Solar upgrade

[Itsokimapilot]

After a lot of research I finally got my solar upgrade completed. On the solar side I installed a Renogy 500 watt premium kit with three 100 AH 12 volt batteries. I installed the batteries in a new battery box that's designed for four 6volt batteries. I installed a Magna MS 2012-20 inverter/charger. It allows me to connect two circuits without the need for a sub-panel. I also added the remote, battery monitor kit, and auto gen start kit. So far this is absolutely amazing and much easier than I anticipated. Weeks of boondocking this summer should be much quieter without having to run the generator every evening.

Questions? Fire away!

Dave

[Itsokimapilot]

Oh, I made all of my own cables. I cut to length 4/0 welding cable for the battery to inverter connections, 1/0 for the battery to battery connections. I found a hydraulic crimping tool on Amazon that made attaching the cable lugs easy.

[Itsokimapilot]

Controllers installed.

[wahoonc]

Nice setup! Did you consider lithium batteries?

Aaron

[Itsokimapilot]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Nice setup! Did you consider lithium batteries?

Aaron

Thank you. Yes, I looked at lithium but they are still a little pricey for me. I bought the Renogy batteries because they were the cheapest per AH of any battery I could find.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Itsokimapilot

Thank you. Yes, I looked at lithium but they are still a little pricey for me. I bought the Renogy batteries because they were the cheapest per AH of any battery I could find.

Renogy is good stuff, I have a set of their 100 watt portable panels.

Eventually I will go permanent mount. Only reason I would consider the Lithium batteries is weight and capacity. I currently have a Class B+/C- motor home and am very limited in where I can put batteries.

I agree they are pricey, however based on long term cost and convenience I think they will at least break even in the long run.

Aaron

[CSCLARK]

Originally Posted by Itsokimapilot

After a lot of research I finally got my solar upgrade completed. On the solar side I installed a Renogy 500 watt premium kit with three 100 AH 12 volt batteries. I installed the batteries in a new battery box that's designed for four 6volt batteries. I installed a Magna MS 2012-20 inverter/charger. It allows me to connect two circuits without the need for a sub-panel. I also added the remote, battery monitor kit, and auto gen start kit. So far this is absolutely amazing and much easier than I anticipated. Weeks of boondocking this summer should be much quieter without having to run the generator every evening.

Questions? Fire away!

Dave

A million questions for you Dave as I'm kinda planning the same type install. I would love to physically see your setup. Sending you a PM.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[donzinger]

Originally Posted by Itsokimapilot

Controllers installed.

That Remote Controller looks very familiar! You are gonna love it once you have it all set up to your liking.

[CSCLARK]

Ok folks, started installing all Magnum stuff and not sure how you guys are connecting your ME-AGS-N? Where did you make the connections and which did you go with the 2 wire or 3 with for the Onam HGJAB 5500? My model is not shown. I saw the PDF for HGJAD on the site, is that what I go with for mine? The pic is what I found.
Advice?

[donzinger]

Chris,

Not sure if I still have my notes in my barn from when I connected the same generator to the same AGS. But without looking for them, I found this excerpt from the AGS install manual - maybe this helps?

The most common generator starting/run/stop circuits can be divided into

three major types – 2-wire control, 3-wire momentary control, or 3-wire

maintain control. The following gen wiring diagrams are provided as examples:

Info:

The term “3-wire” refers to the minimum number of wires

required to control the starter motor and to run the generator; more

than three wires may actually be needed.

Two-wire control generator types:

These generator types integrate the

control circuits for start-up, running, and stopping (Figure 2-13). The generator

starts and runs when two control wires are connected, and then stops

when they are disconnected.

Three-wire momentary control generator types:

These generator types

use a three-position momentary type switch that controls their operation

(Figure 2-14). To start the generator, the switch is momentarily held in the

START position. This energizes the ignition system and cranks the starter

motor. Once the engine has started, the switch is released and it returns to a

center position (i.e., “momentary” run control). To shut down the generator,

the switch is held in the STOP position until the engine dies. Once the switch

is released, it returns to the center position (i.e., “momentary” stop control).

Three-wire maintain control generator types:

These generator types use

an automotive type starting circuit (Figure 2-15). To start the generator, an

operating switch is

fi rst turned to a RUN position and then momentarily held to

a START position. Once the engine starts, the switch is released and it returns

to the RUN position (i.e., “maintain” run control). To shut down the generator,

the switch is moved to the OFF position (i.e., “maintain” stop control).

[CSCLARK]

I did see that Don and do think mine appears to be a Three-wire momentary control generator type as that is how my current switch works. Did you tap into the wire that runs from the generator to the start switch or run all the way to the generator? Or maybe to the switch?

[donzinger]

Originally Posted by CSCLARK

I did see that Don and do think mine appears to be a Three-wire momentary control generator type as that is how my current switch works. Did you tap into the wire that runs from the generator to the start switch or run all the way to the generator? Or maybe to the switch?

I tapped in right behind the generator connector and kept all wiring right in that compartment. My AGS and BMK are mounted on the wall right above the generator

[CSCLARK]

Perfect, that is my plan as well. I just wanted to make sure that'll work ok. Thanks Don.