Now happy with the AGS

[nodine]

We sometimes leave our dogs in the motorhome and worry about power failures in hot weather. We are also in the middle of changing out the Norcold for a Samsung residential. For these reasons it would be nice to enable the AGS all the time and have it start the generator when the temp inside the coach got to hot or the batteries were low because shore power failed. We had two problems with using this feature. First the remote temperature sensor did not do a good job of sensing the inside temperature and would start the generator when the coach was cool and running both AC's. The second problem is the fact that the AGS would operate when shore power was available.

We fixed the first problem by locating the remote temperature sensor inside the bedroom wall and moving it out into the room air space. I called Magnum about the fact the AGS did not sense shore power. Thanks to another Monaco owner I knew that later versions did. The tech told me how to check the software versions on the AGS and the Remote panel. Since I had a remote capable AGS all that was needed to sense the presence of shore power was to send both units back for a software upgrade. The charge was $50 each. I agreed and was given an RMA number.

I received both units back yesterday and was pleased to find that not only did they not charge me shipping and just the $100, both units were brand new complete with cables, temp sensor, and connectors. Now, not only does the AGS ignore battery and temp set points when connected to shore power, I can control all the AGS functions from the remote. There is also an AGS Status function that shows what temp the inside temp sensor is reading and I am pleased to say it is spot on.

I like to leave the inverter on so the microwave clock does not have to be constantly set. Not long ago the wife shut off the breaker and unplugged the motorhome to cut the grass. She does this every week and usually remembers to turn the breaker back on. A few weeks ago she did not and two days later when I went inside the coach I found alarms going off due to low battery voltage. Once we convert to the residential frig that would be very bad. Now we can just leave the inverter on and the AGS enabled. If she forgets to turn the breaker on the AGS will keep the batteries up. Before these upgrades it would be constantly starting the generator on the inside temp set point. Also, on two occasions we came back to the campground to find the generator running but shore power on. The temp thing again.

Bob

[JohnCamelot]

You also may want to check which batteries are used to start your generator. On my '09 Camelot, it uses house batteries to start the genny. That turned out to be a problem as the AGS senses low voltage and tries to start the genny, but if the genny is cold it doesn't have enough power to start it.

I'm still in the process of fixing this, it may be a simple rewire to have the genny start off of the chassis batteries. In any case, be aware of this so you won't get caught by surprise.

== John

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnCamelot You also may want to check which batteries are used to start your generator. On my '09 Camelot, it uses house batteries to start the genny. That turned out to be a problem as the AGS senses low voltage and tries to start the genny, but if the genny is cold it doesn't have enough power to start it. I'm still in the process of fixing this, it may be a simple rewire to have the genny start off of the chassis batteries. In any case, be aware of this so you won't get caught by surprise. == John

John,

I have the AGS set to start the generator when the voltage drops to 12 volts on the batteries. I will have to check and see which battery bank my generator is connected to.

Thanks for the tip,

Bob

[peter griffin]

Hello, I am getting ready to install the magnum inverter with the ags in a travel trailer. The remote will be the arc model. How does the gen know when to shut off based on temp? It is my understanding that the AGS will start the gen if you leave it set at 80 degrees and your ac thermostat at 80 degrees. when does it shut off? when it gets back to 80 degrees? does it short cycle on/off the gen? My ags-n model came with a small temp sensor to leave hanging behind the current rv thermostat.

Peter

[nodine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter griffin Hello, I am getting ready to install the magnum inverter with the ags in a travel trailer. The remote will be the arc model. How does the gen know when to shut off based on temp? It is my understanding that the AGS will start the gen if you leave it set at 80 degrees and your ac thermostat at 80 degrees. when does it shut off? when it gets back to 80 degrees? does it short cycle on/off the gen? My ags-n model came with a small temp sensor to leave hanging behind the current rv thermostat. Peter

Peter,

The temp sensor that came with the AGS module is how the AGS knows when the inside temp reaches the set point. The AGS is not connected to the air conditioner system. Once the AGS reaches at set point for either temperature or low battery voltage it starts the generator. The generator then runs for the full amount of time selected by you in the setup. That is usually 1 hour or 2 hours. At the end of that interval, if the temp is below the set point and the voltage is above the set point, the generator will shut off. If either of those values are not satisfied the cycle will start again and the generator will run for another full 1 hour or what ever you have it set for.

Keep in mind that if you have the temp setpoint at say 80 and you do not have the air conditioner turned on, the generator will never shut off. The ac needs to be on to bring the inside temp down below the set point.

Hope that helps,

Bob

[peter griffin]

Bob, thanks for the info. I spoke with magnum today and I am going to try the thermistor that came with the ags instead of direct wiring it into the AC. If it doesn't work out I will then order the cable that lets you wire into ac. part number is pt1 ags