Microair vs Hyper Engineering?

I might get the transformer to use in parks with low voltage.

I think I'll stick with running my twin Yamahas for times when I need off grid AC. Together they provide 26 amps so I can also charge the battery bank a bit at the same time.

jharrell wrote:
Would be interesting to know how a autoformer can help the situation, it actually seems like it would make things worse by drawing more current from the generator.

BTW My Easystart works great on my Coleman 15k.

That was my thinking as well.

philh wrote:
Does an autoformer have the ability to start an AC unit when running on a 2000 watt generator?

I am not sure how an autoformer would help, it increases voltage by increasing current on the input side, so your locked rotor current draw just went up on the generator.

In the end power is the same, the voltage sag is due to the large amount of in-rush current to the motor.

A soft starter like a Easy-star ramps up voltage slowly to motor limiting current in-rush.

Would be interesting to know how a autoformer can help the situation, it actually seems like it would make things worse by drawing more current from the generator.

BTW My Easystart works great on my Coleman 15k.

I can't say for certain, but I can say that before the Microair, when starting on shore power that the Sola Basic "kicked in" in well under 1/3 of a second. Post microair, that no longer happened.

As a result I've tweaked the autoformer to cut in at 113 instead of 110. I'll be testing it on 2019 06 21.

philh wrote:
Does an autoformer have the ability to start an AC unit when running on a 2000 watt generator?

philh wrote:
Does an autoformer have the ability to start an AC unit when running on a 2000 watt generator?

It’s hard to say for sure because of the several variables that I previously mentioned, however in my case (at 4,800’ elevation, 80 deg/f,10 year old air unit) voltage sag appears to have become a non-issue because the generator while in the eco mode responds smoothly and steps up RPM quickly to the increased load...

Having said that, because each case is somewhat different I also consider the comments of other posters to be highly reliable - Understand that the autoformer just provides a different strategy - JMHO

3 tons

Does an autoformer have the ability to start an AC unit when running on a 2000 watt generator?

pianotuna wrote:
3 tons,

If I were to start over I would not bother with the Easy or Sure. I'd just use the autoformer.

Me as well, what I prefer is that the autoformer corrects the voltage sag rather than meter power out through the sag condition...I believe it's this sag condition that is the root cause.

3 tons

GordonThree wrote:
I was considering the LC2400 model, which offers 2400 volt amps on a 20a circuit.

It's not the full 3600va of the Hughes or Sola.

From the load panel on my unit it should work, based on FLA of the compressor and blower.

I considered this for just the A/C branch circuit. Never followed through.

I have a Frank's booster but I don't run the air unless I have utility power.

3 tons,

If I were to start over I would not bother with the Easy or Sure. I'd just use the autoformer.

The Easy OR Sure start can certainly help, yet their can be other variables, such as Ambient temperature, elevation, whether or not in the ‘eco’ mode, and age of unit...

My neighbor and I have the exact same Coleman 11 kbtu Mach 1 P.S. but his is new and mine is 10 years old...His uses about 2amps less than mine...

This is why after beginning with the easy start, I now prefer the Autoformer which makes the unit operate in eco without a hitch...