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paul65k · 08-03-2019, 08:43 PM

So.............I just picked up a 1-year-old Magnum MSH3012M inverter today from a guy who upgraded his system to 24V (Tesla battery pack) so I'm researching what I need to do to upgrade my inverter.

I know that the MS2812 would be a direct replacement but I really like the idea of a hybrid and of course buying the unit for less than 1/2 the cost of new including Control Panel, Wiring, Temp Sensor, BMK W/Shunt and a bunch of cables (although they are kind of undersized) for $900.......how could I say no?? especially with the inverter still under warranty

So now I gotta figure out how to make the necessary wiring changes to make this work properly, and I'm probably going to look into adding the AGS module and wiring that as well.

I understand that the existing data cable will work with the Magnum Control Panel but I'll likely need to run another wire if I decide to install the AGS-N??

The existing battery cables are 2/0 and the specs dictate 4/0 and a 400A fuse so these will also need to be upgraded as well.

I would really love to get any and all input if any of you have done this or a similar conversion, please??

Oregonpharme · 08-04-2019, 08:37 AM

Each installation is unique to the coach, but with Magnum's cable kit, accessory, and inverter instructions you will be able to work through the conversion rather quickly. If you do not have the appropriate installation instructions found in their operators manuals, go here, and identify the product, then download the manuals needed: https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/mobile-power-products

Alpine06 · 08-04-2019, 09:42 PM

Hi Paul,
I looked at replacing my inverter last March but then realized the former owner already did that in 2017 so I left it alone. I did research the Magna inverter and I remember that it has a neutral-ground switching relay. Your old inverter does not have that and only gets a ground bonded to the housing. The Magna uses the Neutral in AC mode and switches to ground in DC mode. You will have to provide that connection.
Also while you redo the DC 4/0 wire include a disconnect switch. I am from an industrial background and NEC always requires one I think it is a good practice. Make sure you buy one that has 400A continues duty. Blue Sea Systems and BEP Marine make a decent one.
The AGS is probably easier than you think. The wire harness looks complicated but the Onan only really needs 2 wires. You will only need a wire from the remote display to the AGS for the newer model. The old one is a stand alone I think that does not have the bus system kook up. Now the programming is a bit more involved and I don’t know the comparison to Xantrex but it was quite complex.
Ok need to get back to my solar project now ... lol
Joerg

3x5 · 08-04-2019, 09:44 PM

[QUOTE=paul65k;4894450]

I understand that the existing data cable will work with the Magnum Control Panel but I'll likely need to run another wire if I decide to install the AGS-N??

The existing battery cables are 2/0 and the specs dictate 4/0 and a 400A fuse so these will also need to be upgraded as well.

QUOTE]

I just replaced my old Onan 2000 Equinox inverter (OEM on my 2005 Alpine) for a new Magnum 3012M.

There is only one cdata able from the inverter to the remote panel. It is ordinary RJ11 phone cable. All of the other cables, including the AGS (Automatic Generator Start) plug into the inverter.

400A fuse is easy change. Use the same base. But I have several friends that left their old 300 amps fuses in, and they don't blow. Shunt is probably the same.

paul65k · 08-04-2019, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3x5

I just replaced my old Onan 2000 Equinox inverter (OEM on my 2005 Alpine) for a new Magnum 3012M.

There is only one cdata able from the inverter to the remote panel. It is ordinary RJ11 phone cable. All of the other cables, including the AGS (Automatic Generator Start) plug into the inverter.

400A fuse is easy change. Use the same base. But I have several friends that left their old 300 amps fuses in, and they don't blow. Shunt is probably the same.

Did you have to do any re-wiring in the panels? Looks like I'll need to upgrade the inverter breaker to 50A and run 6GA to both the AC in and AC out to the inverter panel.......and some load balancing?

Any issues with the grounding of the inverter with the change?

If I add the AGS module won't I need to run a data cable to the existing location of the generator start switch (near info center near Refer)??

3x5 · 08-30-2019, 01:47 AM

Sorry, I've been out of internet range mostly.

I can't answer your questions. I kept it simple. I didn't rewire the panels. I just kept the inverter on the subpanel. Not going to run A/C's through the inverter. I didn't do the AGS, auto generator starting.

I didn't do anything with new grounding. I was advised that I didn't need to, but I will double check it.

I did have a problem with the Search function, that wanted to turn off the inverter whenever less than 5 amps was drawn. Couldn't figure out why the inverter was blinking on and off. I had to turn that off.

Also, I also had problems with the LBCO (low battery cut off). You need to keep that set pretty low. Default is 10 volts. I finally set mine to 10.5 volts. I was advised to set it to 11.5 originally, but when the microwave put a load on, it would go below that and, after a one minute delay, cause the inverter to go off to protect the batteries, and then back on. That caused my satellite dish to reboot.

Good luck.

paul65k · 08-30-2019, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3x5

Sorry, I've been out of internet range mostly.

I can't answer your questions. I kept it simple. I didn't rewire the panels. I just kept the inverter on the subpanel. Not going to run A/C's through the inverter. I didn't do the AGS, auto generator starting.

I didn't do anything with new grounding. I was advised that I didn't need to, but I will double check it.

I did have a problem with the Search function, that wanted to turn off the inverter whenever less than 5 amps was drawn. Couldn't figure out why the inverter was blinking on and off. I had to turn that off.

Also, I also had problems with the LBCO (low battery cut off). You need to keep that set pretty low. Default is 10 volts. I finally set mine to 10.5 volts. I was advised to set it to 11.5 originally, but when the microwave put a load on, it would go below that and, after a one minute delay, cause the inverter to go off to protect the batteries, and then back on. That caused my satellite dish to reboot.

Good luck.

Thanks!!

In the meantime, I purchased a Switching Phase Selector from AM Solar and I plan to just wire up all circuits to the inverter even though the plan is to NOT run the AC units on the inverter but will be adding a residential refer....just easier to not worry about which circuits will run on the inverter.

Stay tuned.....I plan to do the install when it cools down just a bit here in AZ.

Brianna · 11-12-2019, 05:20 PM

Solar is in my future.
I believe I would have to reconfigure the battery compartment wiring if I went for the groovy inverter/charger/switcher like a big 3000 watt Victron unit.
Right now (factory configuration) I think there is too much integration between the starting batteries and the deep cycle battery cables.
Is that correct?

powerboatr · 11-12-2019, 05:24 PM

easiest way to double check your install. call magnum at the 800 number and speak to tech line. they are really great at answering the tough questions.

big help here when we updated ours last year.

looks like you got all the parts. except the ags.