
This document is subject to change without notice.
Caution: None of GAC products are flight certified controls including this item.
3
PIB1002E B
SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING
Insucient Magnetic Speed Signal
A strong magnetic speed sensor signal will eliminate the
possibility of missed or extra pulses. The speed control unit
will govern well with 0.5 volts RMS speed sensor signal. A
speed sensor signal of 3 volts RMS or greater at governed
speed is recommended. Measurement of the signal is made
at Terminals C and D.
The amplitude of the speed sensor signal can be raised
by reducing the gap between the speed sensor tip and the
engine ring gear. The gap should not be any smaller than
0.020 in (0.45 mm). When the engine is stopped, back the
speed sensor out by 3/4 turn after touching the ring gear
tooth to achieve a satisfactory air gap.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
EMI SUSCEPTIBILITY - The governor system can be ad-
versely affected by large interfering signals that are conduct-
ed through the cabling or through direct radiation into the
control circuits.
All GAC speed control sensors contain filters and shielding
designed to protect the units sensitive circuits from moder-
ate external interfering sources.
Although it is difficult to predict levels of interference, applica-
tions that include magnetos, solid sate ignition systems, radio
transmitters, voltage regulators or battery chargers should be
considered suspect as possible interfering sources.
If it is suspected that external fields, either those that are
radiated or conducted, are or will affect the governor sys-
tems operation, it is recommended to use shielded cable for
all external connections. Be sure that only one end of the
shields, including the speed sensor shield, is connected to a
single point on the case of the speed control unit. Mount the
speed control to a grounded metal back plate or place it in a
sealed metal box.
Radiation is when the interfering signal is radiated directly
through space to the governing system. To isolate the gover-
nor system electronics from this type of interference source,
a metal shield or a solid metal container is usually effective.
Conduction is when the interfering signal is conducted
through the interconnecting wiring to the governor system
electronics. Shielded cables and installing filters are com-
mon remedies.
In severe high-energy interference locations such as when
the governor system is directly in the field of a powerful
transmitting source, the shielding may require to be a spe-
cial EMI class shielding. For these conditions, contact GAC
application engineering for specific recommendations.
Instability
Instability in a closed loop speed control system can be
categorized into two general types. PERIODIC appears to
be sinusoidal and at a regular rate. NON-PERIODIC is a
random wandering or an occasional deviation from a steady
state band for no apparent reason.
Switch C1 controls the “Lead Circuit” found in the ESD5500E.
The normal position is “ON.” Move the switch to the “OFF”
position if there is fast instability in the system.
Switch C2 controls an additional circuit added in the ES-
D5500E that is designed to eliminate fast erratic governor
behavior, caused by very soft or worn couplings in the drive
train between the engine and generator. The normal posi-
tion is “OFF.” Move to the “ON” position if fast erratic engine
behavior due to a soft coupling is experienced.
The PERIODIC type can be further classified as fast or slow
instability. Fast instability is a 3 Hz. or faster irregularity of
the speed and is usually a jitter. Slow periodic instability is
below 3 Hz., can be very slow, and is sometimes violent.
If fast instability occurs, this is typically the governor respond-
ing to engine firings. Raising the engine speed increases the
frequency of instability and vice versa. In this case, plac-
ing switch C1 in the “OFF” position will reduce the speed
control unit’s sensitivity to high frequency signals. Readjust
the GAIN and STABILITY 1or optimum control. Should in-
stability still be present, the removal of E1 to E2 jumper may
help stabilize the engine. Post locations are illustrated in
Diagram 1. Again, readjust the GAIN and STABILITY for
optimum control. Interference from powerful electrical sig-
nals can also be the cause. Turn off the battery chargers
or other electrical equipment to see if the system instability
disappears.
Slow instability can have many causes. Adjustment of the
GAIN and STABILITY usually cures most situations by
matching the speed control unit dynamics. If this is unsuc-
cessful, the dead time compensation can be modified. Add
a capacitor from posts E2 to E3 (negative on E2). Post loca-
tions are illustrated in Diagram 1. Start with 10 mfds. and
increase until instability is eliminated. The control system
can also be optimized for best performance by following this
procedure.
If slow instability is unaffected by this procedure, evaluate
the fuel system and engine performance. Check the fuel
system linkage for binding, high friction, or poor linkage. Be
sure to check linkage during engine operation. Also look at
the engine fuel system. Irregularities with carburetion or fuel
injection systems can change engine power with a constant
throttle setting. This can result in speed deviations beyond
the control of the governor system. Adding a small amount
of droop can help stabilize the system for troubleshooting.
NON-PERIODIC instability should respond to the GAIN con-
trol. If increasing the gain reduces the instability, then the
problem is probably with the engine. Higher gain allows the
governor to respond faster and correct for disturbance. Look
for engine misfirings, an erratic fuel system, or load changes
on the engine generator set voltage regulator. If the throttle
is slightly erratic, but performance is fast, move switch C1 to
the “OFF” position. This will tend to steady the system.
If unsuccessful in solving instability, contact GAC for assis-
tance.