How Do I Install the Mobile Link 4G LTE Device on My Home Standby Generator?

Owners of compatible Generac Home Standby generators can install a Mobile Link 4G LTE device that uses Verizon's cellular network to deliver generator information to the Mobile Link app. The 4G LTE device can be installed by a technician or end user. This device can also be swapped on generators with an existing Mobile Link Wi-Fi device.

Does My Generator Support the Mobile Link 4G LTE Accessory?

The 4G device (part# G0071690) is compatible with generators that meet both of these criteria:

1. Manufactured in 2008 and newer
2. Have a "pre-nexus" Nexus, Evolution 1.0 & 2.0, or Honeywell Sync, Sync 2.0 & Sync 3.0r controller.

Will I Have Coverage?

The Mobile Link 4G LTE Device uses Verizon's cellular network. Service availability can be estimated using the coverage map on Verizon.com. 

Where Can I Purchase the 4G LTE Device?

The Mobile Link 4G LTE Accessory (part G0071690) can be purchased on Generac.com.

Can I Install this Myself?

The 4G LTE Device is user installable, however; it does require disassembly and intermediate mechanical knowledge. If an end user is not comfortable installing the device, they can contact their local dealer to schedule a visit.

This Article Will Include:

• Preparing the Generator
• Install the Mobile Link 4G LTE Unit
• Next Steps

Note: This guide does not cover the process to retrofit the discontinued Mobile Link CDMA device with the new 4G version. See: How do I upgrade my CDMA device to the LTE device?

Preparation

Verify Operation

Verify the generator is operation and performance prior to adding the Mobile Link Cellular unit during a new cellular installation.

Disable Wi-Fi

Generators with the Evolution 2.0 controllers are equipped with a Wi-Fi module on the rear panel. Wi-Fi functionality (if enabled) must be disabled before installing a Mobile Link cellular unit. Proceed as follows to disable Wi-Fi:

1. With the generator operating, enter the Wi-Fi menu by selecting WIFI on the controller display.
   
   

   

   Note: If the display reads WiFi Setup?, this indicates the generator is equipped with Wi-Fi, but functionality is already disabled or has not been set up. 

2. Use arrow keys to toggle between Yes and No. Select No and press ENTER.
   
   
   
   
3. Press ESCAPE to return to the default controller display.

Locate the Main Circuit Breaker

Depending on the generator model, the main circuit breaker is located either in an external breaker box (A), or internally near the controller (B).

Install the Mobile Link 4G LTE Unit

Prepare the Generator (New Installations)

1. Unlock both locks, open the generator lid, and remove the front panel.
2. If the generator is equipped with an internal breaker near the controller, remove the end panel from right side. Otherwise, proceed to Step 3.
   
   
   
   
3. Turn the generator OFF. Remove the generator panel fuse.
   
   Note: There are different controller configurations for various model years.
   
   
4. Turn the main utility disconnect breaker in home’s electrical panel to OFF or OPEN.
5. Using an appropriate fuse puller, remove the T1 fuse from transfer switch.
6. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable, then the positive (+) battery cable.
7. If the generator is equipped with an external breaker box, remove the controller sheet metal cover and fasteners.
8. 2013 and later models have a pre-positioned dimple on the end panel. The dimple marks the center of the mounting hole to be drilled.
   
   
   
   
9. Inspect area behind external breaker box to verify all wires are moved out of the way to prevent damage during drilling.
   
   Note: Models equipped with an internal breaker mounted near the controller will already have the end panel removed at this point. Carefully place the end panel face up on a clean, smooth, flat surface to avoid damaging the paint.
   
   
10. Drill a 1-1/8 in (29 mm) diameter hole with the dimple as the center point.
11. Proceed to the Connecting the Mobile Link Unit section.

Prepare the Generator (Equipped with an Existing Mobile Link Unit)

1. Unlock both locks, open the generator lid, and remove the front panel.
2. If the generator is equipped with an internal breaker near the controller, remove the end panel from right side. Otherwise, proceed to Step 3.
   
   
   
   
3. Turn the generator OFF. Remove the generator panel fuse (7.5 amp generator control panel fuse).
   
   Note: There are different controller configurations for various model years.
   
   
4. Set the main utility disconnect breaker in home’s electrical panel to OFF (OPEN).
5. Using an appropriate fuse puller, remove the T1 fuse from transfer switch.
6. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable, then the positive (+) battery cable.
7. Disconnect the wire harness from port 1 on the controller.

Connect the New Mobile Link Unit

1. Connect the leads to the positive and negative battery terminals.
   
2. Push the six pin connector through the supplied plastic fitting (A).
3. Place the green gasket (B) on the threaded end of the plastic fitting. Push the threaded end through the controller end panel.
4. Thread the antenna (C) into the Mobile Link cellular unit (D). Rotate the antenna clockwise until it is secure. Position the antenna pointing up.
   
   Note: Do not overtighten the antenna; hand tighten only.
   
   
   
   
5. Insert the six pin harness connector from the Mobile Link cellular unit into the mating connector of the wiring harness. The connector will only fit one way. DO NOT force it into place.
6. With the connector installed, tighten the plastic fitting to secure the Mobile Link cellular unit until it is tight and the device is secured to the end panel. Align the antenna vertically, and verify the Mobile Link logo is on the left side.
   
   Note: Hold the Mobile Link cellular unit firmly and tighten the nut during installation to avoid damage to the wiring harness.
   
   
   
   

   Connect the Wiring Harness

    

7. Locate the accessory port. The accessory port is an eight-pin connector on the underside of the controller.
   
   On older models equipped with an external breaker box, lift the controller to gain access to the accessory plug location.
   
   On models equipped with an internal breaker mounted near the controller, the accessory port is visible from the battery compartment when the end panel is removed (see below image).
   
   
   
   Note: If there is a decal labeled “Port 1” or “Accessory Prt 1,” remove the decal to locate the port.
   
   
8. Install the eight pin connector harness into the open socket on the controller.
   
   Note: The connector will only fit one way. DO NOT force.
   
   
   
   
9. Connect the battery cables. Connect the positive battery cable first, then connect the negative battery cable.
10. For units equipped with Evolution 1.0 controllers or earlier: See the below image. Loosen and remove the nuts (A) from both positive (+) and negative (–) battery terminal screws on the battery cables. Slide the harness power wires (B) over the battery terminal screws and replace the nuts. Tighten securely.
    
    
    
    Note: Harness power wires consist of a black negative (-) wire and a fused red positive (+) wire.

Complete the Unit Installation

1. Install the end panel, controller, or sheet metal controller cover. Install and tighten the retaining fasteners.
2. Verify the generator is OFF.
3. Install the  generator controller fuse.
4. Install the T1 fuse into the transfer switch using an appropriate fuse puller.
5. Turn the main breaker in the home electrical panel to ON. On the generator control panel, follow the installation wizard and validate the correct date, time, etc.
6. Place the generator into AUTO.

Mobile Link Cellular LEDs

Next Steps

New Mobile Link users - Register the generator with a Mobile Link account: How Do I Sign Up For a Mobile Link Account?

Wi-Fi to 4G LTE swap - Upgrade the Mobile Link subscription to the cellular plan: How Do I Upgrade from the Mobile Link Wi-Fi Plan to the 4G LTE Plan?