XW Auto Generator Start and Centurion 8kw Generator

i just did it with a Guardian 8kw unit (same thing)
you have to get the xantrex upgrade tool to load the latest firmware into the auto-start.
you will need to choose option 13 which will become available when you do the upgrade.
I broke 1 leg of the 2 wire (240vac) start wiring.

Harold,
i would call Xantrex and just tell them you need the XWS configuration tool, tell them you are trying to use a 2 wire generator and need option 13 on the auto-start controller in order for it to work.

the wires are N1 and N2 off of the generator.
yellow and blue, it needs 240VAC.
breaking the 240VAC (only one leg) that will close the start relay on the generator.

Owen

Well....
i had one of the guys do it, sorry.

Chris,
Although I am not completely done yet I do know that the connector with the 2 yellow wires are N1 and N2 that monitor 220 (N1 on one 110v and N2 on the other 110v line).

I believe that Option 13 is already available on mine also even though I spent the $40 to rent one from Xantrex. Turns out it is only for Windows and I have a Mac.

At this point I plan to not use the relay control box that came with the generator package. I may opt to add a simple relay to by-pass the switch when the generator gets the control to start/stop. There has not been enough technical info on anyone who actually has the generator up and running.

  I have the xantrex inverters and went with kohler generator because they are warranted for off-grid and I found out early Generac was not. Seems like the connection to the inverters is the part no-one explaines or understands. I opted out for the generator control box and let the inverter turn the generator on and off when needed or for the monthly run of 15 minutes. Working for a year now great. My electrition called xantrex to hook up to the diodes inside. I could take a pic if you wanted, I"ll be there next weekend.I am also in the boonies with no phone out there or electric.  Good luck, Jim A.

Thanks Harold,

 You don't happen to recall which of the three colours in that 2nd plug was the +12v? I am hoping that one is the Bat+ I am looking for? (For the AGS)

I picked up a small solar panel instead of going the trickle charger route... should work ok.

P.S. I think I am going to try using the 220 out of the XW6048 I have instead of a transformer and then relay to interupt one line... we shall see... fingers crossed... rubber boots on. ; )

Thanks again,
Chris

Hello everyone,

here are my two cents (or a bit more).

As mentioned, Generac will not honor warranties for their current product line for off-grid applications. They are supposed to be coming out with a line (6-7KW I believe) that will be warranted for off-grid. The products will be available in 1Q next year (I think).

If you are off-grid and have a generac generator and want to start and stop it from your inverter, you have a few options.

1) Remove the control assembly and modify it. This involves unsoldering or removing the leads from the AUTO-OFF-MANUAL switch and installing a modification. I can supply diagrams to do this, but it is a modification that will prohibit you from replacing the control card under warranty.

2) Use an external 240VAC, 60Hz source to "fool" the generator into thinking it is receiving utility power. To start the generator, you simply interrupt the "utility" voltage and the generator will start and run until the utility voltage returns.

You cannot use the 240 (0r 120) VAC output from the inverter to do this.  Consider, for a moment, the operational syntax of the inverter.  In the invert mode, the inverter produces 120 or 240 VAC to supply loads in the dwelling. When the inverter senses an external AC input (from a generator, for example) it switches from the invert mode to the charge mode. As soon as this switch is made, the inverter stops producing an AC output.

So, if you connect the inverter's AC output to lines N1 and N2 of the generator, the generator will see a utility voltage and remain dormant. If you interrupt line N1 or N2, the generator will start.  Now, at least, you've got the generator started and running and the batteries are charging.

OK, the batteries are now charged and the inverter signals the generator control to close the open line N1 or N2. The relay drops out but, there is no AC available from the inverter; it's still in charge mode. The generator is dumb; it simply keeps running because is detects no AC utility voltage on lines N1 and N2.

The only way to do this is to use a separate, self-contained source of 240VAC, 60 Hz. I have developed such a device and have it installed and operating in two off-grid applications.

Now, this ain't no sales pitch; I'm just trying to help. If anyone is interested in this gadget of mine, send an email to johnwhass @ aol.com and I can send you some info. If you're a good electronic technician, you can probably build it yourself.

I also have wiring diagrams for most generac products.

If you want to use a different generator, I suggest you visit the web site of US Carbueration. They take standard Yamaha generators (up to 6600 Watts, I believe) and modify them to use propane, natural gas or gasoline. The generators can be started remotely. For propane use, they can be ordered with an automatic primer which ensures reliable starts, even in winter . I'm in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and they work well here.

I've put a lot of effort getting various types of generators to work with various off-grid systems. Drop me an email if you need help.

Good Luck!

John

alt-E really should have been ontop of this issue by now. There are many, many  off-grid customers out there who have went to Lowes and purchased one of these Guardian 8kw generators. There tech support relationship with Xantrax should work to solve the problem. Xantrax wont give us nobodies the answers we need  Give us the option if we want to void our generator warranty or not.  We have gave big money to Alt-E and they should be getting us answers.

Although the programmable timer switch is working very well for me I have some new info. I have called Xantrex tech support about the AGS/Centurion comparability issue several times with no resolution, I had never called sense Schneider Electric purchased them.

The other day I called Schneider's tech support and they knew exactly what I was talking about and had a solution. Adolfo (the tech) said to use the AGS type 14 setup on a  Orion 4 pole Relay Contactor 2 NO 2 NC Auxiliaries 48 VDC and even provided a link to a EBay site http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/151029478532?lpid=82 so I ordered one. It is expected delivery tomorrow. It uses the AGS to energize/deenergize the relay that is connected to the N1/N2 240v on the generator. We will see.