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All,
We have a Generac generator that we are just thrilled with. Propane powered (propane requires no maintenance, unlike diesel fuel), liquid cooled, quiet and very strong (38kw); hooked to automatic transfer switches it handles the load of our entire property and multiple dwellings/buildings without even loading up. We also use the MobileLink app to monitor it. That includes things like its performance, its maintenance needs and its operation. So, what is the single thing we have been unhappy with from Day 1? Its communication via MobileLink.
When it was delivered and installed I asked about connecting it to our WiFi. The installer had no clue so I added it to my “do list” and got to it when I had the chance. What I learned was that ours was not outfitted with any communication option when it was made. No cellular, no Ethernet and no WiFi. Seriously? Today every air-cooled generator hardly half the strength of ours comes with it standard. And our Generac, only 3-4 years old now, it has the latest generation of programming controls built into the end of the enclosure. Somebody just dropped the ball and didn’t spec one of the optional communication paths to be installed. Well, I’m handy, so I did it.
I am not posting to say anything negative about anyone, just recapping our experience. Well, I do chastise Generac a bit below, but not too badly. In any case, I explored options and the only one mentioned was the cellular communicator. It is a Verizon communicator and I was dubious about the signal quality, but the orientation and location of our generator seemed favorable considering there were no other mentioned options. Well, once I installed the wiring harness and mounted the device performance was spotty at best. So, we would sometimes get notices of having been on generator power hours after the event. Sometimes the next day. And it is consistent in this regard. The generator starts and runs a test cycle every Monday afternoon. We frequently don’t get email or app notification until the next day. That is, in a word, unacceptable.
A couple of weeks ago I started researching it again and I found out that, low and behold, there is a combination WiFi/Ethernet device! HOORAY! Here is my Grok exchange:
https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMg_79c61f98-7e47-44ed-8d88-a80e8c748acf
My Question: Our Generac generator has an auto-start feature. It is so far from our house we can’t hear it running. What options can you recommend, even low tech like a light, can you recommend so at a glance of a camera or via WiFi we can tell? Update: For some reason our 38kw Generac was not wired for a cellular communicator. We added it after the fact and have fair cell coverage, but the notices across that path always take hours, sometimes days. I wish I could add a dual path to wifi or Ethernet. Is that an option?
Grok’s Answer: Yes, you have several good options for monitoring your 38kW Generac (likely a liquid-cooled model) remotely—both official smart solutions via the Mobile Link system and simple low-tech visual indicators that work well with a camera. Since it’s already wired for a cellular communicator and you have fair cell coverage (but delayed notifications), I’ll focus on practical fixes, including dual-path connectivity.
1. Official Generac Mobile Link Monitoring (Best for WiFi/Ethernet + Real-Time App Alerts)
Generac’s Mobile Link system lets you monitor generator status (running/stopped, faults, exercise cycles, runtime, etc.), get push notifications, emails, or texts, and view everything in the free Mobile Link app. Your 38kW model is compatible with the accessories (2010+ liquid-cooled generators with Nexus/Evo controllers generally work).
Dual-path option (cellular + WiFi/Ethernet backup): Your existing cellular communicator (the Connectivity Cellular Accessory) supports Wi-Fi as an optional fallback. If a cellular signal is present it defaults to cellular, but you can configure Wi-Fi in the Mobile Link app so the device automatically uses Wi-Fi when available (or falls back to it if cellular drops). This gives you a true dual-path setup for more reliable/faster notifications. Setup steps (super simple, done in the app):Open the Mobile Link app and log in.
Tap your generator card → Settings → Wi-Fi Configuration.
Follow the prompts to connect to your home Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz only; it won’t work on 5 GHz). This is exactly what you asked for—no new hardware needed if your cellular module is already installed.
Caveat on Wi-Fi range: Your generator is far from the house, so home Wi-Fi probably doesn’t reach it yet. Solutions:Add a Wi-Fi extender, mesh node, or outdoor access point (e.g., a directional antenna or weatherproof bridge aimed at the generator).
Or use the separate Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet accessory (part #7170 or similar) if you prefer a dedicated Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection instead of (or alongside) cellular. It plugs in similarly and supports wired Ethernet if you can run a cable.
Notification improvement: Wi-Fi tends to deliver faster real-time alerts than cellular in many cases (especially if cellular has spotty performance or plan limitations). You can choose push notifications, text, or email. Basic monitoring is often free; premium plans add more features if needed.
Contact your Generac dealer or use the app/support site to confirm your exact controller and walk through enabling the Wi-Fi backup—they can remote into it in many cases. Installation of any accessory is usually quick (10-30 minutes) and often DIY with basic tools.
2. Low-Tech Visual Indicator + Camera (Simple, Reliable, No Subscription)
Since you mentioned “at a glance of a camera,” this is cheap, foolproof, and works even if Wi-Fi doesn’t reach the generator.Add a bright “running” light visible to any camera: Wire a weatherproof outdoor LED floodlight, beacon, or large indicator lamp right at the generator pad.
Easiest way: Connect it to the generator’s 120V output (it only lights when the generator is producing power). Or tap the 12V battery/auxiliary circuit with a simple relay/LED strip for lower power draw.
When the generator auto-starts (outage or weekly exercise), the light turns on instantly—your camera shows it at a glance, day or night.
Cost: $20–50 for the light + basic wiring. Many owners do this exact setup.Camera recommendation: Add (or repurpose) a Wi-Fi security camera (Ring, Arlo, Blink, or any outdoor model) aimed at the generator/light. If Wi-Fi range is an issue, use a cellular camera or add an extender. You’ll see the light on/off immediately—no app delays.
This combo has zero ongoing cost and gives instant visual confirmation even if the app is glitchy.
Quick Recommendation Summary
If you want app-based + dual-path: Enable Wi-Fi backup on your existing cellular module via the Mobile Link app (and extend Wi-Fi to the generator if needed). This directly solves your wish for WiFi/Ethernet alongside cellular.
Fastest/cheapest immediate fix: Install the visible running light + point a camera at it.
Hybrid: Do both—Mobile Link for detailed alerts + light for instant visual backup.
Either way, you’ll know at a glance (or via phone) whether it’s running. If you tell me your exact controller model (look on the generator panel) or how far the generator is, I can refine the Wi-Fi extension suggestions further. Your local Generac dealer can also handle the accessory install and test notifications on-site. Let me know how it goes!
My follow up question: I don’t see any WiFi fallback option. I will attach some screen grabs. Tell me where these settings are?
The Wi-Fi Configuration option for your Connectivity Cellular Accessory (the one already installed on your 38kW Generac) is located under the main generator card settings in the Mobile Link app. [Note: In our case this is 100% wrong. – Phillip] It’s not always immediately visible on every screen or if the app is in a certain view, which explains why you didn’t spot it.
Exact Steps to Find and Enable Wi-Fi Fallback
Open the Mobile Link app and go to the main Dashboard (the house icon at the bottom).
Tap on your Generator card (the big one that says “Generator is ready to run” for your Generac 38KW).
Scroll down or look for the Settings section (you’ll see options like Notifications, Exercise settings, Preferred dealer in your screenshots).
In that Settings area, look for and tap Wi-Fi Configuration. If prompted with something like “Disconnect from Bluetooth?”, choose No, stay connected (or follow the prompt).
This is where you connect to your home Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only) as a backup/fallback to the cellular connection.
Once enabled, the device will prefer cellular when it’s strong but automatically use Wi-Fi when available (or fall back to it), giving you the dual-path setup you wanted. Notifications should become much faster/reliable over Wi-Fi.
If You Still Don’t See “Wi-Fi Configuration”
Make sure the app is fully updated (your version 3.14.0 is recent, but check for updates anyway).
Try force-closing and reopening the app, or log out and back in.
On some versions/views, you may need to tap the generator details or go deeper into the menu.
Worst case: Tap the Reconnect now button if it appears on the generator card (sometimes shown for connection issues), then choose Integrated Wi-Fi or similar options during the flow.
Additional Tips for Your Setup
Wi-Fi range is still the big challenge since the generator is far away. You’ll likely need a strong signal at the generator pad. Options include:Outdoor
Wi-Fi extender / mesh node pointed at the generator.
Powerline adapter + outdoor access point.
Or a dedicated directional Wi-Fi bridge.
LTE strength shows only 18% in your screenshot — that’s quite weak, which matches your delayed notifications. Adding Wi-Fi should help a lot.
Your online since 02/23/2026 is old, and last exercise was a few days ago — the dual connection should keep it more responsive.
If the Wi-Fi Configuration option truly doesn’t appear after checking the generator card, contact your preferred dealer (Parker Power Systems) or Generac support directly through the app (Menu → Help & Support). They can often remote-check or guide you precisely for your exact firmware/controller.
The visible running light + camera idea is still an excellent no-fail backup regardless. Let me know what happens when you look for that Wi-Fi Configuration setting!
My follow up question: I previously spoke with Parker Power and Generac and this device was not wired for WiFi. Can it be retrofitted?
Yes, it can be retrofitted for Wi-Fi (as a backup/fallback to cellular) without replacing the entire cellular module. Your existing Connectivity Cellular Accessory (the one already installed) officially supports Wi-Fi backup through the Mobile Link app—no extra wiring or major hardware changes are typically required for the fallback feature itself.
Why Parker Power / Generac Said “Not Wired for WiFi”
The cellular module primarily uses its built-in cellular radio.
Wi-Fi is not a separate “wired” capability like a dedicated Wi-Fi-only accessory (e.g., part #7170 Wi-Fi/Ethernet). Instead, it’s a software/app-configured backup that uses the module’s existing hardware to connect to your home Wi-Fi when available.
Some older installs or specific firmware versions might not have shown the option clearly, or the dealer may have focused only on the primary cellular path.
How to Enable the Wi-Fi Backup (Retrofit)
In the Mobile Link app: Go to your generator card → Settings → Wi-Fi Configuration.
Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi network.
The module will then use cellular as primary and automatically fall back to Wi-Fi when the cellular signal is weak (like your 18% LTE) or unavailable.
This gives you the dual-path reliability you wanted. Notifications should arrive much faster over Wi-Fi.
Requirements/Limitations:
Your controller (likely Evolution/Nexus on a 38kW liquid-cooled unit) is compatible.
Strong Wi-Fi signal must reach the generator (the biggest hurdle due to distance). You’ll probably need an outdoor Wi-Fi extender, mesh node, or directional access point.
The app must show the Wi-Fi Configuration option (if it still doesn’t, force-close the app, update it, or have Generac/Parker remote-push the firmware).
Alternative/Stronger Retrofit Option
If the built-in backup isn’t sufficient or you want a dedicated/stronger Wi-Fi connection:
Install the separate Mobile Link Wi-Fi/Ethernet Accessory (part #7170 or equivalent). This is a plug-in retrofit that many owners add alongside or in place of cellular. It can coexist or be used as primary. Your dealer can install it quickly.
Recommendation: Call Parker Power Systems again (your preferred dealer) and specifically ask them to enable Wi-Fi backup on the existing Connectivity Cellular Accessory (G0072150). Reference the Generac support article on “Configure Wi-Fi backup for the Cellular Connectivity Device.” They should be able to confirm compatibility for your serial number and walk you through it (or do it remotely).
If Wi-Fi signal strength at the generator remains an issue, the visible running light + camera is still your most reliable “at a glance” solution.
Let me know what they say or if the Wi-Fi Configuration option appears now—I can help troubleshoot further!
And you know what? Until we got to the conversation about retrofitting the cellular device with a replacement 1170 Grok was basically 100% WRONG. And then, none of those places had one in stock and available for sale. So Grok really, really, wasted a lot of our time. Kathy and I called, we emailed, we looked online; nobody had one of these 1170 devices in stock. In fact, I used up all of my Grok searches during this process. Did you know that you get locked out after awhile? That it uses that as a marketing tool to try and get you to pay for an upgraded subscription? In this instance Grok gave me bad info, completely bad results, and then it locked me out. I can guarantee you one thing, I am willing to pay for performance, but as much as I like Grok and use it, I’m not paying anything more for it until I consistently get knock it out of the ballpark correct performance. And they really screwed themselves by locking me out at this point in our search, because then I went primitive on them. I called Club member Charles “Cookie” Ferguson (KJ5BLH) and asked if he had a suggestion.
Cookie is an electrician with Hargis Electric and they do Generac installs. I only went with Parker Power out of Carrollton because Hargis Electric installed only up to 22kw when we were in the market. Nonetheless, they are a Generac installer and so I thought Cookie might be able to tell me whom to call on Monday. No, he did better than that, he sent me a link right to the thing. What? Seriously? Yes.
And where was it in stock?
Amazon.
Yes, Amazon.
Grok has pointed me to Amazon to source several things, and to my chagrin I very frequently find that the Amazon link from Grok is bad, the item is out of stock or discontinued. I’m not sure what the reason for all of that is. Maybe Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk don’t get along, but very, very, often, Grok answers referencing Amazon are a wild goose chase. But Cookie’s lead? Spot on!
You know what? I misspoke above, there were some of these 7170’s available. All on eBay and all listed as like $800. Someone bought a bunch out of a warehouse and thought they would screw desperate people and sell them for four times what they paid. So, I am only too happy to buy one via Amazon and have it delivered Amazon Prime (free shipping) a week later. To hell with that person gouging people on eBay.
So, our brand new 7170 is being delivered today. I will swap it out for the weak Verizon (18% signal strength) cellular communicator (Shame on you Generac, forcing people to use that thing instead of a dual path WiFi/Ethernet communication path.) and then call Generac/MobileLink and give them the MAC address for the new device and have them change us over. THEN we should start getting rock solid communication.
Conclusion: I haven’t done the swap yet, but from reading online reviews I don’t expect any problems. If you too live in a rural area with poor cell signals and want this option, just check and make sure it is compatible with your particular Generac. And then, skipping all the BS Grok generated for possible sources and saving yourself the financial anguish of being raped by the eBay seller(s) asking their exorbitant prices; just go to the Amazon link above and get one headed your way.
73
Phillip Beall (W5EBC)
PS Why did I give the whole Grok exchange above? Just so that anyone really interested would know that it was an hours long exercise and that Grok was completely wrong at times. Make sure you check what any of these AI tools give you. They may send you on an exercise that looks a lot like one of those short animated gifs of a dog chasing its tail.
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