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GenDash
GenDash

User Manual

·9710 words·46 mins
Table of Contents

Version 2.2 | All data stays on your device. No cloud required.

Tip

For a fast, high-level setup, please refer to the Quick Start Guide.

Table of Contents
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  1. Trial Period & Lifetime License
  2. Welcome to GenDash
  3. First Launch: The Onboarding Wizard
  4. Adding Your Generator — Two Paths
  5. Setting Up Home Assistant
  6. Unit Preferences
  7. Location, Weather & Environment
  8. Notifications & Alerts
  9. Smart Auto-Backup & Restore
  10. Energy Load Planning (Appliances)
  11. Starting a Monitoring Session
  12. During a Session: Refuel or Recharge, Adjust Load & Stop
  13. History & Financial Tracking
  14. Live Activities & Haptic Feedback
  15. Fleet Management (Multi-Generator Controls)
  16. Maintenance Tracking & Logs
  17. Resetting the Database
  18. Frequently Asked Questions
  19. Real-World Setup Examples

1 Trial Period & Lifetime License
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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.

1.1 How the Trial Works
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  • 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
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When the 7-day trial expires, the app will show the Paywall screen. You can:

  1. Purchase the Lifetime License — a single, one-time payment of $4.99 USD (local pricing may vary). You own it forever.
  2. Restore a Previous Purchase — if you already purchased on another device, tap “Restore Purchase” to re-activate without paying again.

1.3 What the Lifetime License Includes
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  • 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
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If you reinstall the app or switch to a new iPhone, tap “Restore Purchase” 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.

2 Welcome to GenDash
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GenDash is your generator command centre. It is designed to answer the single most critical question during a power outage or remote operation:

“How much time do I have left before I need to refuel or recharge?”

Unlike 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:

  • Your 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.

2.1 ⚠️ Reliability & Safety Notice
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GenDash is a mathematical simulation, not a physical fuel sensor.

  • Estimates 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
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Your data never leaves your phone. GenDash is a local-first application.

  • No 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
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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.

3.1 Location & Environment
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GenDash will ask permission to use your iPhone location. This is used to automatically detect:

  • Your 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.

You can also skip this and enter altitude/temperature manually later in Settings > Environment.

Privacy 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.

3.2 Smart Home Bridge (Optional)
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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.

3.3 Add Your Generator
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You will be asked to add your first generator profile. See Section 4 for the two ways to do this.

3.4 Notifications
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GenDash will ask permission to send you notifications. This enables:

  • Fuel level alerts (e.g., “1 hour of fuel remaining”)
  • Generator stall alerts (the engine stopped unexpectedly)
  • Time Sensitive alerts that bypass Focus modes and Do Not Disturb

This is important. During a power outage, you may be asleep or away from your phone. A Time Sensitive 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.

You can always adjust these settings later at Settings > Notifications or directly in your iPhone Settings app under GenDash.

3.5 Planning Your Load (Appliances)
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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.

4 Adding Your Generator — Two Paths
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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:

4.1 Choose from the Library
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The Library contains pre-configured profiles for over 60 popular models from Honda, Yamaha, Generac, Kohler, Champion, Predator, EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, Bluetti, and more.

How to use it:

  1. Tap Choose from Library
  2. Browse or search by brand name
  3. Tap your model to select it
  4. Review the pre-filled specs — they come from manufacturer documentation
  5. Tap Save

Library highlights (sample models):

Model 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).

4.2 Enter Custom Specs
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Use this path if your generator is not in the library, and want precise control over every setting.

Field-by-field guide:

Profile Name (Required)
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A technical name for your machine. Use the model number if you like. Example: “EU2200iTC” or “Generac GP5500”

Nickname (Required)
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A friendly location label (15 characters max), shown as a subtitle on the dashboard and on your Lock Screen. Example: “Garage”, “Main House”, “Campsite”

Technology Type
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This is one of the most important settings. It determines how GenDash models your fuel burn.

  • Inverter (Variable Speed) — Modern “smart” 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

  • Traditional (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

  • Battery / 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

How do you know which type you have? Check your generator manual. If the spec sheet mentions “Eco Throttle”, “Smart Throttle”, or “Economy Mode”, it is an inverter. If the specs just list a single runtime (e.g., “8 hours at 50% load”), it is likely traditional. If the unit has no fuel cap and lists capacity in Watt-hours (Wh), it is a battery station.

Fuel Type
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Choose from:

  • Gasoline — 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
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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.

Note: This toggle is automatically disabled for Traditional generators and Battery / Power Stations, since they do not have variable-speed combustion technology.

Tank Capacity (Required — gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel generators)
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The size of your fuel tank.

  • Find 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.

Battery Capacity (Required — battery / power station only)
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For battery-powered stations, enter the total usable capacity in Watt-hours (Wh).

  • Find 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).

For Propane Generators — Tank Configuration
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If you selected Propane, you will see a special propane section instead of a tank capacity field.

  • Tank 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.

Rated Watts (Required)
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The continuous power output your generator is rated for. This is what the manufacturer guarantees the machine can sustain indefinitely.

  • Find this on the spec sticker on the generator or the front page of the manual
  • It is always lower than “Peak” or “Surge” watts
  • Examples: Honda EU2200i = 1,800 W, Champion 8000W = 8,000 W

Surge Watts (Required)
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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.

  • Examples: 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.

Advanced Consumption Curve (Optional — for power users; gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel only)
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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.

Enable Advanced Consumption Curve and enter the runtime values (in hours, on a full tank) at:

  • 25% 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:

  • 25% 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.

Battery stations: This section does not apply. GenDash calculates battery discharge directly from the Wh capacity and your live load — no curve entry is needed.

Cost per Litre / Gallon (Required)
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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.

Default Generator
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If you have multiple generators, toggle this ON to make this one appear automatically when you open the app.

5 Setting Up Home Assistant
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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.

5.1 Step 1: Add Your Server (The 7-Step Setup Wizard)
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Go to Settings (gear icon, bottom tab) and tap Add Home Assistant Server. This launches an interactive 7-step setup wizard:

  1. Name: Provide a custom label for your server (e.g., “Home Hub”).
  2. Network Setup: Enter your Local URL (your HA LAN address) and optionally a Remote URL (for cellular fallback when Wi-Fi is lost).
  3. Authentication: Paste a Long-Lived Access Token from Home Assistant (see below for instructions on generating it).
  4. Validation: GenDash automatically attempts a test handshake to verify your credentials. If successful, the server config is committed.
  5. Generator Linking: Select which of your active generator profiles should pull data from this server. Generators already associated with a different server are shown as greyed out and disabled. Archived generators are hidden from selection.
  6. Sensor Discovery: The app automatically fetches the list of available power sensors from your Home Assistant instance, supporting real-time search filtering.
  7. Device Assignment: Map the discovered sensors directly to your linked generator profiles.

5.2 How to get your Long-Lived Token from Home Assistant:
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  1. Open Home Assistant in your web browser.
  2. Click your profile picture (bottom-left avatar).
  3. Scroll to the very bottom to the Long-Lived Access Tokens section.
  4. Click Create Token, give it a name like “GenDash”, and copy the token immediately — Home Assistant only shows it once.

5.3 Understand Local vs. Remote URL
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  • 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. The switch is automatic.

5.4 Live Status & Re-linking
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  • Live Status Card: In the Settings tab, each saved server is shown on a dedicated card. This card displays its connection status in real-time:
    • Green Dot (Connected): WebSocket is active and streaming telemetry.
    • Red Dot (Disconnected): The server is unreachable or failed to authenticate.
    • Grey Dot (Paused): Telemetry is temporarily paused to save battery/network bandwidth.
  • Manual Assignment: If you need to map additional sensors or modify generator assignments later, you can also do so via Garage > [Your Generator] > Edit (pencil icon) under the Smart Home Bridge section. Selecting a sensor from the entity list shows a checkmark when active.

5.5 What Happens During a Connection Drop?
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If your Wi-Fi or Home Assistant goes offline during a session:

  • GenDash 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.

5.6 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:

Standalone Watt Meters (Manual Entry)
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If you aren’t using Home Assistant, these devices help you “budget” your power by checking appliances one by one:

  • P3 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’s main cable or transfer switch. Note: Requires safely clamping around a single “hot” wire.

Home Assistant Compatible Sensors (Automatic)
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These link directly to GenDash for real-time, hands-off monitoring:

Smart Plugs (Individual Appliances):

  • Sonoff 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 & Whole-Home Monitors (Total Load):

  • Emporia 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
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Go to Settings > Units to choose between:

  • Metric: 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.

The app stores all data internally in litres and converts for display only. You can switch units at any time without losing data.

7 Location, Weather & Environment
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7.1 Why This Matters
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Generators lose efficiency in two conditions:

  1. High 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
  2. 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.

7.2 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.

Your location is used only on-device and for the weather API call. It is never sent to GenDash or stored anywhere beyond your phone.

7.3 Manual Override
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If you prefer not to use location services, go to Settings > Environment and enter:

  • Altitude 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.

7.4 Changing Environment Settings After Onboarding
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  1. Open Settings (gear icon, bottom tab)
  2. Tap Environment
  3. Toggle Use GPS Location on or off
  4. If off, enter your Altitude and Temperature manually
  5. Changes take effect immediately on the active session

8 Notifications & Alerts
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8.1 Types of Alerts
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Alert Type When it fires Bypasses Focus/DND?
Custom Fuel Alert X minutes/hours before empty Yes (if Time Sensitive is enabled)
Generator Stall Engine detected stopped unexpectedly Yes (always Time Sensitive)
Tank Empty Fuel calculated to be fully depleted Yes (always Time Sensitive)

8.2 Setting Custom Fuel Alerts
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  1. On the dashboard, tap the Bell icon (top-right area)
  2. Tap Add Alert
  3. Use the time wheel to choose hours and minutes before empty (e.g., 1h 30m)
  4. Toggle Time Sensitive if you want it to bypass Focus/Do Not Disturb
  5. Tap Add Alert

You can add as many alerts as you want per generator. For example:

  • 2 hours before empty: standard notification (a gentle reminder)
  • 30 minutes before empty: Time Sensitive notification (cuts through Focus/Do Not Disturb)

8.3 Recommendation for Overnight Use
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Always set at least one Time Sensitive 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.

8.4 Modifying Notification Permissions After Onboarding
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  1. Open your iPhone Settings app
  2. Tap GenDash
  3. Tap Notifications
  4. Enable Allow Notifications and Time Sensitive Notifications

9 Smart Auto-Backup & Restore
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9.1 Why Backups Matter
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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.

9.2 Smart Auto-Backup
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GenDash features a Smart Auto-Backup system that protects your data automatically.

  • Go to Settings and toggle on Enable Auto-Backup. When activated, the app starts with a clean slate, and a backup is not marked as due until you make your next change.
  • GenDash intelligently monitors your database for important changes (such as adding/modifying generators, managing custom appliances, updating Home Assistant servers, or deleting logbook runs).
  • When a new important change is detected, the app will politely prompt you to save a backup the next time you open the app or return to the foreground.
  • The prompt provides four choices:
    • Save to iCloud: Triggers the iOS Share Sheet so you can save your backup file securely.
    • Discard Backup: Clears the pending warning status for these changes, but keeps the auto-backup feature turned ON. (You can also trigger this by tapping the red round minus button next to the Export Due Backup button in Settings).
    • Turn Off Auto Backup: Disables the auto-backup feature immediately and clears the pending warning status without having to open Settings.
    • Later in Settings (previously “Not Now”): Postpones the backup request to Settings. The prompt is permanently suppressed across restarts to avoid nagging you, and will only reappear when a new important change is made. You can still perform the backup anytime from Settings.

9.3 Manual Backups
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You can manually trigger a backup at any time:

  1. Go to Settings (scroll down to the Auto-Backup section)
  2. Tap Manual Backup
  3. A standard iOS Share Sheet appears
  4. Choose Save to Files to store it in iCloud Drive or your local storage
  5. You can also AirDrop it, email it, or send it to any app

The backup file is a single file containing:

  • All generator profiles and their specs
  • Your complete run history (logbook)
  • Your smart home server configurations

9.4 Restoring from a Backup
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  1. Go to Settings (scroll down to the Auto-Backup section)
  2. Tap Restore from Backup
  3. Navigate to your backup file in the Files app
  4. GenDash validates the file and shows you a summary of what will be restored
  5. 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.

10 Energy Load Planning (Appliances)
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GenDash allows you to assign specific appliances to your generator profile. This “load planning” 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.

10.1 The Appliance Library
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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.

The library includes:

  • Kitchen 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
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When you select an appliance from the library:

  1. Clone to Profile: GenDash creates a dedicated instance of that appliance for your generator.
  2. Pre-filled Wattage: The appliance comes with an average running wattage based on standard manufacturer data.
  3. 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
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  • Zero-Guess Start: When you start a new run, GenDash automatically totals the wattage of all assigned appliances. You don’t have to remember individual wattages or perform manual additions.
  • Accurate Predictions: Because the engine knows exactly what you are running, its initial “Time to Empty” 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
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The appliance and manual load lists have been optimized for high-performance responsiveness.

  • Tactile Sliders: Manual sources now use tactile sliders instead of text fields, allowing you to quickly “dial in” 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 > [Your Generator] > Edit screen.

10.5 The FTC EnergyGuide to Watts Converter
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During load planning, you may want to add custom household appliances, but you might not know their continuous average running wattage. Often, the appliance’s physical sticker only lists its peak/startup amperage or a generic electrical rating, which can cause you to over-budget your generator’s capacity.

To solve this, GenDash includes a built-in EnergyGuide to Watts Converter utility.

Why Use the Converter?
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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’s estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year).

Because 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:

$$\text{Watts} = \frac{\text{kWh/year} \times 1000}{8760 \text{ hours in a year}}$$

When to Use It
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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.

How to Access and Use It
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  1. Open the Converter: Go to the Settings tab (bottom bar) and tap EnergyGuide to Watts Converter under the help and information section.
  2. 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.
  3. Get Instant Watts: The calculator will immediately display the calculated average continuous wattage in large, clear figures.
  4. Copy to Clipboard: Tap Copy to Clipboard. The sheet will copy the calculated wattage to your system pasteboard and close automatically.
  5. Paste and Save: Navigate to the appliance configuration or manual load field in your generator profile settings, paste the wattage, and save.

10.6 Manage Appliance Library (via Settings)
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You can manage your custom appliance definitions globally from the Settings tab. Tap Manage Appliance Library to open the wizard, which provides three options:

  1. Create Custom Appliance: Build a custom appliance by entering a custom name, model description, category, and average wattage.
  2. Clone from Library: Choose an existing appliance template from the GenDash database and clone it as a starting point to customize.
  3. Delete Custom Appliances: Browse all custom appliances you have created and delete them (supports swipe-to-delete).

Once created, these custom appliances will be available under the Plan your loads section when editing any generator profile in the Garage.

11 Starting a Monitoring Session
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A “session” (called a Run in the app) is one continuous monitoring period — from when you start your generator to when you shut it down.

11.1 Step 1: Select Your Generator
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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.

11.2 Step 2: Configure Fuel & Choose Pathway
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Tap the large green Start Run button at the bottom of the dashboard. This opens the wizard directly on the Fuel configuration step (pre-populated with your last session’s fuel/charge level).

In this step, you can:

  • Set Fuel Level: Enter the fuel level as a percentage or a precise volume. Quick preset buttons (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) are available.
  • Toggle Eco Mode: If your generator supports Eco Mode, you can enable/disable it here.

From here, you have two pathways to launch the session:

Pathway 1: Quick Start
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Tap Quick Start to instantly begin the session using the configured fuel level while preserving all your active load configurations (manual loads, selected appliances, and smart feeds). This is the fastest way to get started.

Pathway 2: Set Load (Guided Start)
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Tap Set Load to proceed to the load configuration step to adjust manual loads and toggle appliances before starting the session.

11.3 Step 3: Configure Load (If using Set Load)
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If you chose the Set Load pathway, you will be taken to the load configuration screen to build your load profile:

  1. Appliances: Select from the appliances you assigned to this generator profile (e.g., “Fridge”, “Freezer”). GenDash adds their wattages automatically.
  2. Manual Sources: Add one-off loads not in your library.
  3. 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!

(Note: Operating fuel cost is configured directly within your generator’s profile settings in the Garage tab).

11.4 Safety Gating: The 110% Rule
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To protect your generator from damage, GenDash enforces a strict 110% Surge-Limit Gate.

  • Physical Load Sum: The app calculates the sum of your selected appliances and manual loads (the “Physical Load”).
  • Automatic Block: If this physical load exceeds 110% of your generator’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’t prevent you from starting your session.

11.5 Step 4: Tap “Start” (If using Set Load)
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After configuring your loads, tap Start at the bottom of the load screen. The wizard closes and the dashboard activates. You will see:

  • The 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

11.6 Capacity Snapshot & Manual Estimate Sheet
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If the generator is stopped, the dashboard displays "-- --" for its remaining runtime. Tap this time-remaining area to open the Capacity Estimate sheet, which serves as a diagnostic prep tool before starting your session.

1. Captured Snapshot Mode
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By default, the sheet takes a static “snapshot” of:

  • Current Fuel/Charge Level: Pulled from the generator profile’s last-known fuel level.
  • Captured Load: The aggregated live wattage from Home Assistant sensors, selected appliances, and manual load sources.

It displays the calculated runtime estimate and out-of-fuel (or fully discharged) timestamp based on this snapshot.

  • 0W Load Behavior: If your aggregated load is 0W, the sheet displays a warning prompt advising you to add a load, alongside the engine’s Theoretical Idle Runtime (the runtime if the engine spins at idle speed with no electrical load).

2. Manual Estimate Mode
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Toggle Manual Estimate to enter a simulation sandbox:

  • Tactile Load Slider: Drag a slider from 0W up to the generator’s rated capacity (or 2000W) in 50W increments to test how adding/removing loads affects your runtime.
  • Eco Mode Control: Toggle Eco Mode on or off to immediately see the consumption savings curve impact.
  • Fuel/Charge Level Customization: Drag a slider to set a custom fuel level (capped at 80% for propane manifold setups) or tap presets (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% for propane) to test various capacities.

Note: The manual load and fuel sliders automatically initialize to the captured snapshot values on appear to prevent UI jumpiness.

12 During a Session: Refuel or Recharge, Adjust Load & Stop
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12.1 Refueling or Recharging Mid-Session
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When you add fuel or recharge your generator:

  1. Tap the fuel pump or bolt icon (or the word Fuel/Charge in the dock at the bottom)
  2. The Refuel or Charge Sheet slides up, pre-filled with your current estimated fuel or charge level
  3. Choose a Quick Preset (25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of tank; for propane generators, presets are capped at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%) or slide/enter an exact amount
  4. Tap Update Fuel Level (or Update Charge 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.

Propane Safety Cap: The refuel sheet dynamically limits the slider range to a maximum of 80% for propane tanks (the legal safety expansion limit) and displays an error if you attempt to input a higher level.

Propane Multi-Tank Individual Levels: If you have multiple propane tanks connected in a manifold setup (configured in your generator profile), you can toggle “Adjust Individual Tanks” 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.

12.2 Adjusting the Load (Watts)
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Your power consumption changes during a session — the AC turns on, someone starts cooking, or you shed load to extend runtime. To update it:

  1. Tap the Watts display on the dashboard, or tap Watts in the dock
  2. The Load Entry sheet opens

The Load Entry sheet has two sections:

Smart Home Feeds (if connected)
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Lists all your linked sensors and their current live wattage. These update automatically — you do not need to do anything.

If 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.

Manual Sources
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You can add individual load items with a name and wattage.

  • Tactile 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 & Gating
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As you adjust your load, the Set Total Load button monitors your physical safety:

  • Near 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’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.

12.3 Stopping a Session
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Tap the main action button on the dashboard (the red stop button, or the running indicator). The Run Summary sheet appears with three options:

  1. Stop 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.

  2. Finish Run & Save — Permanently closes and saves the session to your Logbook. The session summary (duration, fuel used, cost) is saved forever.

  3. Finish 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.

Tap Keep Running to dismiss the sheet without taking any action.

12.4 Stall Intervention
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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.

You have three resolution paths:

  1. Refuel or Recharge Now: Takes you to the refuel or recharge sheet to update your level and restart the engine.
  2. Pause Session: Clears the stall and moves the session into a standard “Paused” state.
  3. End & Save: Finalizes the session and saves it to your logbook.

All three resolutions are processed automatically using the engine’s physical stallTime to ensure the session logs, runtime metrics, and fuel costs remain accurate without requiring manual timeline adjustments.

12.5 Exporting the Session Log
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At any point during a session—or after you stop the engine—you can generate a human-readable diagnostic log of your run.

  1. Tap the Stop button to bring up the Run Summary sheet.
  2. Tap Export Session Log.
  3. 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.

  • For Gas/Diesel/Propane: The log tracks “Fuel Consumed”, “Refuel Events”, and “Liters/Gallons”.
  • For Battery Stations: The log automatically switches to “Energy Used”, “Charge Events”, and “kWh”.

This log is perfect for insurance documentation, maintenance records, or troubleshooting with your generator technician.

13 History & Financial Tracking
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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.

13.1 Past Runs
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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.

13.2 Timeline History
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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.

14 Live Activities & Haptic Feedback
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14.1 Live Activities (Lock Screen & Dynamic Island)
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Once a session is active, GenDash publishes a Live Activity — a real-time widget that lives outside the app.

Where it appears:

  • Dynamic 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:

  • Generator model & 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.

The Live Activity updates every few seconds. It is automatically removed when you end your session.

14.2 Haptic Feedback
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GenDash uses your iPhone’s taptic engine to give you tactile confirmation of actions:

Action 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.

15 Fleet Management (Multi-Generator Controls)
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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 “Fleet”.

15.1 Access to Fleet Controls
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Fleet controls appear dynamically in the action bar at the bottom of your main dashboard:

  • Fleet 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
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The Fleet Start Management sheet displays all available generators in your Garage.

  • Multi-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 “Resumed”. If it was stopped, a “Quick Start” at full capacity will be initialized.
  • Single-tap Execution: Tap Start Selected to launch all chosen units simultaneously.

15.3 Batch Stop
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When it is time to turn everything off for the night or after grid power returns:

  • Open 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 & Logs
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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.

16.1 Enabling Maintenance Tracking
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To track maintenance for a generator:

  1. Navigate to the Garage tab and tap the Edit (pencil) icon on a generator profile.
  2. Scroll down to the Maintenance Tracking section.
  3. Toggle Enable Maintenance Tracking to ON.

16.2 Configuring Maintenance Tasks
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Once enabled, you can configure individual maintenance tasks based on your generator’s user manual (e.g., Oil Change, Spark Plug replacement, Air Filter cleaning, Valve Clearance adjustment):

  • Enable/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., “0.6L 10W-30”) or filter model numbers.

16.3 Overdue Warnings
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If a task becomes overdue:

  • A warning triangle icon is displayed on the main dashboard next to the generator’s nickname.
  • Within the generator’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’s current lifetime hours.

16.4 Logging Completed Events
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When you perform service:

  1. Tap 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.
  2. A Maintenance Log Popup will appear. Enter the date the service was completed, the current engine hours, and any service notes.
  3. 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
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In the generator’s edit form, tap Maintenance Log to view your complete service history.

  • Edit/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
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⚠️ Warning: This action is permanent and cannot be undone.

The Reset Database feature is located in Settings > Danger Zone.

17.1 What it Deletes
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A full database reset permanently deletes:

  • All 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
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  • Your app preferences (units, location settings)
  • Any backup files you previously exported to Files/iCloud

17.3 Backup Step
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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.

17.4 When to Use This
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  • 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
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If you kept your backup file, you can restore everything immediately:

  1. Tap Settings > Data Management > Restore from Backup
  2. Navigate to your .gendash backup file
  3. All profiles, runs, and server configs are restored

18 Frequently Asked Questions
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18.1 General
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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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: I don’t see an option to add “Rooms.” 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 “Fridge,” name the appliance “Kitchen Fridge” or “Garage Freezer.”

  • Pro Tip: You can clone a standard appliance from the library (e.g., “LED Light”) multiple times and rename each clone (e.g., “Living Room Lights,” “Hallway Lights”). This allows you to track and log power usage by location without needing complex sub-menus.

Q: I didn’t see the “Out of Fuel” or “Battery Depleted” notification until an hour later. Is my session data ruined? A: No. GenDash tracks your session’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.

Q: Don’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.

Build 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.

Compare 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.

Whether you’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.

Q: 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’s settings. You can log completed tasks to track your service history.

18.2 Smart Home
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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.

“You can add multiple Home Assistant servers!”

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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’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’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 “heal” the timeline and ensure 100% accuracy.

18.3 Fuel & Accuracy
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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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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 “Adjust Individual Tanks” 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.

18.4 Data & Privacy
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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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

18.5 Premium & Promo Codes
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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:

Option 1: Direct Link (Easiest & Fastest)
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You can redeem the code instantly by formatting a custom Apple URL:

  1. Take your one-time use code (e.g., GENDASHLIFETIME123).
  2. Construct the following link: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?code=YOUR_CODE_HERE (Example: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?code=GENDASHLIFETIME123)
  3. Send this link to your test device (via AirDrop, Messages, Notes, or Email) and tap it.
  4. The device will automatically open the App Store, prompt you to verify, and redeem the code.
  5. 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
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  1. Open the App Store app on your iOS device.
  2. Tap your Profile Icon (avatar) in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code.
  4. Tap Enter Code Manually at the bottom.
  5. Enter your one-time use code and tap Redeem in the top-right corner.
  6. Once redemption is confirmed, open GenDash and tap Restore Purchases on the paywall screen to unlock lifetime access.

19 Real-World Setup Examples
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19.1 The “Manual Budgeter” (Portable Inverter)
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  • 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 “Smart Cabin” (Home Assistant + Smart Plugs)
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  • 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 “Whole Home Backup” (Standby Generator + Panel Monitor)
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  • 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’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 “worst-case” countdown. The user receives a Time Sensitive Alert on their iPhone if the total load approaches the generator’s surge limit.

19.4 The “Smart Transfer Switch” (Refoss Panel Monitor)
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  • 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 “Total Generator Power”. GenDash monitors this combined entity. During an outage, the user can see exactly how much headroom they have left before they trip the generator’s breaker, even when standing in the kitchen.

GenDash — Stay safe and stay powered.