ME-AGS-N Automatic Generator Start for Network Versions Owner’s Manual Version
Thank you from all of us at Sensata Technologies for purchasing this ME-AGS-N (Auto Generator Start – Network) controller. The ME-AGS-N is a product under the Magnum-Dimensions brand from Sensata Technologies. We understand that you have many purchasing options in the marketplace, and are pleased that you have decided on this product. This AGS-N controller was proudly assembled and tested in the United States. At Sensata we are committed to providing you with quality products and services.
Product Safety Information IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This manual contains 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 proceeding. Safety Symbols To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, or other safety hazard, the following safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to indicate dangerous and important safety instructions.
Product Safety Information WARNING: With an AGS system installed, exhaust CO, electrical shock, and moving parts hazards are possible due to unexpected engine/generator starting. Disconnect the engine/generator starting battery cables or AGS connection to the engine/generator before working on the generator or any other electrical system powered by it. Battery Safety • Remove all jewelry (such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc.
Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction .............................................................1 1.1 AGS-N System Requirements..................................... 2 1.2 AGS-N Components .................................................. 2 1.3 ME-AGS-N Features .................................................. 3 2.0 Installation ..............................................................4 2.1 Installation Requirements.......................................... 4 2.
List of Figures Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 1-1, Components of the AGS-N Controller ....................... 3 2-1, AGS-N System Diagram ......................................... 5 2-2, AGS-N Dimensions ................................................ 6 2-3, Remote Temp Sensor Connection ............................ 7 2-4, Network Communication Cable ................................
Introduction 1.0 Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the ME-AGS-N. This is the ‘network’ version of a Magnum Automatic Generator Start (AGS) controller, and is set up/operated via a Magnum inverter and remote control (e.g., ME-RC, ME-ARC, or ME-RTR). Info: If you need an AGS, but are not using a Magnum inverter/ charger, use the ME-AGS-S (AGS – Standalone).
Introduction Generator Compatibility The AGS is compatible with most AC or DC generators with either 2-wire or 3-wire start controls, such as: Onan, Generac, Martin, Kohler, Honda, Yamaha, and many others. A list of generators that have been successfully used with the AGS (and their respective wiring diagrams) can be found at: www.Magnum-Dimensions.com. 1.1 AGS-N System Requirements The AGS requires several other components to operate correctly.
Introduction 1.3 ME-AGS-N Features The AGS module provides the generator’s wiring connections and the following components (refer to Figure 1-1): 1 STATUS Indicator: a bi-color (green or red) LED indicator that illuminates to provide information on the AGS’s operation. 2 TEST Button: a momentary pushbutton that allows the AGS system to be tested for correct wiring and generator start/stop operation.
Installation 2.0 Installation Installing the AGS is a simple process. Before installing, review the Important Product Safety Instructions on page ii of this manual and read the section below to ensure the overall system requirements are met. To assist you in planning and designing your installation, review the basic system diagram shown in Figure 2-1. WARNING: The AGS is not ignition-protected and should not be installed in a location that requires ignition-protected equipment.
Installation Magnum remote PWR FAU LT Inverting DC 12.
Installation 2.2 Required Materials/Tools (not included) To properly install the AGS, you need to supply the following: Required Materials • #16 to #12 AWG (1.31 to 3.31 mm2) wire for connecting the AGS to the generator start/stop circuit and to the battery bank • In-line fuse holders (with a 5-amp DC fuse) Required Tools • Phillips screwdriver (#2) • DC voltmeter • Drill • Flat-blade (1/8”) screwdriver • Cut-out tool • Pencil • Drill bits (7/64” & 1/8”) 2.
Installation 2.4 Connecting the Supplied Cables to the AGS-N The AGS comes with two cables. The remote temp sensor cable is required if using the temperature autostart feature, the network communication cable is required for communicating with the inverter/remote. 2.4.
Installation 2.5 • Connecting the AGS-N to an Inverter Small inverter (MM/MMS Series) – Connect one end of the communications cable to the AGS’s RJ14 NETWORK (green) port. Connect the other end of the communications cable to a phone splitter, and then connect the splitter to the Remote (blue) port on the inverter (see Figure 2-5).
Installation 2.5.1 Cable Connections with Multiple Devices If using more than one networked device, a 4-wire phone splitter is required to connect the devices. Star or Daisy Chain configurations are the two options for interconnecting the devices. Info: Before deciding on which configuration to use, review the differences in installation and ease of troubleshooting.
Installation 2.5.1.1 Negative Connections When connecting devices together (via a network communications cable), the return path (i.e., battery negative) of each battery powered device must be at the same potential (i.e., electrically common with each other—see Figure 2-9). This prevents a highimpedance path developing between the connected devices, which can cause the network cable to become the DC return path to the battery—possibly resulting in permanent damage to all connected devices on the network.
Installation 2.6.1 Power Connections (Terminals 3 & 4) Terminal 3 (+) and Terminal 4 (–) on the 8-port terminal block are connected to the monitored battery bank*. These terminals power the AGS controller and monitor the inverter’s battery voltage (when used to autostart the generator based on low battery voltage). * Monitored Battery Bank – When autostarting the generator based on battery voltage (e.g., start volts), the inverter’s battery bank must be connected to Terminal 3 (+) and Terminal 4 (–).
Installation • Gen Type is not 2-Wire Standby Mode – For all other Gen Type settings (other than 2-Wire Standby mode), the generator run sense must be 10 to 40 VDC—only while the generator is running. The gen run sense voltage from the generator is connected to Terminal 2 (positive) and Terminal 4 (negative) on the green 8-port terminal block on the AGS; and can be a switched B+ source from the generator, a positive signal from the generator’s hour meter, or the generator’s running light.
Installation What if my generator does not have a gen run sense output? Review the alternative options (Figure 2-10) to provide this gen run sense voltage to the AGS. Option 1 – Tap into the positive side of the generator’s hour meter or running light; ensure the voltage is only 10-40 VDC while the generator is running.
Installation 2.6.3 Gen Start/Stop Connections (Terminals 1, 5, 6, 7, & 8) This section covers the control relays inside the AGS controller, and provides information about wiring these relays to the generator’s start/stop circuit. You must identify the generator’s start and stop wiring requirements in order to determine: how many relays you require, the number of wires you connect, and in what combination.
Installation The connection points to each relay are as shown (see Figure 2-11): Relays Inside the AGS controller RY1 RY2 RY3 COM COM COM NO NC NO NC NO NC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Normally Open (N.O.) 8 contact on Relay 3 (RY3) Normally Open (N.O.) 7 contact on Relay 2 (RY2) (COM) contact on 6 Common Relay 1 (RY1) and Relay 2 (RY2) Open (N.O.) 5 Normally contact on Relay 1 (RY1) Negative DC voltage input [neg. terminal from 4 monitored battery bank (pos. side connected to Terminal 3), and neg.
Installation 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 3-position momentary type switch that controls their operation (Figures 2-14 & 2-16). To start the generator, the switch is momentarily held in the START position.
ON INS IDE Input DC Voltage Jumper - set to monitored battery bank voltage (on 24V setting) 1 2 3 4 INSIDE 12/24/48V Installation Gen Type (2-Wire Maintain Mode) Connected via communication cable to inverter’s Network port ≤5 amp fuse Inside Generator Run / Off Switch ≤5 amp fuse ≤5 amp fuse 0123 Monitored battery bank (12V/24V/48V) Ground Gen Battery Gen Hour Meter GEN RUN PERIOD GEN AND POWER I/O OFF Relay 2 (Terminals 6 & 7) R2 RUN OFF Delay Relay 1 (Terminals 5 & 6) Relay 3 (Te
Installation ON INS IDE 1 2 3 4 INSIDE 12/24/48V Input DC Voltage Jumper - set to monitored battery bank voltage (on 24V setting) Gen Type (3-Wire Mode) Connected via communication cable to inverter’s Network port Inside Generator ≤5 amp fuse ≤5 amp fuse STOP ≤5 amp fuse START Monitored battery bank (12V/24V/48V) 0123 Gen Hour Meter GEN AND POWER I/O Relay 1 (Terminals 5 & 6) START STOP Delay Relay 2 (Terminals 6 & 7) Gen Battery GEN RUN PERIOD STOP Relay 3 (Terminals 1 & 8) STOP Ti
Installation 1 2 3 4 INSIDE 12/24/48V Input DC Voltage Jumper - set to monitored battery bank voltage (on 24V setting) ON INS IDE Gen Type (Portable Mode) Connected via communication cable to inverter’s Network port ≤5 amp fuse ≤5 amp fuse Inside Generator 19 19 ≤5 amp fuse 50 50 30 Monitored battery bank (12V/24V/48V) Switch 30 30 50 19 0123 Gen Battery Gen Hour Meter OFF RUN START Relay 2 (Terminals 6 & 7) RUN Relay 3 (Terminals 1 & 8) OFF GEN RUN PERIOD START Delay Relay 1 (T
Installation ON INSIDE 1 2 3 4 INSIDE 12/24/48V Input DC Voltage Jumper - set to monitored battery bank voltage (on 24V setting) Gen Type (5-Wire Mode) Connected via communication cable to inverter’s Network port ≤5 amp fuse Inside Generator ≤5 amp fuse ≤5 amp fuse PREHEAT STOP ≤5 amp fuse START Monitored battery bank (12V/24V/48V) 0123 Gen Hour Meter GEN AND POWER I/O Relay 1 (Terminals 5 & 6) Relay 3 (Terminals 1 & 8) STOP Time START Time PREHEAT Time Start Delay Time START STOP Sta
Setup 3.0 AGS-N Controller Setup This section covers configuring the AGS’s internal settings. 3.1 Configuring the Internal AGS-N Settings RY2 RY3 ON 1 2 3 4 ON Revision Label 1 2 3 4 Rev ## 12/24/48V RY1 Input DC Voltage Jumper Setting (Default: 12V) 1 2 3 4 12/24/48V Remove the AGS controller’s four top screws and detach the plastic cover to access the Input DC Voltage Jumper and the 4-position DIP (Dual In-line Package) switch (Figure 3-1).
Setup Table 3-1, Gen Type Settings 1 2 3 4 ON Gen Type 1 2 3 4 ON QD Mode (default) 1 2 3 4 ON 3-Wire Mode Relay Timing/Operation (RY1/RY2/RY3) RY1 (N.O.) RY2 (N.O.) 1 2 3 4 ON 1 2 3 4 ON 1 2 3 4 ON 1 2 3 4 ON 5-Wire Mode GEN RUN PD. T3 T1 = 20 sec. T2 = 4 sec. T3 = 10 sec. Generator: Quiet Diesel Series (Onan). HDZAA model is not compatible with the AGS-N module – damage may occur. RY1 (N.O.) RY2 (N.O.) T1 T2 T3 GEN RUN PD. T3 RY3 (N.O.) T1 = 5 sec. T2 = 2 sec. T3 = 10 sec.
Operation 4.0 AGS-N Functional Operation After all electrical connections to the AGS, batteries, and generator have been completed (prior to reconnecting the terminal block), perform the following tests to verify that the AGS system is functioning properly and the wiring from the AGS to the generator is correct. Once the AGS controller passes the functional operation tests, refer to your remote control manual to set up the AGS for your autostart and autostop requirements.
Operation The generator should run for approximately 30-60 seconds before automatically turning off (ensure it does not try to restart within the next two minutes). Note: If the generator attempts to start but does not run, continue to wait, the AGS will attempt to start the generator 3 more times. If your AGS/generator system passes all steps (may attempt an autostart x4), then the wiring from the AGS to the generator is correct. Set up and activate the AGS using your remote control.
Troubleshooting 5.0 5.1 AGS-N Controller Troubleshooting Using the AGS-N’s LED Indicators The AGS’s two LEDs can assist you with troubleshooting the AGS system. The STATUS LED is bi-color (green or red) and indicates the AGS’s operational status. The READY LED is green, and illuminates if the AGS has power and the remote temp sensor is connected. The AGS controller performs a “self test” when power is first applied (see functional operation tests in Section 4.0).
Troubleshooting 5.2 Generator Starting/Running Troubleshooting This section helps troubleshoot the generator system when the AGS’s STATUS LED illuminates solid red (fault condition), or the remote control displays a generator autostart fault. • Press the TEST button on the AGS controller, or start the generator from your remote control. 5.2.1 If the Generator does not Start or Run If the generator does not start after pressing the AGS’s TEST button: 1.
Troubleshooting • Gen Type is 2-Wire Standby Mode – When using 2-Wire Standby mode, the gen run sense signal is communicated from the remote control to the AGS through the remote control cable. The AGS determines that the generator is running when the remote communicates that it is in a charge state (e.g., Charging, Bulk Charge, Absorb Charge).
Troubleshooting 2. Ensure the negative terminal of the monitored battery bank* is in common/connected with the negative side of the generator battery. This ensures that the positive battery voltage (to Terminal 3) and the positive generator run sense voltage from the generator (to Terminal 2) have a common negative reference (to Terminal 4), and are correctly sensed/measured by the AGS. * Monitored Battery Bank – When autostarting the generator based on battery voltage (e.g.
Appendix 6.0 6.1 Appendix Other Accessories and Equipment Sensata offers a number of devices and accessories that can be used to expand and enhance your AGS and inverter/charger system. 6.1.1 Optional Accessories for the AGS-N AGS Pigtail Adapters Sensata Technologies offers two pigtail adapters for use with the AGS.
Warranty & Service Information Limited Warranty Sensata warrants the ME-AGS-N inverter to be free from defects in material and workmanship that result in product failure during normal usage, according to the following terms and conditions: 1. The limited warranty for this product extends for a maximum of 12 months from the product’s original date of purchase. Note: The normal one-year warranty is extended to five years if the ME-AGS-N is ordered with and installed on one of our MP or MMP panel systems.
Warranty & Service Information How to Receive Repair Service If your product requires warranty service or repair, contact: • Sensata Technologies (Magnum Energy-branded products) at: Telephone: 425.353.8833 Fax: 425.353.8390 Email: MagnumWarranty@Sensata.com If returning your product directly to Sensata for repair, you must: 1. Return the unit in the original, or equivalent, shipping container. 2.
Magnum-Dimensions Products Manufactured by: Sensata Technologies 2211 West Casino Rd. Everett, WA 98204 Phone: 425.353.8833 Fax: 425.353.8390 Web: www.Magnum-Dimensions.com PN: 64-0039 Rev.
