Setting up AGS

[JohnT]

We're getting ready to attend the Gathering in the Desert mid January. I want to "practice" living off the battery power while sitting in a cg with fhu's. I went thru the AGS menu and it appears that there is a base program installed. I turned "on" the AGS and set the current time. I left the power default at 11.4 volts. Turned "on" the quiet hour.

My question: is 11.4v too low? We've did not change our lifestyle as I want to make sure that the generator will start on it's own. It's been 18 hours and the display reads 12.2v.

The wx is not quite warm enough to run the AC's. But cool enough to run the Oasis. I turned the thermostat off as I don't know if the AGS has a priority setting the holds quiet time higher than the voltage default.

Coach is all electric and has flooded batteries. Comments, recommendations?

Thanks

[pbucha]

11.4 is probably too low. See this chart that Vince Sheetz put together. Extremely handy. You never want to let the voltage get out of the green. Set at 12.0 or maybe 11.9 at the bottom end. https://1drv.ms/i/s!Aq9PHqzBBwlzg5EzpdrWomom5vIjdg

[Scottybdivin]

Those SOC rates in the chart are for static voltage with no load. If you are inverting large loads like a microwave or coffee maker, the dynamic voltage can easily drop below 12V, while your SOC is still well above 50%. Once the load is removed, the voltage will return to it's static reading. That is why Magnum recommends setting your AGS to 11.0V to prevent false starts. The best thing to do is to install a ME-BMK and use the SOC parameter for your AGS instead of voltage. It's like a fuel gauge for your batteries.

[MisterT]

if you are 'testing' your AGS and it's settings, then use a HIGH number, such as 12.4, giving you a quick response to the generator cranking on it's own. Once you've done this a couple of times, and see that it responds as it should, you'll have confidence that it will work when you are fully 'off grid'...

after you are in the 'off grid' situation for several days, you'll have a better idea of what setting work best for you, but here are some of our experiences/settings that work well:

- AGS - 'enable'(or 'enable, with quiet time', if required where you are parking)

- AGS setting: 'Voltage', use 12.0 to start, as this will make sure that the House batteries have enough power to start the generator. You can move it down to 11.8 if you would like more time between generator runs)

- AGS setting: 'Run Time', use 30mins to start with. If this does not supply quite enough time for full battery recharging, move it to 1hour. This is how long it will run the generator before automatically shutting down. If you use 'Enable, with Quiet Time', and your coach includes a 'top off' battery recharge feature for the AGS, it may start the generator automatically 1 hour before your Quiet Time begins in order to give you the most charging before the generator is limited overnight.

- Magnum Inverter 'SHORE' or 'Shore Max' setting: when 'off grid' and using the AGS to recharge the batteries, move this number up as high as you can, such as 50a or even 60a, as this allows your CHARGER to use as many Amps from the generator while it is recharging the batteries. If you use a high number, make sure that you do not use a high amp device or appliance during that time, since it could trip the breaker. If you choose to have access to the microwave, or water heater, or air conditioners when the generator is running, use a Lower number, such as 30 or 40amps. This gives room for both battery recharging and usage of other items without tripping a breaker.

as for the previous comment about 'nuisance starting' of the generator, this happens only when you try to use a large 120v appliance while on the Inverter ALONE, such as our Coffee Maker. It will require a lot of amps during it's 'percolating' period, and depending on the type, could 'artificially' take the battery VOLTAGE down low enough, and for at least TWO MINUTES, below your AGS Voltage setting, to start the generator, even though the 'real' Voltage is higher than your setting. Test this by watching your battery Voltage when you start your coffee maker while just on the Inverter - you'll see that number drop from 12.5 quickly to 11.2, for example, though your 'real' Voltage is actually higher.
While this, for some, can cause 'nuisance' starting of the generator, this is actually exactly what your AGS is for, to keep your batteries from being depleted, regardless of whether it's from a quick use of the coffee maker, or long term overnight depletion.
We typically will turn on the generator ourselves when using our coffee maker in the morning.


We just returned from a Christmas week in Florida, using the AGS often while overnighting in several locations when not in an rv park or campground. It works great and makes for comfortable 'off gridding' times in the motorcoach. The trick is to remember what settings to change(SHORE MAX), when traveling and back on Shore Power.

[C.Martin]

The companion to this setting is the LBCO. If you set the AGS to a lower value...you might wind up triggering the LBCO and shutdown the inverter before the AGS starts the generator.

If you know you've got to run the generator...then you may want to start it in the morning. Knock the chill out of the air, heat water for a shower, and make a pot of coffe/breakfast. When done...shut down.

As Scotty said...if you add the ME-BMK kit, and swap out remotes to the ME-ARC, you gain additional options for AGS...as long as you already have the ME-AGS-N (networked version). I would assume they used that model in 2014. But check...different firmware result in different options.

[JohnT]

Thank you all for your responses. I have moved the voltage up to 11.8 and the Shore was set at 50.

I have watched the display when items come I see the voltage drop a bit. Nothing more than .5v. The display also reads amps with the voltage. There must be a decimal point missing as when the coffee pot turned on it was 88 amps.

Another question. How come I don't see any voltage change when I turn coach lights on or the fan for the Oasis turns on?

Thanks again.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by C.Martin

As Scotty said...if you add the ME-BMK kit, and swap out remotes to the ME-ARC, you gain additional options for AGS...as long as you already have the ME-AGS-N (networked version). I would assume they used that model in 2014. But check...different firmware result in different options.

I have the ME-AGS-N. This Quartzite rally will probably be our once in a lifetime event. So would this additional item be worth the investment?

[JohnT]

Success #1.
Reset the voltage to 11.9 and within 15 minutes the generator started. I set the run time to 2 hours. I will monitor the charge to determine if I need to add to or subtract from my 2 hour time.

Thanks again.

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I have the ME-AGS-N. This Quartzite rally will probably be our once in a lifetime event. So would this additional item be worth the investment?

If never dry camping again? Always on a shore power connection? I’d say you’re good without it. It’s really designed for those that exercise thier batteries...using them to power portions of the coach without Generator or Shore power for portions of the day. Like Quartzsite...

If the only time you are really unplugged is driving down the road...then the alternator will do the charging. The AGS you have will prevent draining your batteries or allowing your pets to get too hot if shore power fails.

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Another question. How come I don't see any voltage change when I turn coach lights on or the fan for the Oasis turns on?.

They do not draw enough Amperage. Watch the voltage when you heat something in the microwave, of use a blow dryer... The lights draw less than an amp. I haven’t measured the Oasis fans. I would imagine if running off of diesel...they would be using some amps to run the fuel pump and compressor.

The other thing is...are you charging? If you’re plugged in...and your charger is going...the voltage within reason will be maintained by the charger.

[JohnT]

Charlie, thanks again.

I should never say never when owning an rv. If we stop for any length of time, casino or tourist trap, I'll turn on the generator.

While on the batteries, we turned lights on/off as if we were hooked up to shore power. Even ran the microwave, TV, coffee pot, Oasis and had the outside lights on for 30 minutes (I have LEDs under my slides). We monitored the display and record the draw.

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Charlie, thanks again.

I should never say never when owning an rv. If we stop for any length of time, casino or tourist trap, I'll turn on the generator.

While on the batteries, we turned lights on/off as if we were hooked up to shore power. Even ran the microwave, TV, coffee pot, Oasis and had the outside lights on for 30 minutes (I have LEDs under my slides). We monitored the display and record the draw.

Oh definitely. I’ve had my AGS armed, and ext. temp selected —- sitting on the sofa watching TV. Lights on, Surround sound, Microwave working...when out of nowhere the generator starts. With these coaches...it’s not even obvious when shore power fails...all but a few items just keep on purring along. It’s amazingly wonderful. You’ll love the abilities of your coach.

Hope you have a great time out in the desert!! If you have an induction cooktop...you’ll need the generator anyway...so I think you’ll see a lot of folks using the generator in the morning and evening while prepping food. This is probably enough charge to get thru the rest of the day.

If you go more than a week, it’s good to have at least one long charge to get thru absorption. Repeatedly charging the Lead Acid batteries to less than full charge will allow sulfating to build up. You can do an Equalization charge when you get hooked back up to shore power to help redisolve the sulfate buildup.

[joes2901]

Newmar makes great RVs up to about $600k but they leave some important things off to save money and because they expect their buyers to go to RV Resorts. If you are odd and would like to be able to stay at campsites in the national, state, and county parks and forests (like Yellowstone or Smokie Moountains) then you will want the Magnum AGS-N, BMK, and the ARC controller. Add Lifeline AGM batteries and you can recharge the batts at 125 amps and reduce generator run time. Product differentiation results in all the cool electronics and safety features in the King Aire and fewer in RVs with a lower MSRP. Those limits can be overcome with money and research that enables your RV to have the batteries always charged if stored in sunlight and exercises the generator as needed, etc.

I enjoy Quartzsite in Jan & Feb and N/W Wyoming from May thru Oct and the equip in my signature makes it possible without hassles or irritants (dumping holding tanks every 2 weeks). JohnT, I am planning to attend the Gathering in the Desert too, if the flu epidemic and my broken head allows it. I am a good and courteous camper because I limit the generator hours to 8AM to 8PM. But, I can cook, watch TV and use my computer before then because of the upgrades in my signature. Hope to see you and others then.

[SCVJeff]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I have the ME-AGS-N. This Quartzite rally will probably be our once in a lifetime event. So would this additional item be worth the investment?

I didn't see you mention if you do, or do NOT have the BMK module installed on the Magnum? This is a very important change in the charging routine of the Magnum and worth the upgrade. If you DO have a BMK, the only thing you need to turn on is the SOC trigger, and shut the rest off. SOC is an aggrated calculation of static and loaded voltage, current draw on the batteries, as well as temp, so the real SOC of the batteries are displayed; static or loaded. Even being an electronics guy, this is so accurate I rarely pay attention to actual battery voltage or draw anymore. I look at SOC, and monitor my daily AH diet. I've been playing with mine and have it set to command the AGS On at 68%, and shut down around 88% since I have solar to finish off the charge. Quartzsite happens when the sun is about its lowest of the year and I usually need help with my voracious current consumption.

Note on the high charging rates of AGM... Just because the batteries can take the current doesn't mean that the Magnum can sustain it for long periods. Those chargers get really hot and I have had mine back off charge rates more than once due to temp overheat, and this with the door open in the morning desert coldness. At first I thought the charger was in trouble and talked many times to Magnum support and they finally replaced it, but the new one performs the same. I just watch mine and set it back 10% which is what the mfgr. recommends for the batteries, but more importantly the Magnum is happier.