Generator Auto Start

[ablarson]

Could someone please tell me how to set up the generator autostart on the Dynamax Force. I would like to keep the fridge running off inverter power and set the generator up to keep the batteries charged.
Thanks for any help.


Newbie
2 RV Trips to date
19 States
2016 Dynamax Force HD

[halla]

I would like to know too, never figured it out yet.


2016 Dynamax Force. Just-Rite2

[viperdave]

that is on my list as well but I'm a few project behind you yet.

[BLK-9]

Don't ya just dip the switch just above the start button to the on position? That is what I did. But I have not placed the MH in a position to auto start. If I missed the boat here let me know.


Mike
2016 Force HD

[FOURWHL]

Probably need some more specifics on how your generator/inverter/AGS are setup.

If you have The xantrex unit, you just have to drill between the menus. Under AGS there's a setting for manual on/off or automatic. Also on the main screen showing the battery info, you can cycle through the menus at the bottom (using function) and when on the AGS menu the second button cycles between M_on, M_off and Auto.

That said, I've played with this a few times and it seems the generator starts up when I dont want it to, or when I do need it the inverter somehow gets set to off so the generator just runs for 12 hrs. I've started to re-think my strategy and now just run the genset during the day manually to keep the batteries topped off as needed.

[bclemens]

I don't think the Force had AGS when I got here. I have since added it, but I think that was an early question I had.

If it is in fact, not there...we have been using the Magnum with great success. Has little dials that are easier to set than menu controls.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1185284

[halla]

Anything you add to the Force or Force HD from this point forward. There are a few of us that would be more than happy to be Beta Testers for the equipment. I will install myself and let you know how well it works. LMAO. Just a thought.

[bclemens]

lol, I'm always open to that stuff actually. If we get any proto-type parts in, I'll try and make one fall off the shelf.

Working with a supplier now on our Multi-plex system to develop a swap out to get app control. I think someone from the forum is already in touch with them to be the first so we will use them to develop a process to add a bluetooth module. That's the plan anyway.

They may be open to seeing installation/upgrade instructions for an AGS system posted. Then I can have them sell the parts directly. win-win.

[halla]

I wouldn't mind looking into the aftermarket app control if they can put it together. Depending on price, that would be a great addition to our Force.

Plumbed the gas line over to the passenger side over the weekend so I can hook my grill up near the awning. Pricing out an additional awning to add to the bunk slide out so we have awning front to back.

Maybe I should price out the awning and have it installed at Dynamax so I can visit.

[bclemens]

Not sure what "app control" would require on your unit, if its possible at all. It's more a product of what Multi-plex can do, since all the controls are basically signal wires. The Force lineup has not been converted yet...but its on the agenda in the next year or so.

My only concern on the awning would be having backer for the installation. I can put you in touch with Matt though and see if we can fit something like that into the schedule and ask the guys if they think it is doable.

[ablarson]

Originally Posted by bclemens

I don't think the Force had AGS when I got here. I have since added it, but I think that was an early question I had.

If it is in fact, not there...we have been using the Magnum with great success. Has little dials that are easier to set than menu controls.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1185284

How long have you been with the company? I just purchased a 2016 and there is just a on/off switch in the coach. Would the Magnum be located somewhere else?


If my coach doesn't have the Magnum is this something that can be purchased through you?


Newbie
2 RV Trips to date
19 States
2016 Dynamax Force HD

[bclemens]

I've been with Forest River for 13 years. 1 year with Dynamax.

When you say "on/off". You mean Gen on/off?

If you have AGS, you will have one of two things. (1) a switch that says Magnum on it, with ON/Off. Or a Xantrex Inverter.

[ablarson]

Originally Posted by bclemens

I've been with Forest River for 13 years. 1 year with Dynamax.

When you say "on/off". You mean Gen on/off?

If you have AGS, you will have one of two things. (1) a switch that says Magnum on it, with ON/Off. Or a Xantrex Inverter.

Yes, Gen on/off. I don't remember it having any writing on the switch. I know it has a Xantrex inverter though.


Newbie
2 RV Trips to date
19 States
2016 Dynamax Force HD

[bclemens]

If the Zantrex inverter has a menu screen on the tower, you should be able to get into the AGS menu screen and see if it has it. If not, I think it would be easy enough to add.

I can't remember if the Force HD had it when I got here or not. I know the Force did not, but yet the 5 series at a lower price point did...which seemed silly to me.

[ablarson]

Originally Posted by bclemens

If the Zantrex inverter has a menu screen on the tower, you should be able to get into the AGS menu screen and see if it has it. If not, I think it would be easy enough to add.

I can't remember if the Force HD had it when I got here or not. I know the Force did not, but yet the 5 series at a lower price point did...which seemed silly to me.

I've been through the Zantrex owners manual front to back and can't find anything about a generator autostart feature. I can't find any sub menu either, looks like there's a power on/off and then some functions to see different units. Do you have any more information on this?


Newbie
19 States
2016 Dynamax Force HD

[ablarson]

One more thing. When the batteries do go dead what is the proper procedure for recharging them using the generator?

Is it as simple as just turning on the generator? Does the inverter need to be on or off? Any switches that need to be flipped?

Sorry, I don't have a schematic for the system or I could answer this myself.


Newbie
19 States
2016 Dynamax Force HD

[FOURWHL]

Is this the Control Panel you have?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C1pTcxApmY

If so watch that video, it will help clarify a lot. The Xantrex stuff is very robust, but also complex. Once you start to see how its all organized it gets better. What I've figured out thus far is that all the Xantrex stuff is kind of ala cart and then can be controlled by that panel.

If you press the menu button you'll get a list of the components attached. If you see one that says AGS in the name, that's where you setup the generator start. Alternatively if you cycle through the menus at the bottom you can set the AGS as well.

For charging, if cycle through the menus til you see DsInv or EnInv on one button and then DsChg and EnChg on the other. You want both to read DsInv and DsChg respectively (because this means you hit the enable to turn them on). Once running on the generator it shouldn't matter if the inverter is on or not. The generator can provide as much power as it needs to charge the batteries.

On that note as well, cycle through til you see Shr and hit it. There you'll see on the second button something between PS_5A and PS_30A. This tells the system how fast it can charge the batteries off Shore power by telling it how much it can pull. Not sure if the generator works off that setting or not, but I make sure to set it to 30A just to be safe. I turn it down to 5A when I have the unit plugged into a 15A circuit at the house.

[bclemens]

Everyone that I have asked says the Force and Force HD never had AGS. Probably did not get it until 2017 model year. (Maybe a month or so before that...but not much more)