Universal remote machinery monitor

A system for remotely monitoring at least one engine-driven electrical generator, and a control network for control thereof, one or more switches coupled to the control network for controlling the at least one engine-driven electrical generator via the control network, said system comprising:

• a controller hardwired coupled to the control network of the at least one engine-driven electrical generator, the controller being configured to monitor the at least one engine-driven electrical generator so that monitoring of the at least one engine-driven electrical generator is maintainable independent of the state of operation of the at least one engine-driven electrical generator, wherein the controller is configured to measure electrical voltage output by the at least one engine-driven electrical generator;
• a central server;
• means for receiving signals from the central server for controlling the controller from a remote location, the received signals including instructions for the controller to selectively start and shut down the at least one engine-driven electrical generator;
• means for transmitting, to the central server, information collected by the controller resulting from the controller monitoring the at least one engine-driven electrical generator, the information including the measured electrical voltage outputs;
• and,
• a detector configured to detect a unique signal, wherein, upon detection of the unique signal, the means for transmitting information transmits a signal to the central server requesting service,
• wherein the controller is configured to selectively start and shut down the at least one engine-driven electrical generator, based on the instructions, via the control network, independently from, and simultaneously with, the one or more switches.