Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Autostart Test Procedure (Read 937 times) previous topic - next topic

Autostart Test Procedure

 We haven't had a situation arise were autostart would have come into play, however, we plan to do a great deal of Boondocking over the summer and want to be sure we understand its operation.

Somewhere along the way our magnum inverter was changed to 3812 and I don't immediately see settings within the inverter itself to control the autostart future.

What's the best way to test the operation of auto start and autostop features?  Are it's operating parameters hard coded or can they be set, if so, how?

Thanks

Randy
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #1 –
1st of all you need to confirm that you have the Magnum autostart module.  It is not included with the 2812 but is an option.  If you have the ME-ARC or ME-RC remote panels, you should find AGS settings within their menus.  I think they will be slightly different, depending on which model you have.  User manuals and more info is available from Magnum.

Accessories | Magnum Dimensions

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bdale –
If you have the ME-ARC or ME-RC remote panels, you should find AGS settings within their menus.
Correct - in fact, there is a dedicated AGS button on the remote panel.  We have the ME-RC remote panel with the AGS button, but we don't have the add-on module, so our button don't do nuttin'.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #3 –
Randy, Doesn't your coach have the factory auto start? A switch on the dash that says Auto start. If so that would be the best way to test the feature.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #4 –
Yes, we have the factory button on the dash. So that works independently?  Must be turned on and then it measures voltage?  House or chassis, or both?  We have a combiner not isolator.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #5 –
Measures house voltage. I tested mine by turning the charger off, waited until the batteries were down to 12.3 then put a glass of water in the microwave and watched the voltage drop and soon after the generator started up.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #6 –
Once the Gen autostarts- what voltage needs to be achieved to trigger auto shut down?
2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"
2014 Honda CRV
Washington, Vermont
Lady Lake, Fl,  Independence, VA
Former owner of 2002 U320, 2003 U320, 2005 U270

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #7 –
I believe it is voltage and time. I will read the manual tomorrow and post.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #8 –
CDM the two remotes differ quite a bit in capabilities running the ME-AGSN unit.  For example the ME-ARC can be set to turn off the gen once the charger  reaches float charge.  And with adjustable time delays.  Plus many other time or use related on or off. 

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4
 

Re: Autostart Test Procedure

Reply #9 –
The dash auto-start is independent from the auto-start on the inverter.  The dash one has its parts in the dash on the floor under the center storage agre as I recall.

The one on the inverter might be easier to set and use but it probably has to be on to work, something you might not do it boondocking. 

The time should be set so that it runs for a half hour or so.  You might be low on volts, start the microwave or coffee maker, then the generator auto-starts.  The volts will come up fairly quick because the charger comes on but it takes time to push some amps into the battery.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN