Auto start generator ?

wolfe10 wrote:
Got it. I agree, use the longer time for voltage below XXX.

Assume that is a minor typo-- you are set at 12.0 VDC for over 60 seconds, as below 13.0 will occur almost immediately.

CORRECT (good catch)...ive corrected the last post.

So in summary -

IF i hit 12 vdc for more than 60 seconds the generator will start.

REMEMBER - (pet owners), the EC-30W will not actually START your heat or Air Conditioner if you haven't turned it on and set it to the proper thermostatic temperature.

We keep it pretty cool in the coach (for our Old English Sheepdog) - so our A/C is usually on/running unless its 70* outside (in which case the windows are open & we've not gone far for long).

If we were to lose shore power and the thermometer embedded in the EC-30W were to detect a temperature of XX degrees, the generator will start....

IF I've forgotten to turn the A/C on or set the temp too high, the A/C may not run (even though the generator is running)....Its imperative that i leave the A/C on & set no higher that XX - so that the a/c will run & keep the dog cool.

Got it. I agree, use the longer time for voltage below XXX.

Assume that is a minor typo-- you are set at 12.0 VDC for over 60 seconds, as below 13.0 will occur almost immediately.

wolfe10 wrote:
bshpilot,

Thanks-- and a very good answer so that a short-term drop in voltage will not trigger a generator start before it is really needed.

read my previous post - as i made some changes/edits after it was just posted.

YES a short-term drop could trigger the gen to start.

I think the EC-30W default voltage drop (valley) is pre programmed for 30 or 60 seconds.

I have mine set for 60 seconds (if voltage hits 12.0 vdc for 60 seconds, or longer) then generator starts (and runs for 45 minutes after battery voltage reaches "full").

bshpilot,

Thanks-- and a very good answer so that a short-term drop in voltage will not trigger a generator start before it is really needed.

wolfe10 wrote:
A question for those who have programmed your generator auto-start.

When specifying battery voltage to trigger a start, is it measuring voltage AT REST, or will low voltage while under load (like running microwave for 30 seconds, after which battery voltage will "bounce back up")trigger the generator to start???

in a nut shell the EC-30W is measuring Voltage - it doesnt know if the voltage it sees is at rest or under load (program accordingly).

assuming your camping, the voltage measured could be during load (if you have something running) - for me, my outdoor fridge/freezer runs when I'm on batteries (or short power).

the EC-30W has a time setting that you can use....i.e.

if battery falls below X (voltage) for X length of time (in seconds)
then START Generator

further there is a generator RUN LENTH & CHARGE level parameter i.e.

If battery is above X (volts) for X length of time (minutes)
then STOP Generator.

All of these (X) settings are user programable.

A question for those who have programmed your generator auto-start.

When specifying battery voltage to trigger a start, is it measuring voltage AT REST, or will low voltage while under load (like running microwave for 30 seconds, after which battery voltage will "bounce back up")trigger the generator to start???

when camping at an RV park (w/ shore power) - with out the dog, for more than a week, i'll switch the batteries off (no need to charge them).

in storage i switch the batteries off & use a separate battery maintenance charger (not the converter/charger in the coach).

When we travel with the Dog - we always leave the batteries ON, even when connected to shore power - if the pedestal / shore power is lost & the coach temperature rises (above 80*) the EC-30W will automatically start the generator so the AC can run / cool the coach & keep the dog safe.

When DRY camping (aka race track) w/out shore power we leave the house batteries on & let the EC-30W remote start monitor the battery charge leave. If the batteries are run down while were away, EC-30W will start the gen & charge the batters.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

If you want long battery life and are using lead acid batteries I'd be inclined to set at 12.2 volts.

I have to agree with this. The more often you discharge below 50%, the shorter you can expect the batteries to last.

For those of you that use this feature, are you leaving on all the cutoff switches. There are two at my front door and the main battery disconnect in the bay. I'm assuming all these should be on for the generator to start and charge the batteries. In this scenario would there would be a significant battery drain from 12v systems?

Thanks

Thank You