Magnum Energy ME-AGS-S User manual

Owner’s Manual
ME-AGS-S
Automatic Generator Start
For Standalone Systems

i © 2010 Magnum Energy, Inc.
Disclaimer of Liability
Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation,
operation, use and maintenance of the ME-AGS-S (Auto Generator Start -
Standalone) is beyond the control of Magnum Energy Inc., this company does
not assume responsibility and expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage or
expense, whether direct, indirect, consequential or incidental, arising out of or
anyway connected with such installation, operation, use, or maintenance.
Due to continuous improvements and product updates, the images shown in
this manual may not exactly match the unit purchased.
Restrictions on Use
The ME-AGS-S may only be used in life-support devices or systems with the
express written approval of Magnum Energy. Failure of the ME-AGS-S can
reasonably be expected to cause the failure of that life-support device or
system, or to affect the safety or effectiveness of that device or system. If
the ME-AGS-S fails, it is reasonable to assume that the health of the user or
other persons may be endangered.
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2004, 2010 by Magnum Energy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Permission to copy, distribute, and/or modify this document is prohibited
without express written permission by Magnum Energy, Inc.
Safety Symbols
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other safety hazard, the fol-
lowing safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to indicate
dangerous and important safety instructions.
WARNING: This symbol indicates that failure to take a specified ac-
tion could result in physical harm to the user.
CAUTION: This symbol indicates that failure to take a specified action
could result in damage to the equipment.
Info: This symbol indicates information that emphasizes or supple-
ments important points of the main text.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety instructions that must be followed
during the installation and operation of this product. Read all instructions
and safety information contained in this manual before installing or using
this product.
WARNINGS:
All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local,
state, and federal electrical codes.
This product is designed for indoor / compartment installation.
It must not be exposed to rain, snow, moisture, or liquids of
any type.
Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of electrical shock or
accidental short circuits.
Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when
installing or performing maintenance on the ME-AGS-S and
generator system.
Disconnect the generator’s starting battery to prevent accidental
starting during installation of this product.
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© 2010 Magnum Energy, Inc. ii
List of Contents
1.0 Introduction .............................................................................1
1.1 ME-AGS-S Components/Features ..................................................2
2.0 Installation...............................................................................4
2.1 Installation Requirements ............................................................4
2.2 Required Components and Tools ...................................................6
2.3 Mounting Procedure ....................................................................6
2.4 Connecting the Communication Cable............................................8
2.5 ME-AGS-S Terminal Block Wiring...................................................9
2.6 Warning Label .......................................................................... 13
2.7 Common ME-AGS-S Generator Wiring Diagrams............................ 13
3.0 Setup...................................................................................... 17
3.1 Internal Settings....................................................................... 17
3.2 External Settings ...................................................................... 19
3.3 AGS Functional Tests................................................................. 21
4.0 Operation ............................................................................... 22
4.1 AGS Controller Operation LED Indicators...................................... 22
4.2 Remote Switch Operation........................................................... 23
4.3 AGS System Operation .............................................................. 24
5.0 Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 25
6.0 Limited Warranty.................................................................... 26
6.1 How to Receive Repair Service.................................................... 27
Appendix...................................................................................... 28
List of Tables
Table 3-1, GEN TYPE Settings............................................................ 18
Table 3-2, ME-AGS-S Default Settings ................................................ 19
Table 6-1, Troubleshooting Guide....................................................... 25
List of Figures
Figure 1-1, ME-AGS-S Remote Switch Features......................................2
Figure 1-2, ME-AGS-S Communications Cable .......................................2
Figure 1-3, ME-AGS-S Controller Features.............................................3
Figure 2-1, ME-AGS-S System Diagram ................................................5
Figure 2-2, Controller Dimensions........................................................7
Figure 2-3, Remote Dimensions...........................................................7
Figure 2-4, Communication Cable Connection........................................8
Figure 2-5, Communication Cable (Data Type Cable) ..............................8
Figure 2-6, Generator Run Sense Options ........................................... 10
Figure 2-7, Wiring to the AGS Controller Terminal Block........................ 12
Figure 2-8, Warning Label................................................................. 13
Figure 2-9, Two-wire Start Type Generators ........................................ 14
Figure 2-10, Three-wire Momentary Type Generators ........................... 15
Figure 2-11, Three-wire Maintain Type Generators ............................... 16
Figure 3-1, Inside the AGS Controller................................................. 17
Figure 3-2, DC Voltage Settings......................................................... 17
Figure 3-3, External Settings............................................................. 19
Figure 4-1, Controller Front Panel Controls and Indicators..................... 22
Figure 4-2, Remote Switch Front Panel Controls and Indicators.............. 23

1 © 2010 Magnum Energy, Inc.
1.0 Introduction
The Automatic Generator Start - Standalone version (ME-AGS-S) from
Magnum Energy is designed as a standalone device. It will automatically
start your generator based on low battery voltage and/or a high temperature
condition.
Info: This manual is for the ME-AGS-S with revision 5.0 or higher;
see Figure 3-1 on page 17 for information on where to locate your
revision level.
Info: If you are using a Magnum Inverter/Charger (provided with a
network port) and a ME-RC or ME-ARC remote, use the ME-AGS-N (AGS
- Network version) for full network capability of the AGS system.
This AGS is used to continuously monitor your battery system and/or the
surrounding area temperature, and to automatically start the generator when
the battery requires charging and/or power is needed to run an air conditioner
to cool down the surrounding area.
The temperature turn-on feature is useful in many applications. For example;
if you have an RV (Recreational Vehicle) coach in a hot environment, the AGS
monitors the coach temperature and turns on the generator to power the air
conditioner. This allows you to leave pets and precious items in your coach
while you enjoy a day away golfing, touring, or just sightseeing - all the while
knowing your coach will stay cool and comfortable. Even if you don’t have pets,
there’s nothing better than returning to a nice cool coach while dry camping
in hot weather. Plus, no more worrying about dead batteries.
The AGS System includes a controller with on-board adjustments and inter-
faces with a user-friendly remote control switch. The controller provides the
wiring interface for the battery bank and generator start/stop circuits. It has
adjustments for setting the generator’s run time, high temperature start, and
low battery voltage start; and if needed, the “Clock” and “Quiet Time” adjust-
ments can be set to comply with RV park and rest area nighttime low noise
requirements. The remote switch allows testing and activating the AGS system
and provides a LED indicator to display AGS system status information.
This AGS is compatible with most AC or DC generators with either two-wire or
three-wire start controls; such as Onan, Power Tech, Generac, Martin, Kohler,
Honda, Westerbeke, Yamaha, and many others. A list of generators that have
been successfully used with the AGS along with their respective wiring dia-
grams can be found at www.magnumenergy.com/GenWiringDiagrams.htm
The Standalone AGS is equipped with the following features:
Compatible with 12, 24, or 48 volt systems
Easily adjustable settings for run-time, low voltage, and high tempera-
ture start
Quiet time setting available to prevent generator operation during night-
time hours
Compatible with any inverter/charger based system
Compatible with most AC or DC generators with either two-wire or three-
wire start controls
TEST switch provides immediate confirmation of installation wiring
Removable 8-port terminal block - for easy wiring and power-down
Front panel LED indicators for gen start/stop status and gen fault
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1.0 Introduction

© 2010 Magnum Energy, Inc. 2
1.1 ME-AGS-S Components/Features
The ME-AGS-S is equipped with the following components and features:
• AGS Remote Switch • Communications Cable • AGS-S Controller
1.1.1 AGS Remote Switch
The AGS Remote Switch is the user interface display and connects to the
AGS controller thru the communications cable.
1Selector Switch - switch that allows the AGS system to be enabled
for automatic generator operation and test for correct wiring.
ENABLE-activatestheAGStomonitorvoltageand/ortemperature
to determine when to automatically start the generator.
OFF - disables the AGS generator start/stop functions.
TEST - initiates an automatic generator start/stop sequence for
testing generator wiring and operation.
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2STATUS Indicator - this bi-color (green or red) LED indicator
illuminates to provide information on the AGS operation.
3Temperature Sensor (internal) - location of the internal sensor
used to start the generator based on high temperature.
1.1.2 AGS Communication Cable
A six-conductor, 25-foot cable used to carry power and data between the
remote and the controller.
Figure 1-2, ME-AGS-S Communications Cable
1.0 Introduction
Figure 1-1, ME-AGS-S Remote Switch Features
2
STATUS
Indicator
3
Temperature
Sensor (internal)
1
Selector
Switch