Generwreck auto start [RE-wrenches]

[Dan Rice]

Text of an earlier post, in case others are looking for additional genset
options:

I've had success with the Coleman Powermate PM401211, their 11.5 kW (standby
rating) unit. (Thanks to Jeremy at All Solar for the leg up on this unit).
It runs a Honda V-twin, 24hp engine, EPA & CARB Certified on propane/NG, is
2-wire start, set up for propane/NG out of the box, minimal phantom load on
starting battery, (10 w module to the starting battery handles the load
fine), onboard starting battery charging when engine is running,
weatherproof sound attenuator housing, mounted on a base plate so it can be
placed on a gravel base out in the open without further mounting hardware or
enclosure, dual rating, including lower output rating for long-duration
standby operation (11 kW), 3 year/1500 hour warranty (factory service rep
told me that off grid does not void warranty, but I don't have that in
writing), and "reasonably" priced ($4200 or thereabouts). Drawbacks:
3600rpm, air cooled, 120/240 only (not reconfigurable for 120 full output).
Coleman also offers a 20 hp10 kW model (PM400911) -same type Honda V-twin,
same basic unit, only lower output. I haven't used this one -customers have
chosen the larger units due to local availability. I guess for on-grid
standby, folks tend to spend the extra few hundred for the bigger unit.

Dan Rice
Abundant Sun, LLC.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Tritt" <solarone at charter.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: Generwreck auto start [RE-wrenches]


>
>
> Hey Nick, Larry, et all
>
> This is a lot like the new Kohler RY models that use a big pigtail plug
> for a multitude of external connections - if you just want to run a pair
> of remote start wires you have to order a "special" plug adapter that
> connects to the blankeyblank pigtail. There is now no way possible to
> make your connection in any of the control modules, since some wiseguy
> decided to pot all those circuits that were formally very well labeled
> and easy to make your connections with.
>
> But I digress. You will find that, should you call Generac, you will be
> told that they are only meant as standby units, not for stand alone
> applications, and that you will be messing with any warrantys if you
> adapt them for other purposes. Not that you can't rig it to work, but
> what happens with the Xfer switch, etc., when you do? I admit that I
> hate Generacs, from the little ones to the big ones, and don't have much
> patience with "trying" to get them to work, since after you do, you
> still have a Generac! ;-) The really weird thing is that Siemens is now
> private labeling them. What the? You still might try to get a schematic
> for that particular build right from Generac, but rest assured that you
> will go through several rings of Hell to get it.
>
> Just to make sure that I am being completely tangential, I feel that
> Lister, Caterpillar, Multi-Quip and Onan are about the only remaining
> makers that offer generators in the right sizes for off-grid that are
> worth a hoot: excellent power quality, 1800 RPM, built like REAL
> industrial equipment, and priced that way. I think that only Lister and
> Onan are offering LP sets with Diesel engines modified for gaseous fuel.
> It would be pretty cool if Honda were to come out with a larger version
> of their inverter gensets, but they sure don't show any signs of doing so.
>
> Good luck with the wires!
>
> Matt T
>
> Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar wrote:
>
> >Nick Lucchese wrote:
> >
> >
> >>--
> >>Greetings Fellow Wrenches,
> >>  Caught in the middle of trying to auto start a Generac Guardian 5242
> >>13 KW propane generator with an Outback inverter. No problems on the
> >>Outback end, been doing that successfully for years. The customer
> >>previously purchased the said generator and even after scouring the
> >>manual I cannot find
> >>which two wires to hook up to the relay on the other end of the Aux
> >>outputs. Has anyone on this list come across this before? The unit
> >>also came with it's own automatic transfer switch so it appears that
> >>I may be able to parallel my relay wires in there. The only thing I
> >>can find in the manual is a little block showing "12vdc transfer
> >>coil". From there nothing else seems obvious in their manual and I'd
> >>like to go back armed with a little info on what to look for. Any
> >>suggestions/experiences appreciated.
> >>
> >>Thanks in advance for your time,
> >>
> >>Nick A Lucchese
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >What I have done for off grid use is to cut 1 wire going to the AUTO
> >side of the switch (a DPDT), install a 12 volt relay n/o contacts in
> >series with that wire, then leave the switch in AUTO. When the Outback
> >calls for generator, the relay closes and the generator takes over like
> >you put it in AUTO. This solution leaves the MAN and OFF position  for
> >local control. It has worked for me on many Generacs. Of course, this
> >will not work with line voltage present.
> >
> >
> >
> >Larry Crutcher
> >Starlight Solar
> >Yuma, AZ
> >Renewable Energy Products Powered by STARLIGHT
> >
> >
> >- - - -


- - - -
Hosted by Home Power magazine

To send a message: RE-wrenches at topica.com

Archive of previous messages: http://lists.topica.com/lists/RE-wrenches/read

List rules & how to change your email address: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/etiquette.php

Check out participant bios: www.mrsharkey.com/wrenches/

Moderator: michael.welch at homepower.com
--^----------------------------------------------------------------
This email was sent to: michael.welch at re-wrenches.org

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Qcs.bz9JC9.bWljaGFl
Or send an email to: RE-wrenches-unsubscribe at topica.com

For Topica's complete suite of email marketing solutions visit:
http://www.topica.com/?p=TEXFOOTER
--^----------------------------------------------------------------