Cant seem to get the Xantrex AGS to work with the Air Conditioner

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Just bought a used 2016 Dynamax DX3. I know it has AGS as I woke up to the generator running the first morning I got it. I configured the Xantrex AGS exactly like it says in the manual to trigger the A/C, but it will not auto start to run the A/C. Any suggestions?

The previous owner never set it up or used the feature, so he could not tell me how to do it.

[Bill Davis]

Originally Posted by KAT-A-TONIC

Just bought a used 2016 Dynamax DX3. I know it has AGS as I woke up to the generator running the first morning I got it. I configured the Xantrex AGS exactly like it says in the manual to trigger the A/C, but it will not auto start to run the A/C. Any suggestions?

The previous owner never set it up or used the feature, so he could not tell me how to do it.

I assume your not plugged into shore power.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

The A/C runs when plugged in to shore power, and it runs when I manually start the generator. It does not auto start the genny when I am unplugged and turn the A/C on.

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by KAT-A-TONIC

The A/C runs when plugged in to shore power, and it runs when I manually start the generator. It does not auto start the genny when I am unplugged and turn the A/C on.

The older units have "low voltage" triggers only. So if you want the temperature to trigger the gen, then you would need to add a temp sensor.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Originally Posted by bclemens

The older units have "low voltage" triggers only. So if you want the temperature to trigger the gen, then you would need to add a temp sensor.

Are you saying that the 2016 can not auto start the generator without adding a second temp sensor in addition to the one in the thermostat? The manual for AGS only talks about a signal from the A/C unit. I am not trying to have temp trigger the genny, I am trying to get the A/C to trigger it so that it can run without leaving the generator running full time.

What you are saying would make sense to me since I cant get it to work, but the manual for the AGS says it should work.



Edit to add:

I just got out the Xantrex manual. On page 50 it talks about configuration of a parameter called "Temp 1".

Below I have copied what is says.

Full Name: Thermostat 1

Purpose: The "Temp 1" trigger enables the generator to start in response to a signal from a thermostat. With "Temp 1" set to [enabled], the AGS will start the generator to help power the item controlled by the thermostat.

When to use: Enable "Temp 1" if a thermostat is available that controls a component that has a high power requirement such as a furnace or an air conditioning system.

Based on the above, it should work if I have it enabled, and if there is a signal from the thermostat. Maybe there is no signal hooked up?

[bclemens]

Correct, it was never wired for a thermostat trigger. Only voltage.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Correct, it was never wired for a thermostat trigger. Only voltage.

Looking at the 20 wire connector for the AGS, there is a yellow wire in pin 1. That is the location where the thermostat is supposed to tie in. Do you know what that wire does, and if it can be moved to a different pin location. I could run wires to the thermostats if that wire is able to be relocated.

Thanks for the help, as I would probably be still out there trying to get this thing to run!

The locations for Temp 2 are open (pins 3 and 4). I suppose I could tie in the living area thermostat to those locations if the thermostat has an output signal.

[bclemens]

That's the big "IF". We didn't wire the temp sensor, but I can't exactly remember why. We run a temp trigger today, but its a different system.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Originally Posted by bclemens

That's the big "IF". We didn't wire the temp sensor, but I can't exactly remember why. We run a temp trigger today, but its a different system.

Is the temp signal that is run in current models something that activates the genny at a user set temp value that would typically be set 1 degree below what the thermostat is set? If so, where could I get one?

[bclemens]

User settable, yes, but it is part of our Multiplex wiring and software. So its no really an individual part. I do believe you can hook up a T-stat but we don;t use that so it's something I would have to dig into.

[caseymyers]

Do the I5's have temp wired? Or we can only do voltage?

[bclemens]

Voltage originally. I think temp is on all of them now. Your multiplex might have the ability, I would have to see how we accomplish that today.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Originally Posted by bclemens

User settable, yes, but it is part of our Multiplex wiring and software. So its no really an individual part. I do believe you can hook up a T-stat but we don;t use that so it's something I would have to dig into.

Thanks for checking into it, I appreciate the info.

[caseymyers]

Ditto. I've never played with the AGS, going on a trip in late June, I'll test it all.

[bclemens]

FYI. IT looks like the Atwood T-stat does not have an output wire, so we did not wire up the temp trigger.

The Magnum AGS has a remote switch that has a high temp trigger built into the face plate. That is another reason we changed over from Xantrex to Magnum. We originally ran the AGS-S...but then change to the AGS-N which I guess has the sensor that we run and cap with a dome.


In looking online, the Magnum AGS I saw, had the sensor built into the face...so not 100% sure. But I know the AGS-N works.

So, as for the Xantrex, then I still think a T-stat would need to be wired up that has the output wire that it needs. I'll see if I can figure out if anyone does that, or uses a relay of some sort to make the Atwood T-stat do that.

[caseymyers]

That was technical. So on my 2019 you are thinking Temp AGS settings mode would work? If so I will play with it.

[KAT-A-TONIC]

Originally Posted by bclemens

FYI. IT looks like the Atwood T-stat does not have an output wire, so we did not wire up the temp trigger.

The Magnum AGS has a remote switch that has a high temp trigger built into the face plate. That is another reason we changed over from Xantrex to Magnum. We originally ran the AGS-S...but then change to the AGS-N which I guess has the sensor that we run and cap with a dome.


In looking online, the Magnum AGS I saw, had the sensor built into the face...so not 100% sure. But I know the AGS-N works.

So, as for the Xantrex, then I still think a T-stat would need to be wired up that has the output wire that it needs. I'll see if I can figure out if anyone does that, or uses a relay of some sort to make the Atwood T-stat do that.

I was thinking that it might be possible to use a relay from the output signal of the thermostat that goes to the A/C to run the signal to the AGS. I may try directly sending 12 volts through inputs 3 and 4 on the AGS as a test. I see no reason why it would not work. Input pairs 1 & 2 and 3 & 4 are supposed to be for thermostat triggered starts, although the coach already has a wire into the 1 & 2 pair which I am not sure where it is from.

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by caseymyers

That was technical. So on my 2019 you are thinking Temp AGS settings mode would work? If so I will play with it.

Well, anything is possible. Do I think it will work "as is"? likely not.

My fist question would be "what AGS". If Xantrex, likely tougher. If Magnum (which I think is the case) then it could be as simple as an AGS switch change....

[bclemens]

OK, a little more info.

AGS-S, included the temp sensor as part of the start switch. This one will have the little dials on an outside panel in the electrical bay. You set voltage, temp, quiet hours, etc, there. Then the temp sensor is supposed to be built into that ON/Off switch inside.

AGS-N gets shipped with a 60' temp sensor that we install.

[caseymyers]

Originally Posted by bclemens

OK, a little more info.

AGS-S, included the temp sensor as part of the start switch. This one will have the little dials on an outside panel in the electrical bay. You set voltage, temp, quiet hours, etc, there. Then the temp sensor is supposed to be built into that ON/Off switch inside.

AGS-N gets shipped with a 60' temp sensor that we install.

I have the Magnum. I've never seen the black box in that attachment. If I have it where is it located. '19, 36 DS with 8kw and Magnum.