Adding an Automat Generator start System

[Lindenberg]

I have been looking into adding a genset autostart systems to my 2000 Alpine. My main interest for adding this system is for charging the batteries when dry camping. The Onan Energy Command 30 is the controller I'm interested in.

What automatic generator start system is provided in the newer Alpines?

[Lindenberg]

I have been looking into adding a genset autostart systems to my 2000 Alpine. My main interest for adding this system is for charging the batteries when dry camping. The Onan Energy Command 30 is the controller I'm interested in.

What automatic generator start system is provided in the newer Alpines?

[Cruzer]

Your choice of the EC-30 is a good one. The EC-340 has the ability to sense shore power, although you need to buy the optional transformer to do this. Without this feature you AGS won't know if the shore power is on or off and if the thermostat calls for cooling the genset will start even if shore power is on unless you rig up a relay system (been there, done that). The EC-30 also has predictive battery levels so that it will start ahead of time if it figures out that your batteries will be low during quiet time. That way they'll be charged up prior to quiet time and you won't run out during the night. It a great AGS and the one I'm now using in my coach.

[dshogman]

Mark,
My reason for wanting the AGS is different - would like the gen to kick in if the shore power cuts off so that the air conditioner will keep working if I'm in very hot climates and have to leave the dog in the coach.
Will what you have outlined in your post work in such a situtation?
Or is there another solution?
Thanks.

[Cruzer]

Dave,
That's exactly the reason for the transformer. We have our AGS for the same reason - to prevent crispy critters if the shore power goes out on a hot day while we're gone.

Without a shore power sense the thermostat will kick in the genset (if enabled in the AGS control panel) every time you need cooling - even if shore power is present. There's two ways to get around this.

One is to add a relay that is fired from the shore power side of the transfer switch. Then run the leads from the thermostat to AGS module through the relay contacts so that the AGS won't see any signals from the thermostat unless the shore power goes out. That's what I had to do on my 2004 Bus with Xantrex AGS module because it had no provision for sensing shore power.

The second is to buy the Onan EC-30 and the optional transformer and connect it per instructions. That what I have on my 2007 Bus and it's the best way to go.

[Lindenberg]

Who sells the EC-30 along with the pigtail and transformer? I haven't found it for sale other than through Cummins/Onan/

[Pusherman]

I bought mine from the factory --Cummins Power Generation, in Elkhart, In. 574-262-4611.

[dshogman]

Clarification needed: the EC-30 is installed in place of, or in addition to, the Equinox Inverter/Charger panel?? If in addition to, can the leads needed for the EC-30 be picked up from the connections to the Equinox?
Thanks.

[Lindenberg]

I have ordered the EC-30 and 16 wire pigtail. The following link encouraged me to take on this project.
Installation of Onan Energy Command in Adventurer

I'll take some pictures along the way that may be helpful to others wanting to install the EC-30 in their Alpine. The price was about $250 for the EC-30 and the pigtail from Cummins Northwest.

[wheeler]

Hello, Tom. I think you'll like the EC-30. I've been very pleased with mine. I like the predictive, "How is the battery bank doing; at this rate, should we start the generator to get that done before quiet hours start, " etc. I also very much wanted the connection to the thermostat, such that a demand for air conditioning not being satisfied would be met with generator auto start-- for pets. My EC-30 was installed into my Alpenlite, post-factory. It's not hard to install, exactly, just getting all the contact points organized. You seem to have found a helpful link. Good luck!

[mikeyj67]

How did you tie in the run request wire for the AC using the digital thermostat????

[wheeler]

Not sure which thermostat you have. In my Alpenlite I had a digital Dometic. Here are the notes I have from the EC30 Application and FAQ Guide:

2.1 Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) Run Requests
HVAC inputs can be active high using WIRE #10, 11 or 12, and/or active low using WIRE #4. The EC30 sees all of these as a single input as all of these inputs are wired-or together.

2.1.2 Dometic
2.1.2.1 Dometic PN 3109228.001 Duo-Therm Comfort Control Center
A separate control module, PN3109311.005 AGS Wire Harness Kit, is required for the remote
generator start option. The AGS Kit provides a set of dry contacts that are normally opened.
It is recommended that these contacts provide positive battery voltage to the EC30 WIRE
#10, 11, or 12.

AGS must be selected from the Comfort Control Center for the HVAC system to transmit a run
request to the EC30.
2.1.2.2 Dometic Duo-Therm Analog Control Center
Active low thermostat.