Help me understand how to boondock with 110 volts

[JMH]

I believe the AGS takes the temp off the thermostat. I haven't used it on our coach but several members that have pets on board have posted in the forum that they use the feature to make sure their pets are safe in hot weather if the shore power fails.

According to the thermostat manual:

Auto Generator Start (AGS)
On RV’s equipped with an optional AGS Kit, the vehicle generator will automatically start when any zone calls for cooling and will shut off when zones reach set point. The Auto Generator Start (AGS) function will be implemented by an individual power module board con gured for this function by setting the GEN Start DIP switch ON. On the AGS power module board a relay shall be used to provide a start signal to the generator. The normally open relay contacts are utilized and the closure of these contacts provides the signal to start the generator. The AGS relay shall be activated when any zone or stage requires cooling, heat pump, dehumidi er or heat strip oper- ation. When a zone calls for heating, cooling or dehumidi cation, the AGS relay shall be closed, followed by a time delay to allow the generator to warm up after which time the output relay will be activated on the zone that initiated the heating, cooling or dehumidi cation request. When the heat/cool and dehumidify requests in all zones have been satis ed, the AGS relay will open and the generator will shut-down.

Your Magnum manual also has an extended setup discussion on this also.

Pretty complex so best to have someone walk you through if the manual is not clear to you.

Mark and Louene Hetrick
Newbee the last VTDP 3725

[vsheetz]

I would not think you would need air conditioning that time of year at night. Only use the generator in the day and evening as needed for air conditioning.

Set the battery charger limit to lowest value and leave the coach plugged in on the 120vac extension cord full time.

IMHO.

[Scottybdivin]

Just remember that the SOC charts for 12V batteries are static with no loads. Any dynamic load such as a residential fridge, TV, stereo, etc, will pull the voltage below that, although the SOC is still above 50%. Here is what Magnum has to say about it in the ME-AGS-N manual.

Where should I set Start Volts? When setting the VDC start voltage, it
must be high enough to not over-discharge the battery, but also low enough
to keep from nuisance starting the generator. Typically, start volts is set
based on what is determined to be approximately 50% of the battery capacity.
Since this is an inverter/battery system, and the battery is normally
loaded, the VDC used to determine 50% battery capacity should be set lower
than what is shown on typical battery voltage SOC charts (approximately
11-11.5 in a 12-volt system), which show the battery at rest (not loaded).

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by Golferdave78

JMH.
Thanks for the advice
This may seem like a dumb question but need to ask
On AGS I usually set to 12 volts so when batteries run low Gen kicks on.
I have never used AGS temp control.
Is that for the inside temp or outside temp and where does AGS get the temperature reading from.
Seems like a great solution as I can manage small electrical usage with 110 and rely on Gen for A/C
Thanks

If you have the Magnum ME-AGS-N...if you find it...mine is in the 1/2 bay...just in front of the pegboard bay. If the REMOTE port is a wire that just disappears into the coach...that is a thermistors...and you would set your AGS start temp. If it is connected to a little block with two wires that in turn connect to the Dometic Comfort Control Panel...then you set your AGS to come on based on External...it will start when your thermostat inside commands air conditioning.

That's the way I understand it....

[C.Martin]

Golferdave78,

I performed a test yesterday to prove my assumption...

When you have AGS enabled, or enabled w/quiet time...and in setup --- select EXT for the temperature. The following happens.

When your thermostat commands air conditioning, the Precisions Circuits Energy Mgmt Panel (if installed) will shed the 6 loads that it is capable of load shedding. The generator will Prime and START. It warms up for approx. 2 minutes without heavy loads. Then the Precision Circuits panel will reattach the loads in order...one at a time until they reach the limit for the generator or have reestablished all loads. The airconditioner(s) will cool the coach. Once the demand for cooling is met...the air conditioner will turn off...the load center will shed all loads...the generator will enter an unloaded cool down for approximately 2 minutes...then shut down.

That's what I had read...but I wanted to prove it to myself.

For starting voltage...I use 11.5 a 12 v to be on the safe side. Your target is to keep the batteries above 50% charge...but since they will be under load...it's hard to pinpoint what that voltage will be. If it is triggered...the EMS should unload again for soft start...and your generator will run for the "Run Time" that you selected in the setup menu. Hopefully, that will be long enough to get some AH back into the battery bank.

I'm considering changing my Magnum Remote to the ME-ARC " Advanced Remote Control". When paired with the ME-BMK battery monitor kit...it can be set to start the generator based on SOC% State of Charge...then shut down at another selected SOC%. Takes guesswork out of the equation.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by C.Martin

...I'm considering changing my Magnum Remote to the ME-ARC " Advanced Remote Control". When paired with the ME-BMK battery monitor kit...it can be set to start the generator based on SOC% State of Charge...then shut down at another selected SOC%. Takes guesswork out of the equation.

I didn't think you needed an ME-ARC to use a ME-BMK and the AGS SOC% function. I was under the impression that you could use the standard remote which has ASG and BMK buttons, but maybe the BMK/AGS/SOC all playing in the electron sandbox together function is an 'advanced' function?

[MTK46]

Just for clarification if plugged into any shore power that isn't Boondocking.

[Canuck53]

I think the ME-AR will report the SOC with BMK but do nothing with it unless you have the ME-ARC.

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I didn't think you needed an ME-ARC to use a ME-BMK and the AGS SOC% function. I was under the impression that you could use the standard remote which has ASG and BMK buttons, but maybe the BMK/AGS/SOC all playing in the electron sandbox together function is an 'advanced' function?

The ME-RC50 will display SOC, and SOC meters, etc...it will Do AGS functions for voltage and temperature. But having the AGS start based on SOC is an "advanced" feature. Requires the ME-ARC Remote to program.

[Unplanned Tourist]

Originally Posted by MTK46

Just for clarification if plugged into any shore power that isn't Boondocking.

When we boondock I often plug into a current bush!