Atkinson GSCM-mini [RE-wrenches]

[William Miller]

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Andrew:

Starting a generator is a complex operation.  Think of the thought process 
you use whenever you start your service truck -- you turn the key only long 
enough to start the engine but not long enough to grind the starter, you 
stop trying when it is obvious the truck won't start, etc.

The Xantrex SW will consider the logic required, but it makes the inverter 
complicated (more relays, more logic) and I'm sure harder to support.  The 
engineers at Outback may have said to themselves, "let someone else worry 
about generator start logic," and I can't say as I blame them.  The GCSM 
will consider the logic and react accordingly when a start sequence is 
called for.  Personally, I hate to get involved with generator start logic 
and insist on a two wire start.  I've never installed a GCSM and I hope I 
never do.  If pushed, I've insisted (tactfully) that the generator mechanic 
install a factory start adapter.


William Miller



At 01:24 PM 11/30/2006, you wrote:

>I was told by Outback that we could automate a generator directly from
>the AUX port on a GTFX using the Adv Gen Start menu on the Mate.  Why
>do you guys use the GCSM?  Let me guess - there is not always enough
>current to fire up the generator?
>
>--
>Andrew Truitt
>System Designer/Lead Installer
>Standard Solar Inc.
>Office: (301) 296 - 4373
>Cell: (415) 290 - 8240
>Fax: (301) 296 - 4548
>andrewtruitt at standardsolar.com
>
>
>
>On 11/30/06, Randy Brooks <Randy at brookssolar.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>Mick,
>>
>>We used the Atkinson GCSM with the OutBack FX and a 1960 vintage Onan
>>propane 3 wire start generator and it's working well so far.  There's
>>a photo and brief description on our web site (brookssolar.com/news/
>>OwenCabin.html).  If further details are needed, contact me off list.
>>
>>Good luck,
>>
>>Randy Brooks
>>Brooks Solar, Inc.
>>Solar Power for People
>>140 Columbia View
>>Chelan, WA  98816
>>509-682-9646
>>info at BrooksSolar.com
>>www.BrooksSolar.com
>>
>>On Nov 29, 2006, at 9:27 PM, Mick Abraham wrote:
>>
>> >
>> > I'm preparing to automate an Onan "3-wire start" propane generator
>> > using
>> > an Outback Mate for the decision making (cringe). I cringe because my
>> > prior genset automation efforts have yielded frequent call-backs, but
>> > that's another story. To translate the 12v Outback signal into the
>> > appropriate start/stop signals for the genset, I'm considering the
>> > Atkinson GCSM or GCSM-mini. Can anyone share their thoughts on either
>> > unit? I'm leaning toward the mini b/c I want the Mate to do all the
>> > deciding and simply need a signal converter module. One of my
>> > wholesale
>> > vendors sells the full GCSM unit but not the Mini. My other usual
>> > suppliers don't show either version. Red flags, or am I just not
>> > looking
>> > in the right places? Thank you, List Members for the always
>> > courteous &
>> > professional atmosphere.
>> >
>> > Mick Abraham
>> > Abraham Solar Equipment
>> > Pagosa Springs, CO
>> > www.abrahamsolar.com
>> >
>> >


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