Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Bypass the AGS? (Read 866 times) previous topic - next topic

Bypass the AGS?

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
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #1 –
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
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #2 –
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

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

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
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: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #3 –
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.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #4 –
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.
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: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: krush –
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.
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: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #6 –
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
"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: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: craneman –
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
1998 U270 34'

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: krush –
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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #9 –
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.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #10 –
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

"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: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #11 –
Thanks Bob. Replaced the dometic ac's, boards and thermostat last year. Will have OMC check if all compatible.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester
 

Re: Bypass the AGS?

Reply #12 –
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.