Community Forums

KIX · 02-05-2012, 07:51 PM

I sometimes have a need for an Automatic Generator Start device. The one I am looking for or am willing to fab can be simply governed by elapsed time vs. battery state of charge, etc. More specifically, I want my Onan diesel generator to start every 6 hours and run for 3 hours then repeat the 6 hour - 3 hour cycle. Anyone know of such a device or where to direct me to figure out how to make one? Thanks

powerboatr · 02-05-2012, 08:19 PM

pretty strange run/not run cycle, could you be more specific about the 6 hr off 3 hr on time

you may have to "build" your own based on your parameters from off the shelf parts.

KIX · 02-05-2012, 08:30 PM

The 6 - 3 schedule is really just guesstimated schedule.
We recently had the need to boondock for 6 days.
We have a residential refer and a too-small battery pack. The present AGM batteries have quite a bit of life so I don't want to retire them yet and I really don't want to add to them either. I'll replace them with a "proper" battery pack when they die. In the mean time my battery pack needs recharging about every 6 hours due to the refer.
If I had a engine start that would operate as i described in post #1 then life would indeed be good. Thanks for your interest

HotMech · 02-08-2012, 07:21 PM

Try this one out.
K.
http://www.outbackpower.com/pdf/broc...ator_Start.pdf

KIX · 02-08-2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotMech

Try this one out.
K.
http://www.outbackpower.com/pdf/broc...ator_Start.pdf

Thanks Hot Mech. I have a three-wire generator so it will get complicated but it may just work.

HotMech · 02-08-2012, 08:43 PM

You might try this one also. Cummins Onan has some good stuff for their GenSets.
K.
Cummins Onan

KIX · 02-08-2012, 09:01 PM

I already looked at that one........for it to work you have to be within 100 feet of receiver. Not really sure who would want that particular feature

powerboatr · 02-08-2012, 09:20 PM

makes sense now
i was reading about the outback and the site locked up
i have a magnum inverter and charging system, it has a add on ags.
might your rig have a built in unit that has the option of an add on feature?

i did the run and off cycle in my head while trying to fall asleep
I know nuts right

but it beat counting sheep

HotMech · 02-09-2012, 11:32 AM

Kix, You would leave the remote in the RV. why would you take it with you? ...and it runs independent of the remote anyway. The remote is just the programing interface, so you dont' have to run any wires.
K.

KIX · 02-09-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotMech

Kix, You would leave the remote in the RV. why would you take it with you? ...and it runs independent of the remote anyway. The remote is just the programing interface, so you dont' have to run any wires.
K.

I just read the link you sent pretty quick and I guess I misunderstood the reference to 100' Makes lots more sense your way. I'll look at it again. Thanks