T&T: Auto Genset start

[George Hechtman]

I have one of these as a component of my Magnum system, which also  
consists of an MS4024 inverter, a Battery Monitor Kit and a Remote  
Control. You can buy the AGS as a free standing separate unit. The  
Magnum AGS is set up with adjustable timed relays for pre-start and  
cranking according to your specific generator's requirements. It  
starts our circa 1991 Onan 20kw flawlessly. It also has adjustable  
timing for when to turn off; with the remote, you can adjust this  
time while it is running, so shorten or lengthen the cycle, very  
handy. You can select over a wide range what battery voltage you want  
to trigger it .

We have used this extensively over the last 7 months of full time  
cruising, much of it spent at anchor. While it is very slick, I have  
some mixed feelings about it.

First, you have to remember to shut big loads down (such as air  
conditioning) before it shuts the genset down. Otherwise the genset  
is started with these loads almost immediately applied to it with out  
warm up, in addition to the battery chargers.

Second, it will prematurely start if a large temporary draw  
(typically the microwave) is put on the batteries when their voltage  
is near, but not at the trigger point. The AGS kicks in when the  
voltage read at the batteries is below the trigger for two minutes.

Third, it makes it easy to not go and check oil and coolant levels  
and other visuals. To this end, I disabled the existing genset remote  
start/stop switch to force us to go down and start it manually for  
when big loads are needed outside of the auto start cycle. And I have  
it on a daily checklist just in case. Fortunately this is very easy  
to do on our boat.

All in all, this is a very handy device. Magnum's customer service is  
superb, and their operating and set up manuals are excellent. I don't  
know if they have made the necessary modifications yet, but the  
installation instructions weren't quite up to the same standard;  
given that you can get such good help over the phone or e-mail, it is  
not a big deal, but I definitely had to avail myself of that help.

Their manuals and a variety of other info are readily available on  
line at the Magnum Energy website.

George