Regenerator start configurations [RE-wrenches]

[Steve Willey, Backwoods Solar]

A 2-wire start is simplest to use, and larger Kohlers use this method. Also
some that do not often have converters to make them start with 2 wires, as
Honda does for a few of their models. @-wire remote control simply means you
connect the two together (switch) and the generator cranks, starts, and
runs, with starter crank being internally controlled by the generator
control board and crank time limiter built in, low oil shut-down etc.  When
you turn the switch off the generator stops. Just 2 wires from generator to
your switch.  You can add more switches wired parallel to the first one, but
you have to turn it off by the same switch you started it with.  If any
switch is on, it runs. All must be off to stop it.

Three wire generator start is typical of larger Onan units. One wire is
common, a second wire connected to it cranks the starter and enables the
ignition.  You hold this connection till it starts and then release it and
it runs.  The third wire connected to the first stops the engine, and you
release it once the engine comes to a stop. The generator itself uses a
rocker switch with spring return to center, but you can as well use two push
buttons, one red and one black as start and stop. Each button connects the
common wire to one of the others, but only so long as it is help depressed.
With this system you can have multiple parallel sets of buttons (or the
spring-return to center two-way rocker switches Onan sells) to start and
stop from multiple locations. This system enables you to start it at one
button station in an office or home, go to another location like out to your
shop, and stop it from there.
This one is harder to automate since the cranking control is not included in
the generator but depends on the operator or external generator button
control to release cranking when  the generator starts, and also to release
the stop button after  the engine has come to a halt.  If you do not release
the stop, it can run the start battery dead holding a relay overnight with
some Onan models.  I have devised combinations of SSAC timer modules to
convert a 2-wire signal to start a 3-wire generator, but it is a bit of
complexity. The SW series-2 can be set to handle 2-wire or 3-wire systems
described above.

Honda and others use 4 and more wires for automotive type ignition on-off,
plus cranking on-off, and sometimes even another wire to ground out the
ignition preventing a start when the key is off.  In these cases it works
best to get an exact duplicate of the factory control for manual remotes,
and hope the heck the company makes a 2-wire adapter (about $200 for Honda)
for automation.

Steve Willey,
Backwoods Solar Electric Systems
steve at backwoodssolar.com

----- Original Message ----- Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 22:36:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Darryl Thayer <daryl_solar at yahoo.com>
Subject: Generator start types.

Hello to all.
I need help understanding the generator start
configurations.

Three wire start.  I have connected a start that I
call a three wire start.  One wire is battery +
The second wire goes to the start solenoid.  The third
wire goes to power the spark.  (or open the fuel
solenoid)

A four wire start.  I have connected generators that
have four wires.  One wire is battery + .  The second
wire goes to the start solenoid.  The third and forth
wire are related to the spark but not power from the
battery.

Are these correct? and what is a Two wire start?

Thanks
Daryl

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