Portable generators with auto start capability.

[CoeyCoey]

Hello all,

I am looking for a small portable generator with autostart capability. The only one I have found so far is the AIM models. Does anyone else know of any brands with this feature?

My goal is to have a backup generator automatically kick on if the shore power should fail to make sure my dogs still have AC if I am not around to turn it on myself.

Thanks!

[theoldwizard1]

Some inverter/charge/auto transfer units, Samlex EVO for example, have a generator starter output built in.

From page 74 EvolutionTM Series Inverter/Charger Owners Manual

4.7 AUTO GENERATOR START / STOP

Auto Generator Start / Stop function has been provided using “Common” and Normally Open “NO” contacts

of Status Relay (14, Fig 2.1). The relay is SPDT Type with contacts rated at 3A, 125 VAC / 30 VDC. Appropriate
external Generator Auto Start / Stop Module will be required for using this function.

[CoeyCoey]

GordonThree wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
GordonThree,

The Magnum hybrid inverter/charger does have a time delay built in when shore power is applied. I'm guessing the Victron does as well.

I would not purchase Magnum but would look at both Victron and Outback.

That delay isn't useful.

If the power isn't sure it wants to go out but instead waffles back and forth, I wouldn't want my generator restarting every 30 seconds.

Maybe outages are different in other countries? I've never experienced an unexpected outage the power just shut off and stayed off for an extended period. There has always been some waffling first.

The ATS has a delay built into it.

[GordonThree]

pianotuna wrote:
GordonThree,

The Magnum hybrid inverter/charger does have a time delay built in when shore power is applied. I'm guessing the Victron does as well.

I would not purchase Magnum but would look at both Victron and Outback.

That delay isn't useful.

If the power isn't sure it wants to go out but instead waffles back and forth, I wouldn't want my generator restarting every 30 seconds.

Maybe outages are different in other countries? I've never experienced an unexpected outage the power just shut off and stayed off for an extended period. There has always been some waffling first.

[pianotuna]

GordonThree,

The Magnum hybrid inverter/charger does have a time delay built in when shore power is applied. I'm guessing the Victron does as well.

I would not purchase Magnum but would look at both Victron and Outback.

[GordonThree]

CoeyCoey wrote:

I don't think I will need one of those. I am simply going to have a relay that closes when shore power is lost and tells the generator to start. Then the ATS will kick over to generator power.

A simple relay is not sufficient. you'll likely damage your generator, inverter, air conditioner, etc.

You AT LEAST need a time delay relay, one that for example waits to energize 2 minutes after power is lost, and stays energized at least fifteen - thirty minutes after utility power is restored.

The Magnum AGS isn't very expensive, and likely Victron makes a similar unit for their inverter. Far easier than trying to DIY some sort of time delay circuit.

[CoeyCoey]

KD4UPL wrote:
There are many portable generators available that allow for an remote start. The problem is they are mostly louder generators, not the nice quiet inverter models. Most of Honda's entire line, for instance, has this feature. You'll need the matching wiring harness and probably a generator controller. Portables often use a 3 wire start system of which there are 2 different versions. They are unlike home generators that usually use a 2 wire start system. (of which there are also 2 versions).
Magnum energy makes a decent stand-alone Automatic Generator Start (AGS). If you happen to already have a Magnum inverter in your RV then you can use the network AGS. Schneider conext makes an AGS too but it will not operate "stand alone". But, again, if you happen to have a Schneider/Conext/Trace/Xantrex inverter in your RV you could use it.
There are other companies that make stand alone AGS boxes but I haven't had good luck with them in the past.

Yes, I am seeing that several of the smaller and more quiet portables might have remote start, but no auto start feature. Larger ones do. I think I will probably go with the AIM generator as it is portable, very quiet at 58db, and has the features built in that I am seeking. Should save me some money by not having to buy and wire in an AGS.

I am going to Victron because of their power assist feature. Some of the Magnums have it as well, but Victron seems to have more features for a lower price and better integration with their solar controllers.

[CoeyCoey]

NRALIFR wrote:
It seems like any generator with remote electric start would work. I’m not sure I’d want to control it with a normally closed solenoid though. Power outages aren’t always a clean off/on event. Most standby generator controls will have some delay built in on both the startup and shutdown process.

If you haven’t already, you might check this product out. It’s intended for the common built in RV gen sets, like the Onan 5500. There’s no reason it couldn’t control a portable generator as well, as long as it’s electric start.

Automatic Generator Start System – The ShorePower Monitor

:):)

I don't think I will need one of those. I am simply going to have a relay that closes when shore power is lost and tells the generator to start. Then the ATS will kick over to generator power.

I am going to use a Victron Multiplus as my inverter/charger. The great thing about that unit is it will supplement power to the system when it senses a drop in voltage. So, even though I will have a 2800W generator and the air conditioning needs 3900W for start up, the inverter will supply the extra power for that brief period. This means I would need a soft start device.

[CoeyCoey]

cavie wrote:
do you have a link to the auto start generator? I have never heard of a portable with such a feature.

Yes, this is the first and only one I have seen with it built in. AIM has a decent reputation, but they also are known for denying a lot of warranty claims.

https://www.aimscorp.net/3200-watt-portable-inverter-generator.html

[KD4UPL]

There are many portable generators available that allow for an remote start. The problem is they are mostly louder generators, not the nice quiet inverter models. Most of Honda's entire line, for instance, has this feature. You'll need the matching wiring harness and probably a generator controller. Portables often use a 3 wire start system of which there are 2 different versions. They are unlike home generators that usually use a 2 wire start system. (of which there are also 2 versions).
Magnum energy makes a decent stand-alone Automatic Generator Start (AGS). If you happen to already have a Magnum inverter in your RV then you can use the network AGS. Schneider conext makes an AGS too but it will not operate "stand alone". But, again, if you happen to have a Schneider/Conext/Trace/Xantrex inverter in your RV you could use it.
There are other companies that make stand alone AGS boxes but I haven't had good luck with them in the past.

[deltabravo]

GordonThree wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?

How do the Champion and Honda with electric start do it? I'm guessing there's a servo motor inside that moves the choke lever?

No servo motor on my EU6500is, which has electric start.

[NRALIFR]

It seems like any generator with remote electric start would work. I’m not sure I’d want to control it with a normally closed solenoid though. Power outages aren’t always a clean off/on event. Most standby generator controls will have some delay built in on both the startup and shutdown process.

If you haven’t already, you might check this product out. It’s intended for the common built in RV gen sets, like the Onan 5500. There’s no reason it couldn’t control a portable generator as well, as long as it’s electric start.

Automatic Generator Start System – The ShorePower Monitor

:):)

[cavie]

do you have a link to the auto start generator? I have never heard of a portable with such a feature.

[pianotuna]

GordonThree,

A solenoid is what the Pinealla remote electric start uses.

[Lantley]

GordonThree wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?

How do the Champion and Honda with electric start do it? I'm guessing there's a servo motor inside that moves the choke lever? ... Priming, I didn't know that was still a thing on a modern engine.

Priming is still a thing but if it's not cold out (A/C weather) priming is generally not necessary for an engine that has not been sitting for a long time

[GordonThree]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
How do you plan to handle choking or priming the engine for starting?

How do the Champion and Honda with electric start do it? I'm guessing there's a servo motor inside that moves the choke lever? ... Priming, I didn't know that was still a thing on a modern engine.