More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]

[Bill Haase]

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Hello to all,



This is my first time response to "wrenches".  I have been on the list for 
approximately one year, have viewed and read comments and have not responded 
in the past.  As a Kohler Generator dealer, an Isuzu/Yanmar/Marathon dealer 
and a licensed California Electrical Contractor specializing in off-grid 
systems, I have a couple of comments that might help.



As far as Kirk Herander's solution, I agree but I don't believe that you 
will ever get Kohler's approval.  I have installed many of the 8.5 and 12 
RES units, either for back up grid power or off-grid.  When used on an 
off-grid system, I have found the easiest solution to maintain the generator 
battery is a 1-1/2 Amp small battery charger which sells for approximately 
$28-$32.  This device is totally automatic and will not overcharge.  One 
manufacturer is Schrader which is usually available through Wal Mart. Napa 
Auto Parts also has one similar but without LED lights.  They are 120V AC 
input which can run off of the inverter and draw approximately 18W max on a 
low battery.  It has been the easiest solution for the RES battery drain.



On the subject of finding replacements for the RES, the RMY and the RY gen 
sets, in the last four years I have been using more and more diesel units. 
The three cylinder Isuzu diesel connected to a 8.5KW, 10KW or 12KW Marathon 
or Stamford Newage Generator has been an excellent combination.  The 
Marathon Generator is available in either a 4 lead or a 12 lead 
configuration which makes it easy to wire for 120V AC output.  These units 
are available with a 2-wire start and are reasonably priced.  I have also 
use the three cylinder Isuzu connected to a 25KW Generator end which gives 
the ability to have a high current output for 3-4 seconds to start 3-5 HP 
motors, such as large water wells or air conditioning units in off grid 
homes.



Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.



   -Bill Haase

Haase Energy Systems, Inc.

12561 Wilder Rd.

Red Bluff, CA  96080

530-527-8989

530-528-8989 fax.

haaseenergy at sbcglobal.net


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kirk Herander" <kirk at vtsolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 3:03 PM
Subject: More Kohler RES controller stuff [RE-wrenches]




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Hello Group,

Supposedly a fix to eliminate the power draw of the RES controller is in the
works at Kohler. I encourage any one who has experienced a dead starting
battery as a result of controller power drain to complain to your Kohler
rep. Perhaps that will encourage the factory to hustle on this one. I have
found out that these controllers were originally designed for some sort of
marine-based product they make, so it was not engineered for off-grid
applications (and not really utility backup either). Dumb thing is that the
controller's memory is captive, so no power is required when the generator
is off.

BTW, the RES operation manual states that this series is "approved for use
in backup situations where realible utility power is present". Unfortunately
Kohler is touting the RES as a direct replacement for the RMY series. An
irate customer pointed this out in the manual to me - so I had to verify
that the warranty is good in an off-grid situation - which it is.

Just another pain in the butt that our industry seems to abound in
sometimes, for which we have to find a work-around. A fix can be easily done
with a DPST 12vdc relay, but I haven't gotten Kohler to approve my wiring
diagram yet. The remote start (a switch) can energize the relay coil(powered
by the starting battery) and the respective contacts close to both provide
the remote start signal of the generator, and power to the controller. When
the remote switch opens, it disconnects controller power, thus killing the
phantom load.

Kirk

Vermont Solar Engineering
Kirk Herander
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
Certified Solar PV Installer(TM)
Xantrex Certified Dealer Charter Member
NYSERDA-eligible installer
Vermont Solar and Wind Partner

PO Box 697
Burlington, VT. 05402
www.vermontsolar.com
www.backeastsolar.com
800.286.1252 - 802.863.1202
fax 802.863.7908


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