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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: morninghill on April 23, 2019, 12:48:12 pm

Title: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: morninghill on April 23, 2019, 12:48:12 pm
We would like to be able to have the gen start whenever we lose shorepower. We have two dogs and want to know the air conditioners will continue to run even though no shorepower. We have the OEM AGS, gen starts when battery voltage drops too low.

We have the Magnum 2812 inverter. The Magnum AGS would let us do this but labor for the wiring to include temperature control seems like a fairly big deal. Above my pay grade.

We have a wifi thermometer that will send us alarms for high temp but Molly worries this might fail.

Suggestions? Thanks
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: turbojack on April 23, 2019, 12:57:09 pm
What are they saying what wiring you need to do? I would think you only need a wire from the inverter to the control box that is in cabinet below driver seat. You should be able to get there through the wiring chase down the middle compartments
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 23, 2019, 12:58:27 pm
We don't have AGS, so I'm no expert by any means.  But since you already have Magnum MS2812, it sure seems like the Magnum ME-AGS-S would be just the ticket.  If you don't want to attempt the installation, is there anyone (or shop) close by you would trust with the project?  Why reinvent the wheel when the answer to your problem already exists?

Auto Generator Start - Stand Alone | Magnum Dimensions (https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/auto-generator-start-stand-alone)

If you are in the Portland area, how about a quick trip down to Oregon Motorcoach Center in Eugene?

Oregon Motorcoach Center | Premium RV Service Center | Eugene, OR (http://oregonmotorcoachcenter.com)

We had our MS2812 installed at AM Solar in Springfield, OR.  They asked if we wanted to add on the AGS module, but we declined.  I am sure they could also handle the AGS installation for you.

RV Solar Panel Kits & Camping Solar Panels, Batteries & Chargers: AM (https://amsolar.com)
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: krush on April 23, 2019, 01:12:53 pm
The simple down and dirty way would be to take a signal from the Automatic Transfer switch (ATS) to the "run switch" circuit on the generator.  In conceptual terms, when the ATS loses power, it flips the switch to start the generator.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 23, 2019, 01:26:42 pm
What about the "pre-heat" period for the generator glow plugs?  Don't most AGS modules include a way to activate the "pre heat" function?

Or do newer generators have a "one button" start system?  I only know how our old genny works, with manual pre-heat.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: craneman on April 23, 2019, 02:02:06 pm
The simple down and dirty way would be to take a signal from the Automatic Transfer switch (ATS) to the "run switch" circuit on the generator.  In conceptual terms, when the ATS loses power, it flips the switch to start the generator.
Because it is a timed latch switch probably not a good idea.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Caflashbob on April 23, 2019, 03:07:20 pm
An magnum me-ags-n can be networked into your existing Dometic roof airs.

You need to change the boards in the ac and change the thermostat to the new ten button one.

The magnum AGS has a 25 second preheat cycle in its programming and will retry up to 4 times to verify start
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: krush on April 23, 2019, 08:29:13 pm
Because it is a timed latch switch probably not a good idea.

Depends on the year and style.  My generator control is a simple on/off single-throw switch.  I'm probably going to get some cheap remote switch (or maybe the clapper? Clap ON, Clap OFF) so I can turn my gen on/off from the bedroom....the lowly u270 doesn't have that feature lol
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Old Toolmaker on April 23, 2019, 08:38:34 pm
Depends on the year and style.  My generator control is a simple on/off single-throw switch.  I'm probably going to get some cheap remote switch (or maybe the clapper? Clap ON, Clap OFF) so I can turn my gen on/off from the bedroom....the lowly u270 doesn't have that feature lol
Our lowly u225 has a generator start switch in the bedroom along with the engine coolant pre-heat switch.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: morninghill on April 23, 2019, 09:33:12 pm
Thanks to all.

Sounds like the Magnum AGS is my answer. Usually stop in to Oregon Motorcoach Center each year so will add this to their list.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Caflashbob on April 23, 2019, 11:16:29 pm
You normally do not need to use the kits included cable style remote thermostat sensor.

The coaches a/c sensors can interface with the updated Dometic control and the changed a/c boards.

Can be both cold or hot set.  Can go from heat to a/c or battery voltages in any combo to start the gen if needed

Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: morninghill on April 24, 2019, 08:27:03 am
Thanks Bob. Replaced the dometic ac's, boards and thermostat last year. Will have OMC check if all compatible.
Title: Re: Bypass the AGS?
Post by: Barry & Cindy on April 24, 2019, 07:53:29 pm
If someone already has the Magnum AGS network autostart wired in, adding temperature start is simple by plugging in a temp cable that runs to living space.

I was aware of the temp start for the Magnum AGS standalone like we have, but didn't know the network unit also has the same feature.