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Topic: Auto generator start 2005 U320 (Read 731 times) previous topic - next topic

Auto generator start 2005 U320

Does anyone know what generator start module is used on a 2005 U330?  I would like to set up generator start to operate when air conditioners need to come on.  That way I can set at maximum temp I would like the coach to get to.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #1 –
Steve, I have been awaiting a reply to this.....I did not even know you could do such! 

I had an 05, never thought to try that.  And on the 01 we have now, I think all I can do......and have done....was leave the gen in auto start mode to sense that the batteries needed charging.  I had to leave at a Cummins shop one time, not plugged in, and did that.  It worked for that but not connected to also turning on the AC.

Am interested to hear if those can be so connected.

mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #2 –
Since I posted this, my son in law and I designed a circuit to parallel the generator start switch to cycle generator on/off as necessary for air conditioner demand.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #3 –
A simple thermostat with SPST close on rising temp contacts across the 2 wire start circuit would work fine. 

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #4 –
The generator start circuit on mine is a momentary switch, so you need to send a pulse to start and a pulse to stop.  I also want the air conditioners to cycle off and the generator load to drop before shutting off e generator.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #5 –
Some with built-in gen auto-start have added Magnum gen auto-start to have gen start at a variable temp setting.
Auto Generator Start - Stand Alone (ME-AGS-S) - Magnum Energy, Inc. Since our coach did not come with factory auto-start, we added the above and it works great.

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Some with built-in gen auto-start have added Magnum gen auto-start to have gen start at a variable temp setting.
I also added the Magnum autostart unit. Yes, you can set it to start the generator at a set temperature, but the run time is a fixed amount of time determined by a setting on the Magnum unit. It doesn't have a provision for shutting down after the air conditioner has shut down based on the thermostat setting.

The Magnum unit might be a starting point for the generator control system that DeLange wants. However, it seems to me that it would take a combination of a thermostat, some timers, some sensors to check the air conditioners, and a controller.

Perhaps one of the the "programming geeks" on the forum will build DeLange's generator control. (Possibly a Raspberry Pi with appropriate sensors, switches, and program.)
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #7 –
Dometic makes a control box that plugs into the last air conditioner.  That gives the signal to start generator. 

I was originally going to tap into the start circuit at control box, but decided it's easier to just parallel the switch. 

While standing in line at Disneyworld in 98F heat, my son in law suggested I replace thermostat with wifi unit and add a wifi hotspot to RV.  That way I could set temp up or down as I wanted while away from coach. 
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #8 –
I have a Wifi T'stat at home base. It is GREAT, but, you've gotta have Internet to contact it.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss
 

Re: Auto generator start 2005 U320

Reply #9 –
If you start getting too complicated, the best solution may be a cheap PLC. The click series here is pretty dang cheap and has enough I/O's on the module to do what you need (choose analog/digital/combo) and is expandable if needed. Programmable Controllers | AutomationDirect.com
1998 U270 34'