The Evolution control panel

• Utility sensing - loss and reconnection
• Starting/stopping the generator
• Transferring
• Voltage regulation
• Exercising
• Battery charging

Evolution 1.0 vs Evolution 2.0 control panels

Features introduced in Evolution 2.0 controllers

• Gained encryption capabilities with a firmware update
• Introduced a powered accessory port
• Introduced programming to support Wi-Fi (Evolution I controllers require an additional accessory for Wi-Fi capability).

 

Physical differences

• The sticker on the controller will distinguish if the controller is an Evolution 1.0 or Evolution 2.0 controller.
• If the controller was replaced, the two stickers above the interface area will be
  • White for Evolution 1.0 
  • Orange for early Evolution 2.0 (before encryption firmware update)
  • Green for current Evolution 2.0 (firmware updated with encryption capabilities)

• Pinouts between the two controllers are also different, and the Evolution 1.0 and Evolution 2.0 controllers cannot be swapped out for each other (a unit with an Evolution 1.0 controller cannot be "upgraded" to an Evolution 2.0 controller). See If I Replace My Control Panel Is My Generator Still Compatible with Mobile Link Devices? for more information.

Auto, Manual, and Off Modes

• Auto – automatically starts and provides power to the home with a loss of utility. See How Do I Put My Home Standby Generator Into Auto Mode? for more information.
• Manual – Forces the engine to start, but will not provide electricity to the home unless the power fails.
• OFF – The unit is OFF (will not start with loss of utility).

 

LCD screen

The LCD provides information about the generator's status and condition.

• Alarms – Stop the engine and prevent it from starting unless cleared by the user.
• Error Codes - Numerical value identifying the alarm/warning.
• Warnings – Identify maintenance requirements or potential problems. Will NOT prevent the unit from running.
• Hours of Protection - Display the amount of time the unit has been installed, it is NOT run hours.

 

Controller navigation

The controller allows generator owners to configure generator settings. 

• How to Change the Date/Time of My Generator?
• How Do I Set the Scheduled Generator Exercise Date and Time?
• What can I do if my controller has the wrong language selected?

The full menu map for Evolution 2.0 controllers can be found in the Evolution 2.0 controller menu map article.

 

Other features

• 7.5A Fuse (automotive style fuse) - Protects cranking and running circuits. The engine will not start if this is blown or missing.
• USB Port -  Allows dealers to easily update the firmware in the field.

 

See also

How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?