nTable of Contents # Trial Period \u0026 Lifetime License Welcome to GenDash First Launch: The Onboarding Wizard Adding Your Generator — Two Paths Setting Up Home Assistant Unit Preferences Location, Weather \u0026 Environment Notifications \u0026 Alerts Backup \u0026 Restore Energy Load Planning (Appliances) Starting a Monitoring Session During a Session: Refuel or Recharge, Adjust Load \u0026 Stop History \u0026 Financial Tracking Live Activities \u0026 Haptic Feedback Fleet Management (Multi-Generator Controls) Maintenance Tracking \u0026 Logs Resetting the Database Frequently Asked Questions Real-World Setup Examples 1 Trial Period \u0026amp; Lifetime License # GenDash includes a 7-day free trial that gives you full access to every feature with no restrictions. After the trial ends, a one-time Lifetime License unlocks the app permanently.\n1.1 How the Trial Works # When you first launch GenDash, a 7-day timer starts automatically. The remaining trial days are visible in Settings → Get Premium. You have full access to everything during the trial — no features are locked. 1.2 After the Trial # When the 7-day trial expires, the app will show the Paywall screen. You can:\nPurchase the Lifetime License — a single, one-time payment of $4.99 USD (local pricing may vary). You own it forever. Restore a Previous Purchase — if you already purchased on another device, tap \u0026ldquo;Restore Purchase\u0026rdquo; to re-activate without paying again. 1.3 What the Lifetime License Includes # All current features: real-time fuel countdown, Home Assistant integration, Live Activities, fleet management, logbook, backups All future updates at no extra cost No subscription, no recurring fees, no hidden charges 1.4 Restoring a Purchase # If you reinstall the app or switch to a new iPhone, tap \u0026ldquo;Restore Purchase\u0026rdquo; on the paywall. GenDash silently checks your App Store receipt first. If not found, it will prompt your Apple ID password to perform a full restore.\n2 Welcome to GenDash # GenDash is your generator command centre. It is designed to answer the single most critical question during a power outage or remote operation:\n\u0026ldquo;How much time do I have left before I need to refuel or recharge?\u0026rdquo;\nUnlike a simple countdown timer, GenDash uses a physics-based consumption engine to model how internal combustion engines behave under varying conditions. It calculates your Time to Empty (TTE) by combining four distinct data streams:\nYour Fuel Profile: The starting volume and usable tank capacity of your specific unit. The Model Curve: Data from our Seed Library, which uses manufacturer-published specifications to model how your specific generator (Honda, Predator, Generac, etc.) burns fuel as electrical load increases. Electrical Load: Real-time wattage consumption, pulled automatically from your Home Assistant instance via your local network or entered manually. The Environment: Local temperature and altitude. GenDash adjusts its estimates to account for thermal efficiency loss in extreme cold and oxygen penalties at high elevations. The result is a continuously updated countdown displayed on your dashboard, your iPhone Lock Screen, and in the Dynamic Island at the top of your screen.\n2.1 ⚠️ Reliability \u0026amp; Safety Notice # GenDash is a mathematical simulation, not a physical fuel sensor.\nEstimates Only: The Time to Empty is an estimate based on manufacturer specifications and environmental modeling. It cannot detect physical fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, or changes in fuel quality. Environmental Variables: Factors such as engine wear, maintenance status, and extreme weather may cause your actual runtime to differ from the estimate. Human Oversight Required: Never rely solely on GenDash for life-safety equipment or critical medical power needs. Always perform physical fuel checks during extended outages. 2.2 🛡️ Privacy First # Your data never leaves your phone. GenDash is a local-first application.\nNo Accounts: There is no GenDash account to create and no personal data collected. No Cloud Tracking: All generator telemetry and configuration settings are stored securely on your device using standard iOS encryption (SwiftData). Quebec Law 25 Compliance: As a developer based in Quebec, I am committed to your privacy. Since no data is collected or stored on external servers, there is no data for us to disclose or sell. Direct Communication: If you use the Home Assistant integration, that data is sent directly between your device and your server on your local network. 3 First Launch: The Onboarding Wizard # When you open GenDash for the first time, a setup wizard walks you through five steps. You can skip any step and configure it later from the Settings screen.\n3.1 Location \u0026amp; Environment # GenDash will ask permission to use your iPhone location. This is used to automatically detect:\nYour altitude (elevation above sea level) Your local temperature Both factors affect how efficiently your generator burns fuel. A generator at 6,000 feet loses roughly 18% of its output compared to sea level. Cold weather below 20°C adds additional inefficiency.\nYou can also skip this and enter altitude/temperature manually later in Settings \u0026gt; Environment.\nPrivacy note: Your location is used only to fetch weather data from a public weather service (Open-Meteo). Your coordinates are never stored, transmitted to GenDash servers, or shared with third parties. The app has no backend. If you prefer, deny location access and use the manual environment controls instead.\n3.2 Smart Home Bridge (Optional) # If you use Home Assistant to monitor your home electricity, you can connect it now. See Section 5 for the full setup guide. You can also skip this and connect later.\n3.3 Add Your Generator # You will be asked to add your first generator profile. See Section 4 for the two ways to do this.\n3.4 Notifications # GenDash will ask permission to send you notifications. This enables:\nFuel level alerts (e.g., \u0026ldquo;1 hour of fuel remaining\u0026rdquo;) Generator stall alerts (the engine stopped unexpectedly) Critical alerts that sound even when your phone is silenced This is important. During a power outage, you may be asleep or away from your phone. A critical notification that bypasses Do Not Disturb can be the difference between waking up to refuel or recharge in time and waking up to a dead freezer.\nYou can always adjust these settings later at Settings \u0026gt; Notifications or directly in your iPhone Settings app under GenDash.\n3.5 Planning Your Load (Appliances) # The final step allows you to select common appliances you intend to run. This helps GenDash pre-calculate your load and provides a more accurate initial time estimate. You can choose from a library of standard loads like refrigerators, freezers, and medical equipment.\n4 Adding Your Generator — Two Paths # Access the generator setup at any time from the Garage tab (bottom navigation bar), then tap the + button in the top-right corner. A menu appears with two choices:\n4.1 Choose from the Library # The Library contains pre-configured profiles for over 60 popular models from Honda, Yamaha, Generac, Kohler, Champion, Predator, EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, Bluetti, and more.\nHow to use it:\nTap Choose from Library Browse or search by brand name Tap your model to select it Review the pre-filled specs — they come from manufacturer documentation Tap Save Library highlights (sample models):\nModel Type Fuel Tank Rated Watts Honda EU2200i Inverter Gasoline 3.6 L 1,800 W Honda EU7000iS Inverter Gasoline 19.2 L 5,500 W Yamaha EF2200iS Inverter Gasoline 4.7 L 1,800 W Generac GP3300i Inverter Gasoline 4.0 L 2,500 W Generac Guardian 22kW Standby Propane 420 lb tank 22,000 W Kohler 20RESC Standby Propane 420 lb tank 20,000 W Champion 8000W Traditional Gasoline 29.1 L 8,000 W Predator 3500 Inverter Inverter Gasoline 9.8 L 3,000 W EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 Battery Battery 4,096 Wh 4,000 W Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Battery Battery 2,042 Wh 3,000 W If your exact model is not listed in the App Library, choose the closest match or use Enter Custom Specs (4.2).\n4.2 Enter Custom Specs # Use this path if your generator is not in the library, and want precise control over every setting.\nField-by-field guide:\nProfile Name (Required) # A technical name for your machine. Use the model number if you like. Example: \u0026ldquo;EU2200iTC\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;Generac GP5500\u0026rdquo;\nNickname (Required) # A friendly location label (15 characters max), shown as a subtitle on the dashboard and on your Lock Screen. Example: \u0026ldquo;Garage\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Main House\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Campsite\u0026rdquo;\nTechnology Type # This is one of the most important settings. It determines how GenDash models your fuel burn.\nInverter (Variable Speed) — Modern \u0026ldquo;smart\u0026rdquo; generators (Honda EU, Yamaha EF, Predator inverter series, EcoFlow WAVE gas). The engine automatically slows down when demand is low, saving significant fuel. GenDash uses a curved efficiency model — at 25% load, an inverter can run 3× longer than at 100% load. Example models: Honda EU2200i, Yamaha EF2000iSv2, Predator 2000, WEN 56200i, Champion 2500W Inverter\nTraditional (Constant 3600 RPM) — Older-style generators that run the engine at full speed regardless of load. Fuel economy is relatively flat — the engine uses almost the same amount of fuel whether you are powering a lamp or a full house. Example models: Generac GP8000E, Champion 8000W, DuroMax XP13000HX, Honda EM5000SX, DeWalt DXGN6000\nBattery / Power Station — No combustion engine. These units discharge a built-in lithium battery pack. Discharge rate is proportional to load; GenDash models this as a linear draw against the total Wh capacity. No altitude or temperature combustion penalties apply. Example models: EcoFlow Delta Pro 3, Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, Anker SOLIX F3800, Bluetti AC500\nHow do you know which type you have? Check your generator manual. If the spec sheet mentions \u0026ldquo;Eco Throttle\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Smart Throttle\u0026rdquo;, or \u0026ldquo;Economy Mode\u0026rdquo;, it is an inverter. If the specs just list a single runtime (e.g., \u0026ldquo;8 hours at 50% load\u0026rdquo;), it is likely traditional. If the unit has no fuel cap and lists capacity in Watt-hours (Wh), it is a battery station.\nFuel Type # Choose from:\nGasoline — Standard portable generators Propane — Standby units or dual-fuel generators running on propane Natural Gas — Standby or tri-fuel generators connected to home utility gas lines Diesel — Large construction or RV generators Battery — Portable power stations (EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, Bluetti, etc.). No combustion engine; capacity is measured in Watt-hours (Wh) instead of litres. Supports Eco Mode # Toggle this ON if your inverter generator has an Eco/Economy mode and you typically run it with that mode active. This enables GenDash to apply the most accurate fuel savings curve.\nNote: This toggle is automatically disabled for Traditional generators and Battery / Power Stations, since they do not have variable-speed combustion technology.\nTank Capacity (Required — gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel generators) # The size of your fuel tank.\nFind this number on the spec sheet or physical label of your generator Enter it in Litres (the app can display in gallons, but stores in litres internally) Common values: Honda EU2200i = 3.6 L, Champion 8000W = 29.1 L, Honda EU7000iS = 19.2 L Tip: 1 US gallon = 3.785 L. If your manual shows gallons, multiply by 3.785.\nBattery Capacity (Required — battery / power station only) # For battery-powered stations, enter the total usable capacity in Watt-hours (Wh).\nFind this on the product label or spec sheet Common values: EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 = 4,096 Wh, Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus = 2,042 Wh, Anker SOLIX F3800 = 3,840 Wh Note: Some manufacturers list capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply by 1,000 to get Wh (e.g., 3.84 kWh = 3,840 Wh).\nFor Propane Generators — Tank Configuration # If you selected Propane, you will see a special propane section instead of a tank capacity field.\nTank Type: Choose the standard North American propane tank size: 20 lb (barbecue tank) 100 lb (medium outdoor tank) 420 lb (standard standby generator tank) 500 gallon (large buried tank) Tank Units: How many tanks are connected (1 to 10, for manifolded setups) Important — Propane Safety: Propane tanks are legally filled to only 80% capacity (the remaining 20% is an expansion safety buffer). GenDash automatically enforces this 80% ceiling throughout the app. Never attempt to enter a fill level above 80% for propane.\nRated Watts (Required) # The continuous power output your generator is rated for. This is what the manufacturer guarantees the machine can sustain indefinitely.\nFind this on the spec sticker on the generator or the front page of the manual It is always lower than \u0026ldquo;Peak\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;Surge\u0026rdquo; watts Examples: Honda EU2200i = 1,800 W, Champion 8000W = 8,000 W Surge Watts (Required) # The peak wattage your generator can handle for a brief moment (typically 1-3 seconds) when a motor starts. This is always higher than Rated Watts.\nExamples: Honda EU2200i = 2,200 W, Champion 8000W = 10,000 W GenDash uses this value to warn you if your entered load exceeds safe operating limits Rated vs. Surge — Why it matters: A refrigerator compressor starting up can momentarily draw 3-5× its running wattage. If your generator cannot handle the surge, it will trip the breaker or stall. GenDash warns you when you are approaching the surge limit.\nAdvanced Consumption Curve (Optional — for power users; gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel only) # By default, GenDash uses an industry-standard formula to estimate burn rate. For even greater accuracy, you can enter runtime data directly from your owner manual.\nEnable Advanced Consumption Curve and enter the runtime values (in hours, on a full tank) at:\n25% Load: Light-duty operation 50% Load: Half capacity (this is the most commonly published spec) 100% Load: Full rated capacity Example using Honda EU2200i spec sheet:\n25% Load (450W): 8.1 hours 100% Load (1800W): 3.2 hours You need at least 2 values for this feature to activate. If you only fill one, GenDash falls back to the standard formula automatically.\nBattery stations: This section does not apply. GenDash calculates battery discharge directly from the Wh capacity and your live load — no curve entry is needed.\nCost per Litre / Gallon (Required) # Enter the current price of fuel in your area. GenDash uses this to calculate the dollar cost of each monitoring session. This appears in your session reports.\nDefault Generator # If you have multiple generators, toggle this ON to make this one appear automatically when you open the app.\n5 Setting Up Home Assistant # Home Assistant is an open-source smart home platform. If you have smart power meters or smart plugs that report wattage, GenDash can read this data automatically.\n5.1 Step 1: Add Your Server # Go to Settings \u0026gt; Home Assistant, then tap Add Server.\nFill in:\nField What to enter Example Name A label for this hub \u0026ldquo;Home Hub\u0026rdquo; Local URL Your HA address on your home network Remote URL (optional) External access URL for when you are away from home Long-Lived Token Your HA authentication token (see below) 5.2 How to get your Long-Lived Token from Home Assistant: # Open Home Assistant in your browser Click your profile picture (bottom-left) Scroll to the very bottom: Long-Lived Access Tokens Click Create Token, give it a name like \u0026ldquo;GenDash\u0026rdquo;, and copy the token immediately — Home Assistant only shows it once 5.3 Step 2: Understand Local vs. Remote URL # Local URL: Only works when your iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Home Assistant server. This is the fastest and most reliable connection during normal operation. Remote URL: Works from anywhere — useful if you lose Wi-Fi during an outage and switch to cellular data. Requires you to have set up external access to your Home Assistant (via Nabu Casa, DuckDNS, Cloudflare, or a VPN). GenDash automatically tries the Local URL first. If it cannot connect within a few seconds, it falls back to the Remote URL transparently. You do not need to do anything — the switch is automatic.\n5.4 Step 3: Link Sensors to a Generator Profile # Once your server is saved and connected (you will see a green dot):\nGo to Garage \u0026gt; [Your Generator] \u0026gt; Edit (pencil icon) Scroll to the Smart Home Bridge section Select your server from the Linked Server picker Under Add Entity, select each power sensor that measures your home\u0026rsquo;s load Each linked entity will display its current wattage in real-time. After a few moments, a green bolt icon means live data is flowing. A red bolt means that sensor is not reporting.\nYou can link multiple sensors. For example:\n— whole-home usage — just the generator circuit 5.5 What Happens During a Connection Drop? # If your Wi-Fi or Home Assistant goes offline during a session:\nGenDash preserves your last-known wattage and continues calculating A network drop indicator appears on the dashboard When connectivity returns, GenDash automatically patches the gap by fetching the historical data from Home Assistant for the period it was disconnected This means your session log remains accurate even through network interruptions.\n5.6 Recommended Hardware for Load Monitoring # To get the most out of GenDash, you need accurate wattage data. Here are the most popular devices used by the community:\nStandalone Watt Meters (Manual Entry) # If you aren\u0026rsquo;t using Home Assistant, these devices help you \u0026ldquo;budget\u0026rdquo; your power by checking appliances one by one:\nP3 Kill A Watt (P4400): The gold standard for checking 120V appliances. Clamp-on Multimeters (e.g., Klein CL220 or Fluke 323): Best for measuring the total load at your generator\u0026rsquo;s main cable or transfer switch. Note: Requires safely clamping around a single \u0026ldquo;hot\u0026rdquo; wire. Home Assistant Compatible Sensors (Automatic) # These link directly to GenDash for real-time, hands-off monitoring:\nSmart Plugs (Individual Appliances):\nSonoff S31: Extremely popular, budget-friendly, and easy to flash with ESPHome/Tasmota for 100% local control. Shelly Plug US: Small, reliable, and works locally out of the box with the Home Assistant Shelly integration. Kasa KP115 / EP25: Reliable Wi-Fi plugs that support energy monitoring (the EP25 also supports Matter). Panel \u0026amp; Whole-Home Monitors (Total Load):\nEmporia Vue Gen 2/3: The most cost-effective way to monitor your entire breaker panel. Uses CT clamps to measure the main generator feed and individual circuits. Shelly Pro 3EM: A professional, DIN-rail mountable meter that is excellent for monitoring 240V generator inlets. Refoss Home Energy Monitor: A Wi-Fi based meter with CT clamps that integrates natively with Home Assistant. IoTaWatt: An open-hardware favorite for those who want high-resolution data stored locally. 6 Unit Preferences # Go to Settings \u0026gt; Units to choose between:\nMetric: Fuel displayed in Litres (L) Imperial: Fuel displayed in US Gallons (gal) This setting affects all displays throughout the app: the dashboard gauge, the refuel sheet, the session start form, and all historical records.\nThe app stores all data internally in litres and converts for display only. You can switch units at any time without losing data.\n7 Location, Weather \u0026amp; Environment # 7.1 Why This Matters # Generators lose efficiency in two conditions:\nHigh Altitude: Thinner air means less oxygen for combustion. Every 1,000 feet above 500 ft costs roughly 3.5% of engine efficiency. At sea level (Vancouver, Miami): 0% penalty At 3,000 ft (Denver suburb): ~8.75% penalty At 6,000 ft (mountain cabin): ~18.5% penalty Cold Temperature: Below 20°C, engines run slightly less efficiently due to denser air and fuel viscosity. Above 20°C (68°F): 0% penalty At 0°C (32°F): ~5% penalty At -10°C (14°F): ~10% penalty At -20°C (-4°F) or colder: 15% penalty (maximum) Note: These penalties do not apply to battery-powered stations (EcoFlow, Jackery, etc.), as they have no combustion engine.\n7.2 Automatic Mode (Recommended) # If you granted location permission, GenDash reads your iPhone GPS for altitude and fetches current temperature from a public weather service. The dashboard shows your nearest town name and current conditions.\nYour location is used only on-device and for the weather API call. It is never sent to GenDash or stored anywhere beyond your phone.\n7.3 Manual Override # If you prefer not to use location services, go to Settings \u0026gt; Environment and enter:\nAltitude manually in metres or feet Temperature manually in Celsius You can toggle back to automatic at any time. Manual values are saved even if you switch back to automatic, so they are there as a fallback.\n7.4 Changing Environment Settings After Onboarding # Open Settings (gear icon, bottom tab) Tap Environment Toggle Use GPS Location on or off If off, enter your Altitude and Temperature manually Changes take effect immediately on the active session 8 Notifications \u0026amp; Alerts # 8.1 Types of Alerts # Alert Type When it fires Bypasses Silent/Focus? Custom Fuel Alert X minutes/hours before empty Only if marked Critical Generator Stall Engine detected stopped unexpectedly Yes (always Critical) Tank Empty Fuel calculated to be fully depleted Yes (always Critical) 8.2 Setting Custom Fuel Alerts # On the dashboard, tap the Bell icon (top-right area) Tap Add Alert Use the time wheel to choose hours and minutes before empty (e.g., 1h 30m) Toggle Critical Alert if you want it to sound regardless of phone mute status Tap Add Alert You can add as many alerts as you want per generator. For example:\n2 hours before empty: standard notification (a gentle reminder) 30 minutes before empty: critical notification (cuts through Do Not Disturb) 8.3 Recommendation for Overnight Use # Always set at least one Critical Alert for 30–45 minutes before empty. This gives you enough time to safely go outside, prepare fresh fuel, and perform the refuel or recharge before the generator runs dry or battery depletes.\n8.4 Modifying Notification Permissions After Onboarding # Open your iPhone Settings app Tap GenDash Tap Notifications Enable Allow Notifications and Critical Alerts 9 Backup \u0026amp; Restore # 9.1 Why Backups Matter # GenDash stores everything locally on your iPhone. If you delete the app, get a new phone, or perform a factory reset, your data (generator profiles, run history, smart home settings) would be lost without a backup.\n9.2 Creating a Backup # Go to Settings \u0026gt; Data Management Tap Export Backup A standard iOS Share Sheet appears Choose Save to Files to store it in iCloud Drive or your local storage You can also AirDrop it, email it, or send it to any app The backup file is a single file containing:\nAll generator profiles and their specs Your complete run history (logbook) Your smart home server configurations 9.3 Restoring from a Backup # Go to Settings \u0026gt; Data Management Tap Restore from Backup Navigate to your backup file in the Files app GenDash validates the file and shows you a summary of what will be restored Confirm to complete the restoration Warning: Restoring from a backup replaces all current data. Perform an export first if you want to keep your current records.\n9.4 When to Back Up # Before major iOS updates Before getting a new iPhone Once a month during heavy generator use seasons (hurricane season, winter storm season) After adding a new generator profile or completing a significant run Before an App update 10 Energy Load Planning (Appliances) # GenDash allows you to assign specific appliances to your generator profile. This \u0026ldquo;load planning\u0026rdquo; helps you understand exactly how much energy you are budgeting and ensures your Time to Empty is as accurate as possible from the moment you start your session.\n10.1 The Appliance Library # When adding or editing a generator, you will see a Plan your loads section. Tap Add Appliance to browse our library of pre-configured templates.\nThe library includes:\nKitchen Essentials: Refrigerators (various sizes), Chest Freezers, Microwaves, Coffee Makers. Climate Control: Space Heaters, Portable AC units, Furnace Fans. Medical Equipment: CPAP machines, Oxygen Concentrators. Utility: Sump Pumps, Well Pumps, LED Lighting (by room). 10.2 How it Works # When you select an appliance from the library:\nClone to Profile: GenDash creates a dedicated instance of that appliance for your generator. Pre-filled Wattage: The appliance comes with an average running wattage based on standard manufacturer data. Manual Override: If your specific appliance has a different wattage (check the label on the back), you can edit the value within your generator profile settings. 10.3 Benefits of Load Planning # Zero-Guess Start: When you start a new run, GenDash automatically totals the wattage of all assigned appliances. You don\u0026rsquo;t have to remember individual wattages or perform manual additions. Accurate Predictions: Because the engine knows exactly what you are running, its initial \u0026ldquo;Time to Empty\u0026rdquo; estimate is significantly more reliable than a generic guess. Logbook Accuracy: Your exported session logs will list your planned appliances, making it easier to review your energy usage later. 10.4 High-Performance Interaction # The appliance and manual load lists have been optimized for high-performance responsiveness.\nTactile Sliders: Manual sources now use tactile sliders instead of text fields, allowing you to quickly \u0026ldquo;dial in\u0026rdquo; your wattage with haptic feedback. Lag-Free Updates: The interface is designed to maintain 60fps fluidity even as you adjust loads in real-time, ensuring the dashboard calculations stay perfectly in sync with your physical adjustments. Note: Only appliances from the library are available during the initial setup wizard. If you wish to add a custom appliance that is not in our library, you can do so later from the Garage \u0026gt; [Your Generator] \u0026gt; Edit screen.\n10.5 The FTC EnergyGuide to Watts Converter # During load planning, you may want to add custom household appliances, but you might not know their continuous average running wattage. Often, the appliance\u0026rsquo;s physical sticker only lists its peak/startup amperage or a generic electrical rating, which can cause you to over-budget your generator\u0026rsquo;s capacity.\nTo solve this, GenDash includes a built-in EnergyGuide to Watts Converter utility.\nWhy Use the Converter? # Most major household appliances sold in North America (like refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers) carry a bright yellow FTC EnergyGuide label. This label prominently lists the appliance\u0026rsquo;s estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year).\nBecause appliances cycle on and off, their instantaneous power draw varies. The most accurate baseline for your generator budget is the average continuous load under normal usage. The converter translates this annual figure into a highly accurate continuous load baseline using the following standard physics formula:\n$$\\text{Watts} = \\frac{\\text{kWh/year} \\times 1000}{8760 \\text{ hours in a year}}$$\nWhen to Use It # Use this converter whenever you are adding a custom appliance to your generator profile (in the Garage section) or setting up a manual load source, and your only source of power specifications is the yellow EnergyGuide label.\nHow to Access and Use It # Open the Converter: Go to the Settings tab (bottom bar) and tap EnergyGuide to Watts Converter under the help and information section. Enter the annual kWh: Look at the yellow EnergyGuide label on your appliance, locate the estimated annual electricity use in kWh/year, and type that number into the input field. Get Instant Watts: The calculator will immediately display the calculated average continuous wattage in large, clear figures. Copy to Clipboard: Tap Copy to Clipboard. The sheet will copy the calculated wattage to your system pasteboard and close automatically. Paste and Save: Navigate to the appliance configuration or manual load field in your generator profile settings, paste the wattage, and save. 11 Starting a Monitoring Session # A \u0026ldquo;session\u0026rdquo; (called a Run in the app) is one continuous monitoring period — from when you start your generator to when you shut it down.\n11.1 Step 1: Select Your Generator # On the main Dashboard, the active generator name appears at the top. If you have multiple generators, tap the name to switch. You can also go to the Garage tab and tap any generator to make it active.\n11.2 Step 2: Tap \u0026ldquo;Start Run\u0026rdquo; # Tap the large green Start Run button at the bottom of the dashboard. A menu called Initial Entry appears, giving you three ways to start a session:\nPathway 1: Use Saved Settings # Starts a session instantly using the exact energy level and load estimates retained from your previous run or configured in your settings. Perfect for restarting after a brief pause without having to re-enter all your data.\nPathway 2: Quick Start (Full Capacity) # Instantly begins a session assuming your generator or battery is at 100% capacity. It will automatically track load via Home Assistant if available; otherwise, it defaults to 0W until you manually add loads from the dashboard.\nPathway 3: Guided Start Wizard # Walks you through all starting variables to ensure maximum accuracy for this specific session. If you choose this path, follow the steps below.\n11.3 Guided Wizard: Starting Fuel Level # The wizard shows your fuel level as a percentage. You can also enter a precise volume in litres/gallons. Quick preset buttons let you tap a common fill level (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The app remembers your last session\u0026rsquo;s ending fuel level and pre-fills it as a starting point.\n11.4 Guided Wizard: Eco Mode # If your generator supports Eco Mode, you can toggle it here. GenDash uses this to apply the correct efficiency curve for fuel burn.\n11.5 Guided Wizard: Appliances \u0026amp; Manual Loads # The wizard lets you build your load profile exactly:\nAppliances: Select from the appliances you assigned to this generator profile (e.g., \u0026ldquo;Fridge\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Freezer\u0026rdquo;). GenDash adds their wattages automatically. Manual Sources: Add one-off loads not in your library. Smart Home: If Home Assistant is connected, the wizard automatically factors in your live feeds. Tip: Start conservatively. It is better to enter 600W and monitor the dashboard than to over-report and get an inaccurate prediction. Any manual loads or appliances you set here will be remembered for your next session!\n11.6 Guided Wizard: Enter Fuel Cost (Optional) # If you want to track operating costs, enter the price per litre or gallon. This pre-fills from your generator profile if you set it there.\n11.7 Safety Gating: The 110% Rule # To protect your generator from damage, GenDash enforces a strict 110% Surge-Limit Gate.\nPhysical Load Sum: The app calculates the sum of your selected appliances and manual loads (the \u0026ldquo;Physical Load\u0026rdquo;). Automatic Block: If this physical load exceeds 110% of your generator\u0026rsquo;s rated capacity, the Start button will be disabled, and a red warning will appear. You must remove or reduce physical loads to proceed. Smart Home Isolation: Home Assistant feeds are shown for your awareness but are excluded from this hard block. This ensures that a transient spike in your smart home sensors won\u0026rsquo;t prevent you from starting your session. 11.8 Step 3: Tap \u0026ldquo;Start\u0026rdquo; # The wizard closes and the dashboard activates. You will see:\nThe Time to Empty countdown begin The Fuel Gauge showing your starting level The Live Watts display A Live Activity appear on your Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island 12 During a Session: Refuel or Recharge, Adjust Load \u0026amp; Stop # 12.1 Refueling or Recharging Mid-Session # When you add fuel or recharge your generator:\nTap the fuel pump or bolt icon (or the word Fuel/Charge in the dock at the bottom) The Refuel or Charge Sheet slides up, pre-filled with your current estimated fuel or charge level Choose a Quick Preset (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of tank) or enter an exact amount Tap Update Fuel Level The dashboard immediately recalculates your Time to Empty based on the new fuel or energy amount. The refuel or recharge event is recorded as a timestamped entry in your session log.\nPropane reminder: The refuel or recharge sheet enforces the 80% maximum for propane tanks and shows an error if you try to enter a higher value.\nPropane Multi-Tank Individual Levels: If you have multiple propane tanks connected in a manifold setup (configured in your generator profile), you can toggle \u0026ldquo;Adjust Individual Tanks\u0026rdquo; on the refuel sheet, start run sheet, or guided start wizard. This allows you to enter the analog level for each individual tank (e.g. Tank 1: 73%, Tank 2: 75%, Tank 3: 80%). The app will instantly compute the combined average and automatically update the overall fuel level for you.\n12.2 Adjusting the Load (Watts) # Your power consumption changes during a session — the AC turns on, someone starts cooking, or you shed load to extend runtime. To update it:\nTap the Watts display on the dashboard, or tap Watts in the dock The Load Entry sheet opens The Load Entry sheet has two sections:\nSmart Home Feeds (if connected) # Lists all your linked sensors and their current live wattage. These update automatically — you do not need to do anything.\nIf you want to temporarily ignore the smart feed (e.g., the reading seems wrong), toggle Manual Override. The app takes a snapshot of the current smart reading and converts it to a manual entry so your load does not drop to zero.\nManual Sources # You can add individual load items with a name and wattage.\nTactile Sliders: Use the high-precision sliders to set the wattage for each source (increments of 10W). Explicit Deletion: To remove a source, tap the minus (-) button. Swipe-to-delete gestures have been removed to prevent accidental data loss while scrolling. Unified Aesthetic: The load list features a modern, card-based design with hidden separators for better legibility in high-stress environments. Safety Thresholds \u0026amp; Gating # As you adjust your load, the Set Total Load button monitors your physical safety:\nNear Limit (80%): The button turns yellow/orange as an advisory warning. Over Capacity (100%): The button turns bright orange, indicating you are at the generator\u0026rsquo;s rated limit. Surge Limit (110%): The button turns Red and becomes Disabled. You cannot save your changes until you reduce the physical load (Appliances + Manual Sources) to a safe level. Tap Set Total Load to confirm. The dashboard updates and the load-change event is logged to your session history.\n12.3 Stopping a Session # Tap the main action button on the dashboard (the red stop button, or the running indicator). The Run Summary sheet appears with three options:\nStop Engine — Records that the engine is OFF but keeps the session open. Use this if you are pausing temporarily (e.g., shutting down overnight but planning to restart in the morning). The timer pauses.\nFinish Run \u0026amp; Save — Permanently closes and saves the session to your Logbook. The session summary (duration, fuel used, cost) is saved forever.\nFinish Run and Delete — Closes the session and permanently discards all data for this run. Use this only if the session was a test or accidental.\nTap Keep Running to dismiss the sheet without taking any action.\n12.4 Stall Intervention # If your generator runs out of fuel or charge while you are away, GenDash enters a Stalled state. When you return to the app, tapping the primary dashboard button opens the Stall Intervention Sheet instead of the standard stop menu.\nYou have three resolution paths:\nRefuel or Recharge Now: Takes you to the refuel or recharge sheet to update your level and restart the engine. Pause Session: Clears the stall and moves the session into a standard \u0026ldquo;Paused\u0026rdquo; state. End \u0026amp; Save: Finalizes the session and saves it to your logbook. All three resolutions are processed automatically using the engine\u0026rsquo;s physical stallTime to ensure the session logs, runtime metrics, and fuel costs remain accurate without requiring manual timeline adjustments.\n12.5 Exporting the Session Log # At any point during a session—or after you stop the engine—you can generate a human-readable diagnostic log of your run.\nTap the Stop button to bring up the Run Summary sheet. Tap Export Session Log. A formatted text transcript is generated and opened in the standard iOS Share Sheet. Smart Terminology: GenDash is the only app that adapts its logs to your hardware.\nFor Gas/Diesel/Propane: The log tracks \u0026ldquo;Fuel Consumed\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Refuel Events\u0026rdquo;, and \u0026ldquo;Liters/Gallons\u0026rdquo;. For Battery Stations: The log automatically switches to \u0026ldquo;Energy Used\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Charge Events\u0026rdquo;, and \u0026ldquo;kWh\u0026rdquo;. This log is perfect for insurance documentation, maintenance records, or troubleshooting with your generator technician.\n13 History \u0026amp; Financial Tracking # GenDash provides powerful tools to review your past generator runs, track financial costs over time, and view detailed event timelines. You can access these views by tapping the Logbook icon.\n13.1 Past Runs # The Past Runs sheet displays a comprehensive list of all your recorded sessions. Because generator histories can grow large over time, this list is fully paginated to ensure scrolling remains smooth and responsive, even with hundreds of logs. Each entry shows the date, total runtime, fuel consumed, and the generator used.\n13.2 Timeline History # For a deeper dive into a specific run, the Timeline History sheet visualizes the chronological events of a single session. It shows exactly when you started the engine, when specific loads were applied or removed, when you refueled, and when the session was stopped. This is invaluable for diagnosing fuel efficiency or reviewing outage patterns.\n14 Live Activities \u0026amp; Haptic Feedback # 14.1 Live Activities (Lock Screen \u0026amp; Dynamic Island) # Once a session is active, GenDash publishes a Live Activity — a real-time widget that lives outside the app.\nWhere it appears:\nDynamic Island (iPhone 14 Pro and later): A compact pill at the top of the screen showing the Time to Empty countdown and a fuel icon. Long-pressing it expands to a larger view with more detail. Lock Screen (all supported iPhones): A banner at the bottom of the Lock Screen showing the same information — visible without unlocking your phone. What the Live Activity shows:\nGenerator model \u0026amp; Nickname Time to Empty countdown Current load in watts Fuel level indicator Why this matters during an outage: You do not need to open the app to know how much time you have. Glance at your phone — even from across the room — and you have your answer. This is especially valuable at night.\nThe Live Activity updates every few seconds. It is automatically removed when you end your session.\n14.2 Haptic Feedback # GenDash uses your iPhone\u0026rsquo;s taptic engine to give you tactile confirmation of actions:\nAction Haptic Strength Opening the Start Run sheet Medium pulse Tapping a fuel preset button Light tap Confirming a fuel update Medium pulse Confirming session start Heavy impact Adding a load source Light tap This is intentional design. During an outage — possibly outdoors, in the dark — you can feel confirmation that your tap registered without looking at the screen.\n15 Fleet Management (Multi-Generator Controls) # If you use multiple generators at the same time — for example, a large standby unit for the house and a portable inverter for the workshop — GenDash allows you to manage them as a single \u0026ldquo;Fleet\u0026rdquo;.\n15.1 Access to Fleet Controls # Fleet controls appear dynamically in the action bar at the bottom of your main dashboard:\nFleet Start: Visible when you have multiple units ready to start. Fleet Stop: Visible when you have two or more active sessions in progress. 15.2 Batch Start and Resume # The Fleet Start Management sheet displays all available generators in your Garage.\nMulti-selection: Tap the circle next to each generator you want to include. Smart Logic: GenDash automatically detects the state of each unit. If a session was paused, it will be \u0026ldquo;Resumed\u0026rdquo;. If it was stopped, a \u0026ldquo;Quick Start\u0026rdquo; at full capacity will be initialized. Single-tap Execution: Tap Start Selected to launch all chosen units simultaneously. 15.3 Batch Stop # When it is time to turn everything off for the night or after grid power returns:\nOpen the Fleet Stop Management sheet. Select the active sessions you want to end. Tap Stop and Save Selected to end all sessions, update their lifetime engine hours, and save them to your logbook in a single action. 16 Maintenance Tracking \u0026amp; Logs # Regular maintenance is key to keeping your generator fleet running reliably. GenDash includes a comprehensive Maintenance Tracking and Logging system to schedule, monitor, and log service intervals for each of your generator profiles.\n16.1 Enabling Maintenance Tracking # To track maintenance for a generator:\nNavigate to the Garage tab and tap the Edit (pencil) icon on a generator profile. Scroll down to the Maintenance Tracking section. Toggle Enable Maintenance Tracking to ON. 16.2 Configuring Maintenance Tasks # Once enabled, you can configure individual maintenance tasks based on your generator\u0026rsquo;s user manual (e.g., Oil Change, Spark Plug replacement, Air Filter cleaning, Valve Clearance adjustment):\nEnable/Disable: Toggle specific task types on or off. Next Due Date: Select the target date for the next service event. Next Due Hours: Enter the lifetime engine hours at which this task is due (e.g., if your generator has 50 hours now and needs oil every 50 hours, enter 100). Metadata: Add optional custom specifications like oil volume (e.g., \u0026ldquo;0.6L 10W-30\u0026rdquo;) or filter model numbers. 16.3 Overdue Warnings # If a task becomes overdue:\nA warning triangle icon is displayed on the main dashboard next to the generator\u0026rsquo;s nickname. Within the generator\u0026rsquo;s settings, the specific parameters that are overdue (the next due date, next due hours, or both) will be highlighted in red. A task is considered overdue if: The Next Due Date is earlier than today. The Next Due Hours is lower than or equal to the generator\u0026rsquo;s current lifetime hours. 16.4 Logging Completed Events # When you perform service:\nTap Add Task to Log next to the task in settings, or go to the Maintenance Log (via the log book icon in settings) and tap the + (plus) button. A Maintenance Log Popup will appear. Enter the date the service was completed, the current engine hours, and any service notes. Tap Save. Logging a completed event will record the entry and allow you to reset the next due parameters for the next service cycle. 16.5 Managing Log History # In the generator\u0026rsquo;s edit form, tap Maintenance Log to view your complete service history.\nEdit/Update Logs: Tap the orange edit icon (pencil.circle.fill) next to any log entry to update its date, hours, or notes. Delete Logs: Swipe left on any log row to delete it, or open the edit sheet and tap the red Delete button at the bottom. 17 Resetting the Database # ⚠️ Warning: This action is permanent and cannot be undone.\nThe Reset Database feature is located in Settings \u0026gt; Danger Zone.\n17.1 What it Deletes # A full database reset permanently deletes:\nAll generator profiles All historical runs and their complete telemetry logs All smart home server configurations (IP addresses, tokens) All custom alert rules All engine hours data 17.2 What it Does NOT Delete # Your app preferences (units, location settings) Any backup files you previously exported to Files/iCloud 17.3 Backup Step # GenDash gives you the opportunity to export a backup before proceeding. When you tap Reset Database, the app will first prompt you to export your data.\n17.4 When to Use This # You are selling or lending the phone and want to wipe your personal generator data You want a completely fresh start after significant changes to your generator fleet You are troubleshooting a data corruption issue (rare) 17.5 Recovery After a Reset # If you kept your backup file, you can restore everything immediately:\nTap Settings \u0026gt; Data Management \u0026gt; Restore from Backup Navigate to your .gendash backup file All profiles, runs, and server configs are restored 18 Frequently Asked Questions # 18.1 General # Q: Does GenDash require an internet connection? A: No. All core functionality — session tracking, fuel calculations, manual load entry, notifications — works 100% offline. An internet connection is only needed for: (a) the Smart Home connection to your Home Assistant server if you are not on the same LAN network, and (b) the automatic weather/temperature fetch for the environmental correction.\nQ: Do I need to keep the app open for it to work? A: No. Once a session is started, GenDash continues tracking in the background. The Live Activity on your Lock Screen stays updated. You will still receive notifications even if the app is closed.\nQ: What happens if my phone restarts during a session? A: When the phone reboots and you reopen GenDash, the session resumes exactly where it left off. All data is saved to local storage continuously — nothing is held only in memory.\nQ: Can I manage multiple generators? A: Yes. Add as many generator profiles as you like in the Garage tab. You can switch the active generator from the dashboard at any time. Only one session can be active per generator, but you can have different generators in different states.\nQ: My generator model is not in the Library. What should I do? A: Use Enter Custom Specs (Section 5.2). The most important values are: Fuel Type, Technology Type (Inverter / Traditional / Battery), Tank or Battery Capacity, and Rated Watts. With these fields, GenDash can provide a reliable estimate. You can also request a new generator via the settings page.\nQ: I don\u0026rsquo;t see an option to add \u0026ldquo;Rooms.\u0026rdquo; How can I identify which appliances belong to which part of the house? A: To keep the interface streamlined and fast, GenDash uses a flexible naming system instead of a rigid room hierarchy. You can achieve room-based organization by using the Name field. For example, instead of just \u0026ldquo;Fridge,\u0026rdquo; name the appliance \u0026ldquo;Kitchen Fridge\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;Garage Freezer.\u0026rdquo;\nPro Tip: You can clone a standard appliance from the library (e.g., \u0026ldquo;LED Light\u0026rdquo;) multiple times and rename each clone (e.g., \u0026ldquo;Living Room Lights,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;Hallway Lights\u0026rdquo;). This allows you to track and log power usage by location without needing complex sub-menus. Q: I didn\u0026rsquo;t see the \u0026ldquo;Out of Fuel\u0026rdquo; or \u0026ldquo;Battery Depleted\u0026rdquo; notification until an hour later. Is my session data ruined? A: No. GenDash tracks your session\u0026rsquo;s predicted stall point automatically. When you open the app to resolve the stall, the app uses the precise calculated stallTime (the moment the fuel or charge was depleted) as the stopping point. This ensures your Lifetime Engine Hours and fuel/energy metrics remain perfectly accurate, even if you interact with the app hours after the physical engine or power station stopped.\nQ: Don\u0026rsquo;t own a generator yet? A: GenDash doubles as the ultimate generator planning and sizing tool. Simulate highly accurate model metrics using manufacturer fuel-burn and discharge curves paired with our extensive Appliance Library. Know your exact runtime numbers before spending thousands on hardware.\nBuild your future setup virtually and test real-world scenarios before you buy. Add the appliances and loads you plan to run—well pumps, refrigerators, air conditioners, electric heaters, water pumps, tools, and more—and instantly see whether a generator can handle the demand.\nCompare different generator models side-by-side, evaluate fuel consumption, estimate runtime at various load levels, and identify the smallest generator that will reliably power your essentials. Avoid costly mistakes such as purchasing an undersized unit that trips under load or an oversized generator that wastes fuel and money.\nWhether you\u0026rsquo;re preparing for emergencies, off-grid living, RV travel, or backup power for your home, GenDash helps you choose the right generator with confidence before making a purchase.\nQ: How does Maintenance Tracking work and how can I see if something is overdue? A: You can enable Maintenance Tracking for any generator in the Garage tab by editing its profile. Once enabled, you can set target dates or engine hours for tasks like oil changes, spark plugs, etc. If a task becomes overdue, a warning icon will appear next to the generator nickname on the dashboard, and the overdue items will be highlighted in red inside the generator\u0026rsquo;s settings. You can log completed tasks to track your service history.\n18.2 Smart Home # Q: My Home Assistant connection shows red. What do I check? A: Verify (1) your iPhone and HA server are on the same Wi-Fi network, (2) the Local URL includes the port (:8123), (3) your Long-Lived Token is still valid in HA (they do not expire by default). If using a Remote URL, ensure your external access is working.\n\u0026ldquo;You can add multiple Home Assistant servers!\u0026rdquo;\nQ: Can I use GenDash without Home Assistant? A: Absolutely. Manual wattage entry works just as well. The smart home connection is a convenience feature, not a requirement.\nQ: What happens to my data if the smart home connection drops mid-session? A: GenDash keeps your last known wattage and continues calculating. When connectivity returns, it automatically fetches the historical data from Home Assistant to fill in the gap. Your session log remains accurate.\nQ: Why does GenDash connect and reconnect to Home Assistant all the time? Does this affect my data? A: This behavior is a result of Apple\u0026rsquo;s strict background execution and battery-saving policies. iOS suspends active network connections when an app is not in the foreground to preserve your iPhone\u0026rsquo;s battery life. This does not ruin your calculations; GenDash is equipped with a Historical Gap Bridge protocol. Every time you return to the app, it automatically fetches the missing data from your Home Assistant history to \u0026ldquo;heal\u0026rdquo; the timeline and ensure 100% accuracy.\n18.3 Fuel \u0026amp; Accuracy # Q: How accurate is the Time to Empty? A: For library models with manufacturer data, accuracy is within 10–15% under typical conditions. For custom specs with the Advanced Consumption Curve filled in, accuracy is comparable to manufacturer spec sheets. The most common source of error is an incorrect starting load (watts), not the burn-rate formula.\nQ: Why did my Time to Empty change without me doing anything? A: If you have a Smart Home connection, your load changes automatically as appliances turn on and off. A fridge compressor starting, for example, can add 1,000W temporarily. This is correct behaviour — GenDash is responding to real-world data.\nQ: What is the 80% propane limit? A: Propane tanks are always filled to 80% of their water capacity. The remaining 20% is an expansion chamber — propane expands significantly with temperature. This is a legal and safety requirement, not a GenDash limitation. The app enforces this limit throughout.\nQ: My generator has multiple propane tanks (e.g., 3 tanks), but the analog levels are different. How do I enter the fuel level? A: If your generator profile has multiple propane tanks configured (e.g., 2 or more tanks), an \u0026ldquo;Adjust Individual Tanks\u0026rdquo; toggle appears on the Refuel sheet, the Start Run sheet, and the Guided Start Wizard. Turning this toggle ON expands the interface, allowing you to enter the percentage reading for each individual tank (up to the safety limit of 80% per tank). GenDash will automatically compute the mathematical average of these readings to determine your total combined fuel level. Note that these individual levels are used strictly as a real-time calculation aid; they are not saved or tracked independently over time, as physical manifold setups draw fuel from all connected tanks simultaneously.\n18.4 Data \u0026amp; Privacy # Q: Is my data synced to a cloud? A: No. All data is stored exclusively on your device. GenDash has no servers, no accounts, and no telemetry.\nQ: What is in the backup file? A: A single file containing your generator profiles (specs, settings, linked sensors), your complete run history, and your smart home server configurations (including stored tokens). Treat this file with the same care as a password file.\nQ: Can I move my data to a new iPhone? A: Yes. Export a backup on the old phone, transfer the file (via AirDrop, iCloud Drive, etc.), install GenDash on the new phone, and restore from the backup file.\n18.5 Premium \u0026amp; Promo Codes # Q: How do I use One-Time Use Codes (Promo Codes) to unlock the Lifetime License for free? A: You can redeem your one-time use codes in two ways:\nOption 1: Direct Link (Easiest \u0026amp; Fastest) # You can redeem the code instantly by formatting a custom Apple URL:\nTake your one-time use code (e.g., GENDASHLIFETIME123). Construct the following link: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?code=YOUR_CODE_HERE (Example: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?code=GENDASHLIFETIME123) Send this link to your test device (via AirDrop, Messages, Notes, or Email) and tap it. The device will automatically open the App Store, prompt you to verify, and redeem the code. Launch GenDash, navigate to the Paywall screen, and tap Restore Purchases to complete the sync (using the silent/deep restore logic in PurchaseManager.swift). Option 2: Manual Redemption via the App Store App # Open the App Store app on your iOS device. Tap your Profile Icon (avatar) in the top-right corner. Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code. Tap Enter Code Manually at the bottom. Enter your one-time use code and tap Redeem in the top-right corner. Once redemption is confirmed, open GenDash and tap Restore Purchases on the paywall screen to unlock lifetime access. 19 Real-World Setup Examples # 19.1 The \u0026ldquo;Manual Budgeter\u0026rdquo; (Portable Inverter) # Hardware: Honda EU2200i + P3 Kill A Watt. Setup: The user plugs their refrigerator and a small fan into the generator. Usage: They use the Kill A Watt to see that the fridge pulls 150W and the fan pulls 50W. They enter 200W as a manual load in GenDash. When they unplug the fan to use a 600W coffee maker, they update the manual load to 750W in the app to see how it affects their remaining runtime. 19.2 The \u0026ldquo;Smart Cabin\u0026rdquo; (Home Assistant + Smart Plugs) # Hardware: Predator 3500 + Home Assistant Blue + 5x Sonoff S31 Plugs. Setup: Key appliances (Fridge, Freezer, Network Gear, TV) are plugged into S31 smart plugs. All plugs are added to Home Assistant. Usage: In GenDash, the user links all 5 smart plug entities to their generator profile. As the fridge cycles on and off, GenDash automatically adjusts the Time to Empty in real-time. The user can see exactly how many hours they gain by turning off the TV. 19.3 The \u0026ldquo;Whole Home Backup\u0026rdquo; (Standby Generator + Panel Monitor) # Hardware: Generac Guardian 22kW + Emporia Vue 3 + Home Assistant. Setup: The Emporia Vue is installed in the main electrical panel with CT clamps on the generator\u0026rsquo;s 240V input lines. Usage: GenDash reads the total home wattage directly from the Emporia Vue via Home Assistant. Because the load varies wildly (HVAC, Well Pump, Water Heater), GenDash provides a \u0026ldquo;worst-case\u0026rdquo; countdown. The user receives a Critical Alert on their iPhone if the total load approaches the generator\u0026rsquo;s surge limit. 19.4 The \u0026ldquo;Smart Transfer Switch\u0026rdquo; (Refoss Panel Monitor) # Hardware: Champion 7500W + Refoss Home Energy Monitor + Home Assistant. Setup: The Refoss monitor is installed inside the generator transfer switch box, monitoring the two 120V legs coming from the generator inlet. Usage: The user has grouped the two Refoss channels in Home Assistant to show \u0026ldquo;Total Generator Power\u0026rdquo;. GenDash monitors this combined entity. During an outage, the user can see exactly how much headroom they have left before they trip the generator\u0026rsquo;s breaker, even when standing in the kitchen. GenDash — Stay safe and stay powered.\n","date":"5 May 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/user-manual/","section":"","summary":"","title":"User Manual","type":"docs"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Authors","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/series/","section":"Series","summary":"","title":"Series","type":"series"}]