Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Auto gen start (Read 1002 times) previous topic - next topic

Auto gen start

Our 97 shows it came with a problematic gen wizard that was removed before we got it.

I have an auto gen start me-ags-n to install.

My guru buddy thinks that we would need to be able to connect  a network cable connection and a regular phone connector which is ok. 

There must have been gen wiring in the front left compartment to connect to the now removed gen wizard.

Any idea what we should look for?

If I can do the research he can do the work

Thanks

"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: Auto gen start

Reply #1 –
Looks like I'm playing follow the leader with CAFLASHBOB on a few projects.
I' trying to figure out how to wire my gen auto start to my Victron equipment after removing the factory Freedom 25 inverter/charger.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #2 –
The Victron blog I looked at said when questioned closely about what a Victron can do in detail as far as auto start the moderator recommended they acquire a magnum ME-AGS stand alone auto gen start.

Using the Dometic ac and aqua hot or other temp sources to trigger the HVAC separate from the SOC I think requires a magnum inverter and a me-rc or me-arc optional remote panel.

My guru buddy had a country coach 06 magna customer on the phone while I was there Friday morning and he is replacing both roof airs with cooling only Dometic airs and a 10 button control panel.

I think we get him to investigate even newer  technologies like higher open circuit voltage solar panels. He was reluctant as he was not sure if someone on the roof like a fireman could be hurt by cracked or bad wiring on the roof and a fire

He makes money installing new airs of course so replacing the boards and installing a 10 button Dometic control panel to retro fit existing 22 year old airs is not as good an idea for him and for warranty reasons.

My memory is no new connections are needed.  Plug in on both ends.  Is that correct?

I would think any Foretravel coach with a similar to a brand new IH-45's auto  combine charging and auto temp dual setback gen start along with battery voltage auto start would be a good additional value to a sale?

If I ran a Foretravel sales lot again every used Foretravel that was in my inventory would have new optimas, new mk gels, new auto combiner, new auto gen starts from all possible triggers.  Just like the new coaches had but for a fraction of the price.

If and when we were to sell our coach being able to show a prospective new owner that the coach is capable of being automated almost totally  would be a strong selling point.

That's the direction I am slowly working at.

Worked for me long ago on my Foretravel lot.  I let the customers on used coaches pick out what complete new coach interior they would want in their new to them used coach.

Carpet, furniture,tv's, awnings.  Buff the outside.  New batteries. New belts and hoses in the engine compartment.  New house water pump.  New wiper blades. Small solar as I was the first to put solar on a coach as a normal thing both used and new on a lot anywhere.

"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: Auto gen start

Reply #3 –
Likely your generator auto start is not tied to o e on your inverter, but is a separate stand alone autostart. I took out pristine 2.5 and added Victron 3.0. Autostart still works as before, not connected to Victron. AM solar said it was an option but would a few bucks to switchover and I said I'd leave it alone until it broke. They concurred

Tim Fiedler
Gen-Pro.biz
630 240-9139
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #4 –
Easy to add generator autostart from a Victron.  Use the CCGX, a BMV or the inverter itself to either provide an on/off signal to the generator's start controls or in the case of our coach with a momentary contact switch to start or stop the generator a pulse to turn the generator on or off.  You have to go through the generators start panel in any case, not wiring directly to the generator.  The generator needs to be able to shut itself down for low oil, bad voltage, over heating etc.  the generator signals the start controller to shut down in these cases. 

You can control what voltages or SOC trigger a start and stop and run time. Even what quiet times not to start the generator.  There are no special extra parts to buy that would add to cost of the Victron.  Magnum inverters start out significantly more expensive and all of this functionality adds extra cost. 

Automatic Generator start/stop [Victron Energy]
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Magnum inverters start significantly more expensive and all of this functionality adds extra cost.
How much "more expensive" are Magnun inverters (in dollars--at real prices and not just list prices) when compared to Victron inverters?
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #6 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
How much "more expensive" are Magnun inverters (in dollars--at real prices and not just list prices) when compared to Victron inverters?
These people have fairly competitive prices. Make sure you compare the Victron 3000 to the Magnum 3000 'hybrid'. The Victron is a hybrid.
Look at the warranty as well.
Inverter Brands - We Carry More Quality Power Inverters Than Anyone
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #7 –
glad the Victron units can trigger a gen start signal if needed.

Our gen requires a separate preheat signal.  Default is 25 seconds.  Adjustable from zero to 120 seconds.

Severe winter would require up to 60 seconds preheat and maybe multiple auto retries. 

Ags is adjustable with up to four retries and if you have the wireless unit in their system it can send a fault message as it has a sense wire to verify the gen is actually on.
"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: Auto gen start

Reply #8 –
Quote from: jcus –
These people have fairly competitive prices. Make sure you compare the Victron 3000 to the Magnum 3000 'hybrid'.
Inverter Brands - We Carry More Quality Power Inverters Than Anyone
Since you made the statement that Magnum was significantly more expensive than Victron I was looking for real numbers from you to support your claim---and you fdidn't provide them.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #9 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
Since you made the statement that Magnum was significantly more expensive than Victron I was looking for real numbers from you to support your claim---and you fdidn't provide them.
Your showing your hand... wrong guy ^.^d

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #10 –
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
Since you made the statement that Magnum was significantly more expensive than Victron I was looking for real numbers from you to support your claim--- and you fdidn't provide them.
Did you even open the link?  Victron $1427 Magnum $1799.
Try again.  Inverter Brands - We Carry More Quality Power Inverters Than Anyone
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #11 –
For example:
At Bay Marine Supply.

Magnum MS2812.  $1983.20. 2800 VA continuous output at 25° C 3 yr warranty
Magnum MS2812 2800 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter-Charger

Magnum MSH3012M  $2230.20. 3000 VA continuous output at 25°C. 3 yr warranty
Magnum MSH3012M 3000W Hybrid Pure Sine Wave Inverter-Charger

Victron Multiplus 3000 VA $1427.15. 3000 VA continuous output at 77° F (25° C) 5 yr warranty.  This is most comparable to the MSH301M
Victron MultiPlus 12 Volt / 3000 VA / 120 Amp Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger

It is pretty easy to do price comparisons for yourself.

Both of these Magnum inverters are more expensive at Bay Marine than the Victron.  39% and 56%.  I see that as a significant difference. Similar differences at most other places as well.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #12 –
The Magnum has 60 amp pass thru and weighs 55 pounds and dual variable speed cooling fans and made in USA.

Victron is 50 amp pass thru and weighs 40 pounds and made in India as far as was posted here.

Battle born batteries lists both units and mentioned the magnum for those who want a UL listed unit.

I noticed on my Magnum ME-ARC panel I can monitor three different  internal inverter component temps.

Plus with the arc panel it will start in bulk charging and adjust the charging currents based on battery parameters not time with the BMS info integrated..

Magnum auto gen start profile can add time as a parameter for those who camp in gen hour restricted areas.

I understand  I can set multiple times per day  and what exact days of the week the auto start can work

Not sure on the Victron but in storage the std Magnum Rc panel had a 80% SOC non adjustable profile to trigger to recharge the batteries in bulk.

With the ARC panel I can adjust that up to 99%. Lessens the batteries cycle life being consumed just letting the batteries SOC go from 100% to 80% before recharging. 

Victron extended their warranty a few years ago to 5 years but only on newly purchased units not the existing ones in the field.

A few owners complained about that as they had had issues with  their units.

Magnum also has a dedicated battery profile for lifeline AGM batteries that can be equalized.

Versus have to make a custom one up.

Magnum can integrate auto gen start based on temperature and can be integrated with both the Dometic roof airs temp sensors already in the coach including the basement thermostat on aqua hot coaches.

The auto gen start comes with a separate 50'? Temp sensor wire if you have a particular area  need.  Like a basement?

 If you want/need that you would have to buy a stand alone ags from magnum

Magnum auto gen start also matches the older power tech 10k gen we have as needs a  preheat function built into the auto gen start which I think that the Victron cannot do plus up to 4 auto retries. And can report faults wirelessly if you add the wireless Magnum parts

new Foretravel coaches have the temp  gen start capability standard.

The Victron manual shows 5 multipass units wired together at 12.5 Kva output. 2400  watts each continuous watts power at 77 degrees

I am far from rich but never have been a "price" buyer.  Normally if I paid less I received less in this world.

The outback and xantrex and Magnum inverter/chargers are all the same 55-58 pound unit range.

Magnum does not offer a color control panel.

No rv manufacturer uses Victron oem that I am aware of,



"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: Auto gen start

Reply #13 –
May we please cease the constant Victron vs Magnum bickering that happens EVERY TIME someone types the word "inverter" in their post?  This is highly disruptive to the forum, does nothing to add to the knowledge base. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #14 –
Darn it! I just got my bag of popcorn out😁
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #15 –
OK...I'll bite.....
What prompted buying a new inverter in the first place?? Did the old one fail? Do you need more output for a residential refer??....or just to be have the latest and greatest??. Seems like a lot of dinero to spend on a part if you don't really need one. I like to know....just in case....
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #16 –
My prosine was working perfectly. Parasitic draw much higher than Victron, so I swapped out. Was doung solar at time, figured it would fail eventually so why not?

Tim Fiedler
Gen-Pro.biz
630 240-9139
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Auto gen start

Reply #17 –
I would never own or install a non UL listed appliance.  You probably have never purchased any appliance that was not UL listed.

Battleborn Batteries web page shows in their magnum specs "UL listed"

Shows nothing for the Victron.  Maybe they know something?

Just paranoid about safety.  You can tell me it's the same but cannot prove it.

Research the two euro quoted safety specs.  Power cord and burning wire test.

You all win,  spend less money.  Price is king.

Ask Foretravel to install it for you?  See what they say.....



"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: Auto gen start

Reply #18 –
Enough with the brand wars.  Topic locked.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320