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Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Yahoo Message Number: 86416
Has anyone been successful adding an AGS module to their rig?

If so what AGS unit did you use?

Thanks

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86417
An AGS can be added to any gen set. it is only a control device.

Mikee

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86419
Thank you Mikee. Which one did you chose?

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86422
I have not needed to get one lately for anyone, but if you Google them, they have different features, advantages, benefits. One will meet your needs. Some include auto start for temp to start AC some can be set to start on a certain load etc, of course these features are in addition to the normal start on xx battery voltage.

Mikee

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86428
I have and used Magnum Energy's unit that accompanies their 2800 watt pure sine wave inverter. Picture is here: http://muniac.smugmug.com/Travel/Country-Coach-2006-430-Allure/i-xNzNvSs/0/M/IMG_3270-M.jpg Unit is just above the inverter. I had to make special brackets to mount it. Clearing the hinge and gas strut was the challenge. I also needed to run an extra wire too to pickup the generator's remote start control. My installation includes a defeat switch at the genstart module. I did the install back in 2007 and never once used this feature. My generator is the Onan 8K green monster!

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86431
Scott, thank you for the info and the picture. (That is one very clean battery and inverter compartment.)
Was your install was of the control component only, with no remote control of the AGS?
I would guess since you do not use the feature you have no strong opinion of its reliability.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86433
I tuned mine off after it came on in the middle of the night in a state park campground.

Dan 2006 Allure 31348

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86434
Dean,

I added the Onan Energy Command 30W (EC-30W). There are a lot of things I like about it such as being able to set the inside temp when it will come on if the shore power is lost. Keeps the air conditioning going for the pets. Also you can set a range of time that it will not come on, such as the parks Quite Hours. Of course it will start the generator at a preset voltage to recharge the house batteries if needed. There are others that you can read about.
What I don't like is the price. Very expensive for what you get. Also I continue to have problems getting the wireless remote to connect with the control box (receiver). I went to great pains (wiring on the receiver is much too short) to get the receiver inside the coach and still I am having problems. Sometimes I have to hold the remote within 2' of the receiver to get them to connect. The strange part is once they are connected they will stay connected quite well. Go figure.
http://www.cumminsonan.com/autostart/
Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86437
Dean,

I would use this AGS from Magnum.

http://www.magnumenergy.com/products/AGS-N.htm
I installed their battery combiner when my Echo Charger failed. They make a very nice, solid product.
http://www.magnumenergy.com/products/SBC.htm
I have no interest in the company beyond being a satisfied customer.

George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86438
Dean - UR Welcome. The genstart module has some analog controls which are adequate. Not high tech but you can set the necessary parameters.
I'd say the unit is reasonably well designed. But I can't vouch for extended usage since I've never used it. I did test it whence installed but that's about it. It works. I think all these products boil down to warranty and factory support. Magnum at least picks up their phone and returns phone calls. HUGE in today's absentee business model. Another feature I recall with that unit is an inside temperature sensor. The idea is to start the generator (when an unattended bus gets hot) which in turn powers the air conditioners (left on). This way you don't return to an oven. Again an untested feature of someone's idea to enhance a genstart module. Perhaps someone else can jump in with comprehensive field usage and data.

Re: Auto Gen Start Retrofit with Powertech generator

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86440
George, thank you for the reference to the Magnum Network AGS.
I guess I am concerned that I do not have a Magnum Inverter so the network part could not be easily accomplished. The Magnum AGS is about 2/3 the cost of the Xantrax AGS so it is interesting.
Both the Xantrax and the Magnum instructions seem to require an "networked" inverter, DC sense module, and Generator with a start "sense" capability.
I am dealing with a 1995 Powertech Generator and a 1995 2500W Freedom (now Xantrax) inverter. So the modern Xanbus and the Magnum Network required items are not present.

Hence my original question.

Thanks

Dean

95 Magna 5280