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Getting Started

Welcome to the BlackPaw Control System documentation. This page is the best place to start if you are new to the system. It gives you a simple overview of what the system is and how it fits together.

What is the BlackPaw Control System?​

The BlackPaw Control System is a Home Assistant based control and monitoring system designed for RV and marine vessel installations.

Ecosystem

It combines:

  • the System installed through Home Assistant
  • one of two editions: Nomad or Helm
  • physical ESP-based devices, firmware delivered preinstalled and updated by OTA where supported
  • integrations to many other devices and sensors on the market

For most users, the System is the part installed in Home Assistant, while devices handle sensing, switching, and other hardware functions in the van.

Editions​

The BlackPaw Control System is available in two editions:

Nomad​

Nomad is one edition of the BlackPaw Control System. If you are installing Nomad, use the Nomad-specific guidance wherever the documentation shows differences between editions.

Helm​

Helm is the second edition of the BlackPaw Control System. If you are installing Helm, use the Helm-specific guidance wherever the documentation shows differences between editions.

How the system fits together​

At a high level, the system works like this:

  1. you prepare the vehicle for installation
  2. you add BlackPaw Addons to your network
  3. you install other supported devices
  4. you install the BlackPaw Core unit

Most shipped BlackPaw Addons already include firmware when they arrive. Manual firmware downloads are mainly relevant for DIY builders and advanced recovery cases.

Before you install​

Before starting installation, make sure you have worked through the Planning section.

This is especially important in a campervan environment, where power, network coverage, cable routing, and device placement all matter before installation begins.

Start with:

What you will install​

A typical installation includes:

  • Home Assistant running on supported hardware
  • the BlackPaw Control System
  • the Nomad or Helm edition
  • one or more supported ESP-based devices
  • the required power, network, and wiring in the vehicle

Depending on your setup, some devices and firmware may be shared across both editions, while some may be edition-specific.

Typical installation path​

For most users, the recommended path is:

  1. confirm your campervan is ready for installation
  2. choose Nomad or Helm
  3. install the System in Home Assistant
  4. install and connect your devices
  5. confirm the system is operating correctly
  6. continue to configuration and maintenance as needed

If you are building your own devices​

DIY builds are supported differently from shipped devices.

Shipped devices normally arrive with firmware already installed. DIY builds may require manual firmware flashing, manual provisioning, or additional setup steps.

If you are building your own hardware, make sure you also review the device-specific install and firmware guidance before you begin.