Filter
Top Products
Copyright 2003 OutBack Power Systems, Inc. FX & VFX Series Inverter/Charger System Installation & Programming Manual
19009 62
nd
Ave NE, Arlington WA 98223 USA 900-0027-1
Tel 360 435 6030 Fax 360 435 6019
Rev 7.2 08/26/05 Page 31
AUTOMATIC GENERATOR START INSTRUCTIONS
The Aux output of the FX can be programmed to start a 2-wire gas or diesel generator automatically when the batteries need charging.
There are two separate ways to accomplish this function; AGS (Advanced Generator Start) and GenAlert. AGS is a function of the
MATE while GenAlert is a function of the FX.
AGS has more features and therefore it can start the generator under many different types of conditions. The AGS features include
Quiet Time, Voltage Start, Load Start, Must Run, and Exercise. Since AGS is a function of the MATE see the MATE manual for
instructions. NOTE: The MATE must have a Code revision of 3.30 or greater (found on the third start-up screen of the MATE).
GenAlert is another way to automatically start the generator. It is programmed through the MATE but it doesn’t have all of the features
that AGS has. It works on a voltage start system where the generator will start when the battery voltage reaches a certain voltage for a
specific period of time and stop when the battery voltage reaches a higher voltage for a different period of time. These voltages and
time periods are programmed through the MATE. If you wish to use the GenAlert option, follow the instructions below. NOTE: If both
AGS and GenAlert are programmed, AGS will be used.
Starting from the main menu, press the <ADV> button to get into the advanced menu (the “password” is 141, press <INC> until the
number reads 141 and then press <ENTER>). From the Advanced menu press the <PG2> button then the <PG3> button, then the
<AUX> button to get into the auxiliary menu. The first screen that comes up is the “aux output control” which tells the FX to keep the
aux output off, on, or automatically do what the auxiliary output function is. In this case we want to keep the default setting on “AUTO”.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “aux output function” menu. This is the menu where we tell the auxiliary output what function
we want it to be. In this case we want it to start a generator. The default setting is “CoolFan” so press the <DEC> button 3 times so the
display reads “GenAlert”. Now that the function is set to start a 2-wire start generator, the start and stop parameters need to be set.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert on setpoint” menu. This menu adjusts the battery voltage set point to where you
want the generator to start at. The default setting is 11, 22, or 44 volts (depending on your FX) which you can adjust. Press the <INC>
or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert on delay” menu. This menu adjusts the time you will allow the battery to be at the
“genalert on setpoint” voltage before starting the generator. The default setting is 4 minutes at the “genalert on setpoint” and the
generator will start. Press the <INC> or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert off setpoint” menu. This menu adjusts the battery voltage set point to where you
want to stop the generator. The default setting is 14, 28, or 56 volts (depending on your FX) which you can adjust. Press the <INC> or
<DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert off delay” menu. This menu adjusts the time you will allow the battery to be at the
“genalert off setpoint” before stopping the generator. The default setting is 9 minutes at the “genalert off setpoint” and the generator will
stop. Press the <INC> or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Even though you have set the off function for the generator, there are two other ways that the auxiliary output can stop the generator. If
the charger settings of the FX reach float or silent mode, that overrides the “genalert off setpoint” because the FX figures that the
batteries are charged. The generator will turn off based on whatever comes first, genalert off, float, or silent. If you want to stop the
generator based on float or silent, either extend the “genalert off delay” beyond what is capable of the charger to achieve or raise the
“genalert off setpoint” higher than the “absorb setpoint” (default of 14.4, 28.8, or 57.6 volts depending on your FX).
The following schematic shows how to hook up a relay that interfaces with the 2-wire start generator. 3-wire start generators require an
adapter like the Atkinson GSCM available at: www.atkinsonelectronics.com.
Here are a couple of relays to use.
Most 12V relays will work of generator
starting. Select one between 2 and 30
amp contacts.
1) Radio Shack SPST 30 amp Auto
Relay #275-226
2) Grainger 10 amp SPDT relay #5ZH14
MFR: Omron #G2R-1-S-DC12
The socket for this relay is….
Grainger #6C898
MFR: Omron #P2RF-05-E