Has anyone used this generator feature? If so, any problems? I have to leave the coach without power for about 10 days and if this works it would be perfect to keep the batteries charged. The coach is outside.
George
George disconnect the battery negative leads
JohnH
It works fine if you need it
Had some work at Camping World (first and last time).. They wore my auto start out... 1/4 tank of diesel later... saved the batteries though. The auto start is made for emergency and for lazy people.. Lazy being at the repair facility that doesnt want to plug it in. Emergency is every other use. ^.^d
I keep the switch on almost all the time when the coach is outside. There have been times when I am gone for a day or so and the power goes out on the pedestal due to a storm or tree falling, etc, and the gen will start when called on.
I have learned when dry camping there are times to turn it off. For instance, if you are running appliances off inverter, the sudden appliance load may drop the voltage low enough to start the gen. My keurig coffee maker is a perfect example. It will cause the generator to auto start almost every time. I have learned to make the coffee, then turn the auto-start back on once coffeee maker unplugged..
As I write, I will be away from my coach for 2 weeks. I left it plugged into pedestal with very little load, and auto start is on.I have done this may times and never had a problem
Since we don't have Auto Start, I never thought much about it. Then this discussion got me to wondering: "How long does generator run after it auto starts?" A quick search of the Forum supplied the answer: "It depends." Depends on how it is programed. Link to thread:
Generator Auto Start (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=24398)
The gen normally does not contain auto gen start? The inverters bus system can be have a auto start. Does your coach have a xanbus auto start? Would seem able to prevent discharge?
IF you use the autostart feature, be sure to verify that your inverter/charger is power save/power share feature is set to max amps.
My '99 has factory auto start next to the start switch.
Our 2000 does also Craneman! However, there is no panel to set parameters, so it must be programed from factory to auto start on what they set? Sounds good anyway!
If you can find where the auto start electronic module is hidden on your bus, link below shows how to program:
Dynagen BCM-12 Specifications (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/dynagen_bcm-12_specifications.html)
If you're talking about the Dynagen BCM-12 auto-start module there is a manual on the forum at: Media / Foretravel Library / Generator-Genset manuals / Dynagen Battery Charge Manual
There is an easy procedure to set the generator start and stop voltages, the run time, and delay start. Not hard to do, just need to use a voltmeter and a little calculating.
That said I haven't had the need to use mine so it stays off.
Oops, you beat me to it Chuck.
My module is inside the center console on the pull-up board where the Audit module is.
I leave my autostart switch on all the time. It has saved my coach batteries several times. It is set to start at 12.2v under load and stops after 4 hours.
Where is the auto start located?
If you's is like ours , it's in the dash beside the generator start button