Onan / AGS Woes

[LindyT]

I've never really had a need to use the AGS extensively, but recently, I enabled it and set the temp, quiet hour, low voltage, etc. switches in the bathroom. I woke up and came out from my stick home and heard the generator running on the coach. Shut it off and a few seconds later, it starts back up!

It is connected to 50A shore power. The genset, on AGS, will still start and take over from the shore power. Shutting it off of course transfers back to shore -- until it restarts again in a few seconds. I've tried this with the A/C load on and off, it makes no difference.

In short -- even when connected to shore power, the generator has a mind of its own. Obviously I've just disabled AGS for now, but I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts as to where the issue may lie?


Thanks in advance!

[CorporateMonkey]

What is your setting for the AGS temp control?

It will start the generator whether you are plugged in or not, and regardless of whether the HVAC system is set on or off.

The temperature sensor within the ags control box is very sensitive to surrounding heat. This can be from the sun on an outside wall, or from heat within the cabinet with the circuit breakers.

Unless you have a pet, or a really concerned about temp control, I would suggest turning that feature off.

[LindyT]

Ahhh that might explain it then... the temp is set at 85 (do have pets) - and that half bath barely has any cooling.

I didn't think the AGS would engage when connected to (live) shore power, so that was the source of my concern. Newmar tells you not to start the generator when connected to shore power, so I wasn't expecting that to happen. Good to know!

Thanks as always, Corporate Monkey!

[CorporateMonkey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindyT Ahhh that might explain it then... the temp is set at 85 (do have pets) - and that half bath barely has any cooling. I didn't think the AGS would engage when connected to (live) shore power, so that was the source of my concern. Newmar tells you not to start the generator when connected to shore power, so I wasn't expecting that to happen. Good to know! Thanks as always, Corporate Monkey!

Actually you want the generator to start when plugged into shore power. If you are connected to a dirty shore connection, your inverter might not go into standby mode. In this case you are still drawing from the batteries even though you have shore power.

Without the generator starting, your batteries could be discharged to a level that will damage them.

FYI your transfer switch is designed to handle being connected to shore power and generator at the same time. The priority connection is the generator.

[akadeadeye]

I will have to look at our Magnum control, but I guess I don't know how to set the temperature control for the AGS to kick in. I have set the battery voltage and can see you can set quiet time, etc., but don't remember a thermostat setting. Is this done on the thermostat itself? If so, when the temp reaches the setting, does it signal the Genset to start and then the AC starts?

Don

[CorporateMonkey]

If you have a magnum energy inverter there are two types of AGS systems.

The older (and still widely installed) system looks like this


The newer "networked" version looks like this


The first model is usually installed in a cabinet, or bathroom area. It has manual knobs to control each setting. It works in conjunction with the main inverter LCD panel. Once you set your desired AGS parameters on the AGS box, you have to enable the AGS function on the main inverter panel. Your choices are: Off, AGS On, AGS On w/ Quiet Time.

The AGS system works completely separate of the HVAC system. It only has a dummy thermostat that registers high temperature. When it reaches the set trigger point it starts the generator, and runs it for your preset time.
It is your responsibility to remember to leave the HVAC system on, and set for your desired interior temp. This even applies when you are boondocking.


The second type of "networked" AGS system is fairly new. I have not used it, but from what I understand all of its settings are set on the main LCD inverter panel.

[CorporateMonkey]

Another thing I forgot to mention.

You should test your AGS system at least a couple of times a year. On the AGS box there is a tiny recessed red button, it is labeled "test" (you should see it in the above photos).

Just press it for a few seconds until the green status light starts to blink. The generator should start in a few moments.

The reason to test this it to verify the relays are functional.

Last thing you want to expect the AGS to work, find out it has failed, and possibly cause damage to your battery system (extreme low voltage).

[akadeadeye]

Thank you for that information. I will test the system soon. And, I will look to verify where the on/off button is on the inverter LCD panel. This wasn't covered in our PDI, unfortunately.

Don

[CorporateMonkey]

I am going to assume you a have a Magnum inverter. Most likely it is either a MS, or an ME.
All of the product manuals are available on their website
Magnum Energy Inc.

[a k]

How do you get AGS start on temp when you have the E-Plex and no remote for the Magnum inverter? I have the auto for low voltage on the rear panel but not for temp.

[RVDude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by a k How do you get AGS start on temp when you have the E-Plex and no remote for the Magnum inverter? I have the auto for low voltage on the rear panel but not for temp.

The ePlex does all the work. You just set your HVAC as usual, make sure the AGS is "active" and when there is a demand for heat/cool the AGS will kick on and then so will the HVAC unit(s).

[a k]

I'll give it a try. Thanks DUDE.

Just replaced fan motor on my friends Essex heatpump. Some fun.