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Adding temp control to AGS

In my coach I have the original Dynagen BCM-12 auto gen start device.  It works well for making sure the gen starts to keep the batteries above my preset level.  My FIL gave me a Magnum Energy ME-AGS-S which has the temperature sensor to start the generator when a preset temp has been reached, to provide power to the A/Cs to bring the temps down.  Great for if we left the puppies behind for a little while or something.

The thing I don't like about it is that once it triggers to start the gen due to temp, it runs for a preset amount of time.  There is only one runtime setting and it's the same runtime for bringing the batteries back from the low voltage setting.  I'd imagine that if your batteries are 11.0V or 11.5V or whatever it is set to, it will take a few hours to get the inverter/charger to fully charge them.  For that, the timer works fine.  In one manual, I read to figure out how long this takes from the start voltage to full and use that time to set the run time setting.

In the case of temp though, if we set the gen to fire at 85*, then set the A/C's for 74*, it may only take 30 mins or 1hr to hit that temp, not the multiple hours set for battery recovery.  That's what I'm not a fan of...having the gen run extra hours when the AC isn't required.

Question 1:  Is anyone aware of a stand alone unit that has more settings (preferably digital) for the temperature control?  I looked at the Xantrex AGS, but apparently it won't work with my Freedom SW3000, on the newer SW3012 units...and I'm not considering a $2000 upgrade to get temp control, when my current inverter/charger works well.

So, I started digging and found this temperature controller with relay outputs:  Fahrenheit Limit Temperature Controller Thermostat Auto Switch Heat and Cold...

With that, you can set a temp that turns on an output.  Then you can set another temp that turns on a second output.  I'm thinking you could use a one-shot relay (DAYTON Single Function Timing Relay, 12V DC, 10A @ 240V, 8 Pins, DPDT -...) on each output and tap into the momentary start/stop wire from the AGS control panel.  This way, when the temp hits your preset hot temp, it "presses" the start button.  When it hits the preset cool temp, it "presses" it again, stopping the generator.  You'd also have to wire in one more relay so that if the gen is already running, it doesn't allow the start relay to apply (this could happen if you were running the gen but didn't have the AC on for instance.), and if not running, it doesn't allow the stop reply to apply (if it's not running, applying this would cause the gen to start).

Question 2:  Does anyone see any reason this WON'T work?


Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #1 –
Keith,

I am using the same controller in my shop to achieve the same thing except I am starting/stopping the heating system.  So I see no reason for it not to work for the control of the generator start/stop function.  The controller don't know the difference in a heater, generator, or an A/C unit for that matter. I use a high amp relay that is controlled by this controller  so the second relay has all the major load and not the temp. controller. With you just using this for control voltage it's contacts should have no problem.

My controller has been in service for about 4 years so I have no real long term data as to how robust these little controllers are made.  The temp. settings are spot on. 

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #2 –
That's great to hear Mike, thanks for the feedback.  I was a little concerned with it being a pretty cheap piece, but your post has given me some confidence in it.  Like you, I would use the outputs from this to run relays to handle the load.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #3 –
Update here.  After buying all of the components to do this, I've had second thoughts.  My concerns are that once the controller starts the generator, the controller will have to be set to turn the gen off before the AC's actually hit their target temp.  I've heard that shutting the gen off while under load isn't good, plus there is no cool down time.

Due to this, I've been exploring other options on how to make this work.

In the mean time, I've also changed out from the manual Dometic thermostat to a WiFi enabled Micro-Air digital thermostat. (WiFi/Bluetooth thermostat upgrade from Dometic 5-button)  This thermostat can be controlled by an app over the internet.  I've added a Verizon hotspot in the coach and the t-stat connects using this, so it's accessible to me anytime the hotspot has service.  The app offers a notification feature, where you can set to be notified if a temp limit is reached (high and low settings).

So with this, if I set a high limit, and both my phone and the coach have service, I will get notified that a temp threshold has been achieved.  At this point, I'd want to start the generator and turn on the A/C's and let them run until I'm happy.  I can also set the low temp notification to again notify me once my target temp has been reached, so I know when to turn the A/C's off and then can stop the generator a few minutes later.

I checked the generator manual start switch today and determined that it is fed 12V, and is simply a momentary switch.  Apply 12V to the output side of the switch and that would start the generator.  When running, there is 10V provided to the LED for "Gen running" that lights up on the panel.

I recently found this little gem on the internet.  WebRelay Wireless - 1 Relay, 1 Digital Input, 4 1-Wire Sensors  This is a WiFi enabled controller that has one input, which I will connect to the LED, so that it can tell me if the LED is off (gen not running) or on (gen running).  Since the generator could auto-start and be running, I wouldn't want to shut it off when it was already running, since that's what "pushing" the manual on/off button would do.  This unit also has one output that can be on/off toggled, or set for a pulsed output with the duration set from 0.1sec to 86400 (1 day).  Since the start/stop feature uses a momentary push, I'd probably set it for a 1 second pulse and pull the 12V from the input to the switch and boom, I have remote control of the generator.  I will have to get their cloud service for the device, since the hotspot cannot be setup with a static IP address, but this is $12/year.  Using their app, I'll be able to see the LED status and start or stop the generator remotely.  I've ordered the unit and will update when I get it installed.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #4 –
Today I installed the Controlbyweb web relay wireless device. It is pretty simple only needing 12VDC power, ground, power and ground from the "running" LED to report if the generator is running or not, a common (power) wire for the switch control and a wire back to the output side of the manual switch.  The device has removable terminal blocks, which makes it easy to connect.

I pulled power and the common wire to the relay switch from the power wire going to the manual switch.  I found that this is only hot when the generator main switch is on, so the whole system can be disabled if needed.

I connected to the unit with my laptop and configured the display names, functions and tested it for function.  The "pulse" option is set for 1 second pulse (momentary press), and started and stopped the generator.  The control page shows the status of the generator, whether it is running or not, based on if the input has power, which I tied into the "running" LED from the generator display panel on the dash.

Once I confirmed it worked when connected locally, I connected it to the WiFi Hotspot.  I created the cloud account and added the device, which took about 15 minutes.  I can see and control the generator from my phone locally, or from any phone or computer on the web.  Pretty happy with the outcome.  Finished by "mounting" it under the dash.  I used 3M VHB tape to adhere some neodymium magnets to the mounting feet and then stuck it to the top of the AC control box under the dash.  It's well secure but easily removed if needed.

I've also included screen captures of what the web based control looks like, and the app based control page.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #5 –
Keith this is possibly what you have but if not I would look at a timed relay that started when AC shut off and after 3 to 5 minutes the generator would shut off.  this would give the generator cool down time
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR
 

Re: Adding temp control to AGS

Reply #6 –

I used one of these 4 channel wifi connected switches.  Each channel can be set for momentary, latching or on/off.  It has manual buttons to make it work without wifi.  Mine came with a cover.  Apparently not any more.
4 Channel WiFi Momentary Inching Relay Self-Locking Switch Module DC 7-32V...

Here is one with a cover.
Amazon.com: MHCOZY 4CH WiFi RF Wireless Switch Relay,Inching Self-Locking...

Easy to connect to the gen start/stop momentary switch.

Pretty easy to wire and set up.  We use ours to lock and unlock the coach, turn on/off the porch lights and tuen on/off the front lights in the coach.  "alexa, we are home" unlocks the coach and turns on the lights.  "Alexa, lock the coach" locks the coach from anywhere.  All four channels are independently controllable from anywhere.

Living room ceiling panel lights, kitchen lights, over the sink lights, kitchen under cabinet light, dining area lights, bedroom under cabinet lights, each side and bedroom valence lights, each side are all wifi connected to on/off/dimmer controllers.  "alexa, turn on the living room front ceiling light at ten percent".  "alexa, dining room on at fifty percent".

All work in a manual mode as well. 

Here is a timer that can be set and adjusted with your phone to add a delay function.

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