smkettner wrote:
ktmrfs wrote:
smkettner wrote:
Use the PI bypass mode. You will not encounter low voltage with Honda generators. The Honda will shut down.
depends, even in the bypass mode you need enough voltage to keep the PI line voltage relay energized. In eco mode, even with 2 generators running if your at higher altitude and high temps, the generator will drop down enough before it kicks out for the PI relay to drop out BEFORE the generator kicks out, then the generator voltage goes up, relay kicks in, voltage drops....... get the picture, you'll hear the relay chattering and the AC won't start.
I and others have been there with the PI. get the AC started not in eco mode is the solution.
I get that. I must be confused on this part:
Rbertalotto wrote:
If I deactivate the EMS, then the AC will function with both generators on eco boost.
Sounded like bypass mode to me and it worked fine. My comment was to continue using bypass mode as running voltage will not be an issue.
If deactivate meant remove from circuit that would be different.
when you turn off the PI EMS, you turn off the high and low voltage cutoff limits of 104 V and 130V or so and wrong wiring check etc. Thats controlled by the electronics.
BUT you do NOT affect the inherent pull in and drop out voltage of the power relay based on line voltage at the relay
It needs somewhere around 80V to pull in and drops out something below that. And it only take one or two cycle with that low a voltage to drop out. Thats what can happen in eco mode. generator voltage drops below the drop out limit for a cycle, the relay goes out of the circuit and drops the load (AC) then the voltage goes back up to near 120V on the next cycle, the relay kicks in, instantly the generator sees the AC load, now the LRA load drops below the cut out limit for a cycle..... Relay chatter.
Now one could modify the EMS with a filter circuit on the relay with a RC and diode to hold the relay in for enough cycles to let the honda recover.
what I have found is that at higher altitudes (> 3500 ft or so) and hot days (90+F) even with the EMS in bypass mode my two generators (honda) will not start the coleman AC, relay chatter. It needs eco turned off.
Now near sea level, even at the same temps, mine will start in eco mode w/o relay chatter.
Now, Colemans are probably the hardest to start brand based on forum feedback, even with a soft start cap and delay for the fan.
So, depending on altitude, temperature and AC unit eco and ems off may or may NOT work. All you can do is try.
