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gator67 · 04-12-2006, 04:46 PM

What is the best (easiest?) way to determine that the auto gen start function actually works?

gator67 · 04-12-2006, 04:46 PM

What is the best (easiest?) way to determine that the auto gen start function actually works?

Jim & Ingrid McIntosh · 04-12-2006, 06:06 PM

This is our first time on the site, so we're kinda new, too! We've found there are several functions for the AGS

1. If you schedule your generator for an exercise period, that's one way to use AGS.
2. Another, is ensuring the AGS works when your house batteries are low (we found this out when we used the microwave w/o shore power or the generator running). Once the batteries are low, the AGS should kick in (assuming the inverter is activated and quiet time is either not set or it isn't quiet time).
3. Another AGS function, would be under "load"...for example, no shore or generator power and you've set the thermostat for air conditioning to come on at a certain temp...when that temp is exceeded, the ags should turn the a/c on. Note: ours isn't working under load and we're heading to Coach Care to see if the air conditioner is wired correctly OR to Xantrex if the wiring is OK.

Also, remember AGS has to be set to "on" via the thermostat also AND all of your Xantrex setting must be correct. We've spent hours on the phone w/Xantrex and had a dealer work w/these settings also. It ain't easy!!

Good luck.

3.
3. Setting

WeBrzn2 · 04-13-2006, 07:48 AM

I will ask an additional question in the same vain. Is the AGS supposed to happen if the batteries go low during quiet hours (if set) after the end of the quiet hours? It seems as though mine does not come on after the expiration of quiet hours, I must manually start the gen.

Wayne R · 04-13-2006, 08:24 AM

Another convenient feature of the AGS system is that it will start the gen when the thermostat calls for air conditioning. This is especially nice if you have a pet and leave for the afternoon on a hot day. The AGS mode on the thermostat only activates the thermostat to send a start stop signal to the AGS system. At least that is how my 05 is wired.

Nothing overrides quite time, make sure your system clock is on the right time (time zone)

Audrey & John · 04-13-2006, 12:32 PM

The Auto Gen Start seems to really struggle sometimes when it tries to bring both air conditioners on. This doesn't always happen - only sometimes.

It seems to keep trying, rev a bit, the air conditioners don't quite get going, and then the gen start goes on delay again.

The last time I turned one of the air conditioners up so that only one needed to come on, and the generator was able to get that going.

Is there something wrong with our AGS?

I would think the system would be smart enough to stage the two air conditioners so that you wouldn't get a simultaneous surge.

Audrey

EngineerMike · 04-13-2006, 02:20 PM

Aud- If your rig is equiped w/heat strips & you are calling for heat, the heat strips are 1530 watts & the heat pump about 1920 (compressor + fan), for a combined 3.45 kw per unit. That's ~7kw if you call for both. That call should initiate a stagger logic, as you suggest, but I bet it doesn't and that the combined load is the trouble. If you don't have (or are not calling for) heat strips, then there is no reason for the gen to struggle if it has been allowed to cycle up to speed and the problem is elsewhere.

Wayne R · 04-13-2006, 02:44 PM

Audrey and John have you tried a longer warm up delay?

Audrey & John · 04-14-2006, 05:23 AM

EngineerMike - no, we weren't using the heat strips, just the A/C.

The generator comes on and runs for a while before the A/Cs attempt to come on. Any ideas on where the problem might be if it's not the generator?

Wayne - hmmmmm..... didn't know we could configure a longer warm up delay? What difference might that make? Seems like the delay is pretty long already - about a minute or so?

The weird thing is that this doesn't always happen. Maybe it happens when the weather is hot enough and the A/Cs want to start with high fan.

When we stop at a rest area, we usually run the generator by using the AGS to start it from the comfort control panel. This is when we notice the occasional problem.

Audrey

EngineerMike · 04-14-2006, 11:51 AM

Aud- Just the AC's would be ~3.85kw & shouldn't be any sweat for a 7.5kw gen.
But, the longer warmup might be an issue. Diesel ignites from compression, not spark like in the toad, so operating temp is more related to ability to produce full HP from the combustion cycle. So a longer idle-up would raise temp of the cylinders about 60-100 degrees (depending on ambient), improving the compression ignition. Coulda sworn mine goes longer than a minute or so (like 3-5?) B4 allowing a load, but that's from memory which is almost as good as when I assume.
Not sure where (or if) to program the delay.