Forum Discussion

phemens's avatar
phemens
Explorer
May 07, 2019

AIMS 3000W inverter/charger transfer to generator?

I'm looking to replace my current 2000w Kisae inverter with an all in one unit (currently considering the AIMS 3000w unit) so that I combine inverter and charger functions with 2nd input for AC from generator. I'd be switching out my genny to something like a Champion 3500 with remote start. My question is, the AIMS has a 15 second delay in the transfer switch to change over to the generator. If I remote start the generator, does that give me enough time for the unit to get up to power before it takes the load. I've heard it's not great to start a generator under load, but I don''t want to futz around with breakers, etc if I can avoid it. This scenario would be relatively rare, as I'm usually ok with battery bank and solar under most situations. Getting lazier with age and want to avoid having to run outside to start up the genny and swithc the shore power over from inverter to the generator.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 07, 2019
    The Champion has a delay on producing power. It also disconnects on spin down which is a desirable feature.

    I'm not fond of Aims.

    Look at Victron or Outback.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2019
    phemens wrote:
    the AIMS has a 15 second delay in the transfer switch to change over to the generator.... I've heard it's not great to start a generator under load, .
    I don't understand the delay.. most xfer switches are microseconds.

    It's not great on a xfer switch either, to switch under load.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 07, 2019
    2oldman,

    My Magnum has a delay after it is plugged in before it will pass through power. I think that may be what the OP is referring to.
  • phemens's avatar
    phemens
    Explorer
    May 07, 2019
    yes, correct, pass through delay before switching to the generator leg.
    Piano, I was also looking at the Samlex 3012 or the Go-Power. Victron was a little out of budget (even though I use their solar controllers and am happy with those), and from what I see it doesn't appear to have dual AC in (shore & generator)?
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2019
    https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/categories/shop-by-brand/aims-power/inverter-chargers

    Can't say about the remotes and delays, etc, but I would not like that 25w minimum load, and IMO the 65 amp charger is lame to go with a 3000w inverter/charger. The 2000w is even lamer with a 40 amper.

    ISTR many/most 2000s have a 100 amper and a 3000 has a 150 amper PF corrected charger.

    You would need a 3000w gen to run the bigger amp chargers though.

    Can't remember how it all works, but Mr Wiz has a plain 2000w inverter and separate charger and gen in his MH, and he has a clever wireless remote set up with a three-way switch. AFAIK, he can do it all from inside the rig without having to go out in the rain.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2019
    You should check out Amazon reviews if you haven't already. Aims is cheaper, yes, but you get what you pay for.
  • phemens's avatar
    phemens
    Explorer
    May 07, 2019
    BFL13 wrote:
    https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/categories/shop-by-brand/aims-power/inverter-chargers

    Can't say about the remotes and delays, etc, but I would not like that 25w minimum load, and IMO the 65 amp charger is lame to go with a 3000w inverter/charger. The 2000w is even lamer with a 40 amper.

    ISTR many/most 2000s have a 100 amper and a 3000 has a 150 amper PF corrected charger.

    You would need a 3000w gen to run the bigger amp chargers though.

    Can't remember how it all works, but Mr Wiz has a plain 2000w inverter and separate charger and gen in his MH, and he has a clever wireless remote set up with a three-way switch. AFAIK, he can do it all from inside the rig without having to go out in the rain.


    The Samlex 3102 does 130 amp charging, and I was looking at the Champion 3500w generator, so I think that would do the job?
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 07, 2019
    Hi,

    At least on the Magnum, 130 amps of charging can be done from a 15 amp shore power supply. That would depend on the power factor of the Samlex.

    The Champion would hardly notice 15 amps.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2019
    130x 13 = 1,690 watts, if your batteries will even take that.

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