I might be thinking of this wrongly, so I welcome input.
We got a 16kw Generac Guardian for under $5k. That included a transfer
switch, "cold weather kit" (which is basically a block heater and
battery heater), and a precast base to put it on. I think there are
models as small as 8kw, but I don't have a price for that. I'm sure
it's less than $5k. When we set up propane service the fuel company
provided the tank and we only pay for the fuel.
This starts automatically when the power is off, and turns off when
power comes back on. This is what we want, right? A truck crashed into
a pole one morning, and we lost power for more than 8 hours. That one
incident paid for the Generac. We certainly would have lost $5k worth
of labor and service credits if we were down for that whole time so this
system is worth every penny.
So what is it we're trying to achieve that the above product doesn't do?
I'm happy with my packetflux stuff, but if the generator board didn't
sell, there's probably a reason. If we're just trying to make it
cheaper, isn't that the so-called "race to the bottom"?
Maybe there are points I'm overlooking, so again, I do welcome input.
------ Original Message ------
From: "Dave" <dmilho...@wletc.com>
To: af@afmug.com
Sent: 12/21/2017 9:40:02 AM
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options packetflux?
Forrest,
We had a discussion about this as we now have 4 generators and I have
3 of your standby controllers taking care of
these sites without issue since we installed them.
Would it be feasible to just remove the Transformers and just give a
link for separate purchase ?
My issue as with many would like to see a box with many inputs to
monitor different things like AC,DC voltages, tempatures
make and brake contacts. Also, the need for active outputs to turn on
off things or just for a cycle with timer.
A nice gui would be ok to be able to log in for manual control or
configuration.
There are some very expensive things out there to do all of this but I
know with a little work it can be done with out much money involved.
I have a very specific need to integrate a 26vDC generator with a site
that is a 48v plant. I have everything installed and connected but I
need some
automation to start and stop when needed.
The generator has a voltage sense on its output to detect if the
battery bank is below 22vdc and if so it will kick on for an amount of
time to restore
charge. The problem with this is there is a 1000W converter between it
and the 48v battery bank.
Anyone with suggestions is welcome
Dave
On 12/21/2017 03:18 AM, Forrest Christian (List Account) wrote:
The short version: I never sold that many, and this particular
product came up in discussions about product liablity insurance. Not
that it was unsafe, just that there was some discomfort with the fact
that I was monitoring the AC power line. To remedy this I would
have either had to redesign to remove the AC monitoring hardware, or
send the whole thing through UL listing. Based on the volume, I
didn't really see any reason to spend a lot of R&D time or money doing
either.
I do expect the functionality in the generator controller will be able
to be replicated as a side effect of planned technology to be
incorporated in an upcoming product.
On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 8:23 PM, Lewis Bergman
<lewis.berg...@gmail.com> wrote:
Bummer. Guess there was not enough demand or to make variants?
On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 5:18 PM George Skorup
<george.sko...@cbcast.com> wrote:
Yeahbut Forrest doesn't make the generator control board anymore.
On 12/20/2017 5:01 PM, Lewis Bergman wrote:
I think packetflux is likely the easiest with the most to offer our
of the box. I know if one other out of the box solution that cost
about 3 times as much. First can not only start it but he can use
his shunt to make sure it is actually started and producing
current.
If you want to do it yourself you could work some coding and such
but it doesn't sound like that is what you want to do. Arduino,
raspberry pi, etc. Could do this but you have to build it all
yourself. Not really fast but fun if you like that kind of thing.
You would need some electronics knowledge if you don't want to
spend a few days googling. I guess you still have to know enough to
make Google work.
Again, see Forest for his genset setup. I know a lot of people in
this list use it.
On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 4:39 PM Eric Kuhnke <eric.kuh...@gmail.com>
wrote:
assuming you have a generator that does auto-choke and is wired
for electrical remote start, like the small generac units sold for
RV use and similar... where all you need to do is turn on a relay
for 4-5 seconds to crank a starter, then turn off the relay again.
one of these: http://tinycontrol.pl/en/lan-controller/
<http://tinycontrol.pl/en/lan-controller/>
and one of these: http://tinycontrol.pl/en/relays-board-10a-v3/
<http://tinycontrol.pl/en/relays-board-10a-v3/>
or a thing like this:
http://denkovi.com/ethernet-relay-card-5-channels-snmp-http-xml-real-time-clock-din-box
<http://denkovi.com/ethernet-relay-card-5-channels-snmp-http-xml-real-time-clock-din-box>
there are quite a few different DIN mount relay-controllers with
basic http interfaces to turn on and off things. Some support
things like receiving an snmp trap to trigger a relay for
automated scripting.
On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 2:30 PM, Brandon Yuchasz
<li...@gogebicrange.net> wrote:
We are looking at adding a remote start to a generator at an off
grid site we have and I am gathering information on options at
this point.
Right now we are all Solar at the site. It’s a new site and if /
when we draw down batteries beyond where we are comfortable we
turn go to the site turn off the PV and start a generator
manually and run a 48v battery charger on the bank. It’s a fairly
low tech solution right now. We log in turn off the PV array and
a guy goes out and pulls the rope on the generator and batteries
start to charge. He then leaves and in three hours generator runs
out of fuel and charging stops. Log back in turn the PV back on
and that’s the end of the process.
We are considering a few different options at the site and I
don’t want to complicate this to much by offering to much
information to start. Ill go into more details later but for now
I am looking for a way to start a (different) propane generator
remotely during the dark months. Most likely once a week in
December and January.
So assuming electric start is an options on the generator. What
options do I have for throwing that “switch” from the office. I
am positive I am not the first one of us to want to do this.
Thoughts everyone? I want to KISS so when I am not around others
can do this with minimal training.
Thanks,
Brandon
--
Forrest Christian CEO, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc.
Tel: 406-449-3345 | Address: 3577 Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602
forre...@imach.com | http://www.packetflux.com
<http://www.packetflux.com/>
<http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian>
<http://facebook.com/packetflux> <http://twitter.com/@packetflux>
--
