Lofa MSS-200 Owner's manual

463-3000-25 Rev A. 22-May-2015
© 2006-2015 LOFA Industries, LLC. All rights reserved.
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MSS - 200
Programming Manual

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Table of Contents
Specifications
• 12 & 24 volt operation
• Durable IP 63 spray-resistant housing
• Installs into 2-1/16” Panel Opening
• Overall length: 3-1/4”
• Automatic and manual start modes
• Customer programmable
• Ground controlled outputs with
maximum amperage capacity of
2A without relays
• Standby amperage draw
- Zero mA in (+) control mode
- 40 mA in (–) control mode
• Operating temperature -22 °F - 185 °F
• Flasher/audible alarm output
• Low cost and ease of installation
• Programming instructions provided
with each unit
The MSS - 200
Versatile and incredibly compact, the MSS-200
automatic engine start stop controller is used
primarily on stationary equipment, i.e. power
generators, compressors and pumping systems.
The highly flexible MSS-200 is fully
programmable. Its 15 parameters are
pre-programmed at the factory to the most
commonly used parameters. Changing the
factory preset, however, is easily accomplished
by pushing three buttons on the front of the unit.
When used in combination with ground contact
switches, the MSS-200 can also shutdown
the engine due to a failure, i.e, oil pressure,
temperature, alternator charge, v-belt or any
other customerdefined parameter.
Page Contents
2 MSS-200 Specifications, And Options
3 Important Warnings (Read First)
4 MSS-200 Basic Programming Information
8 MSS-200 Programming Quick Reference Table
12 Entering Pass Code
13 Quick Reference “LED Indications”
14 Quick Troubleshooting Reference “LED Indications”
17 Software License Agreement
MSS - 200 Programming
An auto start system on an internal
combustion engine can potentially cause
serious bodily harm. Make sure engine and
equipment have the appropriate protective
shields and that warning decals are placed
in an open and highly visible location.
When installing any automatic start system,
implement the following safety precautions.
1. Disconnect the battery’s ground wire prior
to any installation or service to prevent the
engine fromautomatically starting.
2. Install warning decals in an open and
highly visible location. Each LOFA panel
is equipped with two safety decals one
of which is affixed directly to the panel.
Should extra decals be required, please
contact LOFA Industries, LLC or send an
e-mail to [e-mail]. Free decals
are available and limited to 2 decals per
panel.
Options
The MSS-200 relay interface is an optional add on
component for the MSS-200 automatic start stop
module. This system was developed to reduce wiring,
simplify installation, and add more flexibility to the
auto start system. This unique circuit board plugs
directly onto the backside of the MSS-200 and
converts the 2A ground outputs of the MSS-200 to
30A battery positive current. This circuit board can be
equipped with up to four relays that can control starter
motor engagement, engine run solenoid, G/S switch,
Preheat, over-speed shut down. Originally designed
for the pumping industry, the relay interface is also
equipped with a float switch activation relay which
enables an engine to start and stop on demand by
means of two normally open floats.
Applications requiring warm-up and cool-down cycle
can utilize LOFA’s actuator speed control system. This
heavy duty actuator is available in 2, 4, and 6 inch
stroke, can be easily installed to the MSS-200’s G/S
switch output. This actuator ideal for turbo charged
engine and can slowly adjust the engines RPM
to the equipment’s specific requirement.
MSS - 200 Relay Interface
Actuator
WARNING: READ CAREFULLY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
3. For additional safety Install LOFA’s optional
Safety Kit (part # 010-0020-00)onto
protective shields of engine and equipment.
This kit consists of qty. 2normally open
switches which will prevent the engine from
running if any protective guard on the
engine or equipment is removed.
Addition safety switches may be required to
fully protect against safety hazards. Contact
LOFA Industries, LLC for technical assistance
in selecting a safety kit that will meet your
specific application.
4. For further safety install LOFA’s optional pre-
start Alarm Kit (part # 010-1002-00). The
Alarm Kit installs to the MSS-200’s preheat
output and can be programmed to sound
an alarm prior to engine start.
5. Under no circumstance should the MSS-200

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MSS - 200 Programming
automatic engine start system be installed
into a mobile vehicle that has a manual
transmission.
6. A 1N4007 diode must be used when
using any of LOFA’s products to suppress a
potential high voltage spike. Install diode as
close as possible to the solenoid to prevent
high voltage spikes (up to 1000V or more
which can occur momentarily when a relay
or solenoid is switched off). Relay contacts,
electronics, etc., can be damaged, or
malfunctions can occur if these spikes reach
the electrical network without suppression.
Refer to diode installation sheet supplied with
each product for installation instructions.
Every electronic product from LOFA is supplied
with qty. 2 diodes. Please note installing the
diode incorrectly or reversing the battery’s
polarity will damage the diodes.
7. The LOFA Industries, LLC warranty does not
cover consequential damages. Applications
that could cause consequential damages
if the engine failed to start or if the engine
were to shut down should implement a
backup system, i.e., backup engine or
generator, auto dialer, satellite/cell phone
monitoring system.
BASIC PROGRAMMING INFORMATION
Each MSS-200 is factory programmed to the
most commonly used values, but can be easily
changed by the customer or by LOFA Industries.
The following information is required for
programming the MSS-200.
• Number of pole pairs, or if used with
a proximity switch, number of pulses
per revolution
• Belt ratio (pulley diameter. = D1÷ D2)
D1= Crank Shaft Pulley
D2 = Alternator Pulley
• Rated engine speed RPM (if required)
• Over-speed shutdown RPM (if required)
Hertz Calculation Formula
In order to program hertz in parameters 18, 20,
22, 24 and 26, you will be required to enter
the above information specific to your engine
into the following hertz calculation formula.
Refer to this formula when programming hertz.
# Poles x RPM x Belt Ratio
--------------------------------------- = Hertz
60 Seconds
Programming Mode
Programming mode is accomplished by holding
down the OFF/SET button on the
MSS-200 for 2 seconds while energizing the
controller. On some LOFA panels equipped with
auto start, energizing the MSS-200 is
accomplished by turning the key switch to the
left position marked auto start. Releasing the
OFF/SET button will bring you to parameter #0
“PRE-HEAT DURATION” indicated by the
blinking #1 LED. Pushing the OFF/SET button
moves to each parameter in ascending order
and saves the programmed value. The MAN
button decreases while the AUTO button
increases the programmed value.
Basic Operations
The MSS-200 can be controlled directly from the
dial of the MSS-200 by simply pushing either
AUTO, MAN and OFF/SET. Only when the
MSS-200 is powered up and parameter 30 is
programmed to consume electricity will the
AUTO and MAN buttons control the engine.
Pressing the MAN button manually starts the
engine. Engine will continue to run until the
OFF/SET button is pressed again or until the
power is turned off. If parameter 10 is
programmed with a cool down cycle, pressing
the OFF/SET button once will start the cooldown
period. Pressing the OFF/SET button
again will override the cool-down cycle and the
engine will shut down immediately. Pressing the
MSS - 200 Programming
AUTO button will cause the AUTO LED to light
up, indicating that the engine is in standby
mode. If AUTO LED is not lit the engine will not
start automatically. Note: A blinking AUTO LED
during power-up indicates that the auto start
input was activated and prevents the engine
from starting.
Preheat #0
The duration period of the preheat can be
programmed by time (in 4 sec. increments) or
by ambient temperature if used in combination
with a PT-1000 thermistor.
The preheat by time setting has priority
over ambient temperature. In case of a
defective thermistor or loose wire connection,
it is important that a time value is always
programmed when used in combination with
a thermistor. When using the temperature
thermistor provision, use the following table
for temperature verses time comparison.
C° F° Preheat After-Glow
+50 122 0 Sec 0 Sec
+40 104 4 Sec 4 Sec
+20 68 6 Sec 4 Sec
0 32 12 Sec 6 Sec
-20 -4 22 Sec 6 Sec
-40 -40 30 Sec 6 Sec
The preheat function on the MSS-200 can
also be used in combination with a pre-start
audible alarm. Simply program a preheat
duration and add an alarm to the preheat
output to provide additional safety to your
equipment. Alarms are available as an option
from LOFA Industries, LLC.
Repeated Engine Starts #2
If the engine does not start on the first auto
start attempt, the engine will go into repeat
start mode. The MSS-200 can be
programmed to make a maximum of 15 new
engine start attempts. During repeated starts
the bottom left LED will blink, indicating that
the system is in repeated start mode. Note:
Engine will not go into repeated start mode if
the engine is started manually by pressing the
“MAN” button.
Pause Between Repeated
Engine Start #4
Pause between repeated engine start is the
period between each repeated start-up
attempt. The range for this pause is 5 - 75
seconds in 5 second increments.
Over-Crank #6
Over-crank the maximum time, in seconds,
that the starter motor can be engaged if the
engine fails to receive a frequency via the
alternator’s frequency terminal or proximity
switch pick-up. The over-crank feature
eliminates the need for any manual settings of
starter motor duration usually required for low
temperature conditions.
G/S Generator Load Switch Delay #8
This parameter is primarily used on generator
sets and provides the ability to delay G/S
switch disengagement normally used to shut
off the main electricity-producing generator.
With this programmable feature, the
generator set will continue to produce AC
power from 0-75 seconds after full power is
restored, eliminating power interruptions should
power turn on and off.
Engine Cool-down Cycle #10
This parameter controls the length of time
in which the engine is in its cooling-down
cycle. Once the ground contact is removed
from the AUTO terminal wire, the MSS-200
will shut off the G/S Switch, i.e., generator
set, air compressor, or throttle control. The
engine will run without load for an amount
of time established by the customer. Cool-down
cycle time can be programmed from 0 to 900
seconds in 60 second increments. Note: Cool-
down cycle can only be used when the
controller’s standby mode (parameter #30) is
programmed to consume electricity.
Oil Pressure Switch #12
This parameter is used to select the type
of oil pressure switch being used on the engine,
i.e., Normally Close, Normally Open or No Oil
Pressure Switch. The “No Oil Pressure Switch”
setting must be selected when the MSS-200 is
used in combination with any other auxiliary
engine monitoring and shutdown system, i.e.,
EP-100, MC-536 or MC-6K. In the solo mode
the MSS-200 can also be programmed to

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MSS - 200 Programming
designed to activate an AC-producing
generator set, but this output can also used to
activate other accessories, i.e., air compressor
relief valve or throttle control.
EXAMPLE: 1800 RPM G/S Engagement
6 x 1800 x 2.0 21600
-------------------------- = ------------ = 360 Hz
60 Seconds 60
For parameter #20 select the next smaller
number calculated. In our example we
calculated 360 Hz. The next smaller number
on the programming table is 240 Hz. Press the
AUTO button until the LED pattern matches the
240 Hz value. Pressing the SET button saves
the programmed value and moves you to
parameter #22.
G/S Frequency-based Load Switch For
Generator OR Over-speed Shutdown For
Pump #22 (Medium)
In step #2 subtract the number entered
in step #1 from the total frequency calculated.
Example: 360 - 240 = 120 (Balance)
Divide the balance by the multiplier 16. Since
you can not use a fraction use the next smaller
number (7) and multiply by the multiplier (16)
which in this example is 112 hz. With this
example select the LED pattern that matches 112
Hz.
120
----- = 7.5 7 x 16 = 112 Hz
16
G/S Frequency-based Load Switch For
Generator OR Over-speed Shutdown For
Pump #24 (Fine)
Subtract 360 Hz from the total sums entered in
steps 1 and 2. The multiplier for step 3 equals 1
Hz. Parameter #24 would be programmed to 8
Hz.
240 Hz + 112 Hz = 352 Hz
360 Hz - 352 Hz = 8 Hz
monitor oil pressure. This feature adds starter motor
protection by preventing the starter motor from
engaging when the engine has oil pressure, or
if the pressure switch wire has been disconnected.
Applications requiring shutdown for other critical
functions like high temperature or pump pressure
can connect the switch wires to the oil pressure
input. Note: Making a small jumper wire from
the O/S terminal to Oel (oil) terminal eliminates
the need for adding an extra relay for over-speed
shutdown.
Oil Pressure Switch Delay #14
With this parameter a delay of 1 to 15 seconds
can be programmed for oil pressure switch
override. This feature gives the engine a certain
amount of time to build up oil pressure during
engine start prior to monitoring for shutdown. This
parameter is required only when the MSS-200
is used in solo mode and when the oil pressure
parameter #12 is programmed to either Normally
Open or Normally Closed.
Auxiliary Engine Monitor #16
This parameter programs the MSS-200 controller
to either a stand-alone application (solo) or to an
application utilizing an optional engine shut device,
i.e., EP-100, MC-536 or MC-6K.
Duration of Start by Frequency #18
The MSS-200 will disengage the starter motor when
the engine has reached a certain programmed
frequency via the frequency terminal of the
alternator or proximity PNP pickup. This feature
not only disengages the starter motor, but it’s
also used as a safety feature by preventing the
engine from starting when the controller senses
RPM. Considering that a starter motor typically
disengages at 500 RPM, use the following
calculation below using an engine example with a
6 pole pair alternator and a belt ratio of 2.0 :
6 x 500 x 2.0 6000
-------------------------- = --------- = 100 Hz
60 Seconds 60
G/S Frequency-based Load
Switch For Generator OR Over-speed
Shutdown For Pump #20 (Course)
Parameters #20, #22, #24 have two functions:
G/S frequency-based load switch for constant
speed generators applications or over-speed
shutdown for variable speed pump applications.
The generator switch (G/S) was originally
MSS - 200 Programming
Generator Over-speed Frequency OR
Variablespeed Pump Mode Selection #26
This parameter has two functions:
(1) Entering a value greater than zero programs
the MSS-200 controller to a constant speed
generator mode. The frequency programmed
in parameter 26 then becomes the over-speed
shutdown frequency. Should generator mode not
require over-speed then program #26 to highest
over-speed frequency setting available (150 Hz).
Use the following 2000 RPM calculation to
program over-speed for a constant speed
generator application:
EXAMPLE: Calculating Over-speed Hz
6 x 2000 x 2 24000
--------------------------- = ----------- = 400 Hz
60 Seconds 60
Subtract 360 (total Hz of G/S in step #20, 22
and 24) from 400 Hz (Over-speed Hz) 400 – 360
= 40 Hz. The multiplier for parameter 26 equals
10. Press the AUTO or MAN buttons until the LED
pattern matches the 40 Hz value.
(2) Programming parameter #26 to zero programs
the MSS-200 for variable-speed pump application
with over-speed. The frequency programmed in
parameters 20, 22 and 26 then becomes the RPM
at which the engine will shut down. Note: When
programmed in pump mode over-speed shutdown
delay becomes a fixed zero second delay.
Over-speed Shutdown Delay Generator Mode
OR Engine Warm-up Duration In Pump Mode
#28
This parameter also has two functions: (1)
overspeed shutdown delay when parameter 26 is
programmed to constant speed generator mode
or (2) engine warm-up duration on a variablespeed
pump mode.When the MSS-200 is programmed
to generator mode this parameter can delay
over-speed shutdown from 0 to 30 seconds.
When the application is a variablespeed pump
with over-speed this parameter can be used as a
warm-up period from 8 to 38 seconds in 2 second
increments.
Standby Mode #30
Standby mode on the MSS-200 can be
programmed to either to consume electricity or to
consume no electricity. In mode that consumes
electricity the controller is activated by a ground
contact to the AUTO terminal and deactivated
when ground from the AUTO terminal is
removed. During standby mode the top right
“AUTO” LED is lit indicating that the unit is in
standby mode. In the standby mode that does
not consume electricity the MSS-200 is activated
when the unit receives a battery plus signal.
When battery positive signal is removed
the engine will shut down immediately. Note:
Cool-down cycle and manual start by pushing
MAN can not be used in mode that consumes
no electricity.
Programming End
Programming mode can be ended at any time
simply by removing power from the MSS-200 or
by going to the last parameter #30. As long as
the OFF/SET button is pressed the last
programmed value will be saved in memory.
Pass Code
If the MSS-200 is programmed with a pass code
or if you are adding a pass code for the first
time, you will then be required to push the
AUTO and OFF/SET buttons at the same time
while energizing the system. As soon as the
two buttons are released the #1 LED blinks
indicating #1 pass code location. Note that this
LED indication is the same as preheat duration;
however since the AUTO and MAN buttons
were pushed at the same time this parameter
equals pass-code #1. In order to create a new
pass code for the first time the factory pass code
setting of zero, zero, zero must be entered. Refer
to programming table for more information.
Pass Code #32
This parameter changes the first of three pass
codes (0-15).
Pass Code #34
This parameter changes the second of
three pass codes (0-15).
Pass Code #36
This parameter changes the third of three pass
codes (0-15).

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MSS - 200 Programming
PROGRAMMING THE MSS - 200
The MSS-200 is a state-of-the-art electronic automatic engine start-stop controller that can be
programmed to each customer’s unique requirements. The system programs from the outside of the
compact cylindrical design using a simple binary code sequence. The controller has the following 15
programmable parameters:
• Preheat time (0...60
seconds or ambient
temperature)
• Number of repeated starts
(0...15)
• Pause between repeated
starts (5...75 seconds)
• Over Crank (2...30
seconds) or frequency
• G/S Generator load switch
shutdown delay (0...75
seconds)
• Engine cool-down cycle
(0...900 seconds)
• Oil pressure switch
(normally open, normally
closed, or without switch)
• Oil pressure delay override
(1...15 seconds)
• Auxiliary engine monitor
and shutdown system (EP-
100, MC-536, or solo)
• Starter motor
disengagement by
frequency (in Hz)
• G/S frequency-based switch
to turn on electric power,
air compressor, throttle
control, etc. (in Hz)
• Over-speed shutdown (in
Hz)
• Over-speed shutdown delay
(2...30 seconds)
• Warmup duration
• (8...38 seconds)
• Standby mode (does/
doesn’t consume energy)
• Pass code (3 digit 0-15)
The controller contains four (4) LEDs. Each LED, as shown below, has a dual purpose of
(1) parameter and (2) value.
MSS - 200 Programming
PROGRAMMING GUIDE