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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Old Hippie on March 22, 2015, 11:31:51 am

Title: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Old Hippie on March 22, 2015, 11:31:51 am
After the generator auto starts will it shut down automatically when the batteries are charged? Or do you need to manually stop it?
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: debnmike on March 22, 2015, 12:14:47 pm
Ours runs for 30 minutes and shuts itself off.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 22, 2015, 01:51:47 pm
I adjusted my DynaGen auto start to start at 12.2 VDC and runs 3.5 hrs then stops. Works for me?
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on March 22, 2015, 04:46:24 pm
Dave,
Can you describe how to do that? 
Roger
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dick S on March 22, 2015, 07:26:52 pm
Dave, great avitar photo!  :D
I too would like to know the procedure for that adjustment. It seems to me that once the auto start gets the generator running, it goes for a long time. But, I may not have waited 30 minutes; impatient.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 22, 2015, 07:40:34 pm
I posted the manual for my DynaGen AGS here on the forum, no idea how to find it, surely some one has a clue.
It does require a good DVM and awhile to get it where I liked, there are a few pots to adjust.  When I get out of this hospital, I will look it up if still needed.
DynaGen stopped posting the manual a few yrs agio.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: steve on March 22, 2015, 09:03:43 pm
Then maybe this one Dynagen BCM-12 ... if not I'm out of chances !
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on March 22, 2015, 09:16:53 pm
Looks like that's the one.  Thanks.  When I had my coach inspected the inspector said the autostart didn't work.  He never elaborated on why or how he determined that.  But I tries it one time dry camping and the gen started.  So now to see how it is set now and make adjustments as needed.

Thanks Steve and Dave. 

Roger
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: amos.harrison on March 23, 2015, 09:31:54 am
What does everyone think are the best settings?  My low setting is 12.2v, high is 14.2v and run time is 4 hours.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Carol & Scott on March 23, 2015, 09:57:31 am
Where is this thing located?  :D
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 23, 2015, 10:11:39 am
Agree on 12.2 VDC low, run 4 hours, now that I have the 4th 8D Gel on line think 4.5 hr would work, but never have had any concerns using batteries & charging, Always seemed to have plenty reserve.
The Prosign 2500 Watt with the 100 Amp charger limits the charger voltage tp 14.2 VDC.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 23, 2015, 10:15:48 am
Scott,
On the 2001 320, it is located under the false bottom behind the door deadcenter of dash,
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Carol & Scott on March 23, 2015, 10:22:30 am
Is that the hinged curved center door in the center of the dash or the access panel in front of the passenger seat?

Thanks in advance.  ;D
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Carol & Scott on March 23, 2015, 10:41:16 am
Thank you....
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Old Hippie on March 23, 2015, 11:54:52 am
Thanks all....I had no idea there was a false bottom in that compartment...would not seem to be much room in there for an electronics component. Will check it out when we get home.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 23, 2015, 12:10:38 pm
Your in for a surprise when you open the bottom, lots of toys, smart wheel controller,  and access to some heat/ac/defroster controls, no end to snoop around. Enjoy
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Carol & Scott on March 23, 2015, 12:18:25 pm
Hmmm... :))
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dick S on March 23, 2015, 12:40:25 pm
No mention of Delay On time setting. This could be set from 0 to 7 minutes according to the BCM-12 instructions. 0 would start the generator immediately if B+ voltage drops below Low set point; 7 would delay that for 7 minutes, if I understand it correctly.
Any suggestions or thoughts of this?
Dick
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Jim McNeece on March 23, 2015, 08:05:24 pm
Thanks Barry.  You da' man!

I think the 2 minute delay on is too short. 

Case in point.  We were dry camping last night.  At about 6 this morning, the generator started.  I checked the bats, and they were down only 225 ampHr (I have 3, 8D's).  This should have not have been enough use to trigger the low voltage start.  However, the HWH auxiliary compressor had just come on a couple of minutes before the generator started.  So, I assume, the large current draw of aux comp was enough to temporarily pull the voltage down below the setpoint, and, since my compressor normally runs 2 or 3 minutes when it comes on, that was longer than the default 2 minute delay.

I think I'll change it to 5 minutes.
Title: Re: Generator Auto Start
Post by: Dick S on March 23, 2015, 09:26:54 pm
Barry, you never cease to amaze!
Good point Jim. Agree.
edit - What is the downside of going to 7 minutes?