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Xantrex Automatic
Generator Start
Module for RS2000 Inverter/Charger
Automatic Generator Start modules can be added to any RV
with a mounted generator set. They are available in a number
of models and suppliers. They will automatically start your
generator set whenever a user-defined set of parameters
exists - most generally at low battery voltage or high
interior temperatures. All of this takes a fair amount of
wiring to interface with the various modules so that the AGS
module can be properly "informed" as to when these
conditions exist.
The latest technology is the Xantrex Xanbus system. Xanbus
is Xantrex' proprietary name for the CANbus (Controller Area
Network) protocol that is now being used in the industry to
communicate and shared data between a number of various
devices via a simple cat5 data cable connection very similar
to a home or business Ethernet computer network. The
Xantrex RS2000 Inverter/Charger
is the first item available from Xantrex. It's a true sine
wave inverter/charger unlike the previous modified sine wave
Freedom 458 inverters. It uses the Xanbus network to
communicate with a software based menu driven System Control
Panel (SCP). The SCP has the ability to control multiple
devices on the buss without having to add more remote
control panels. Also, because it is software based it has
the ability to manage a vastly greater amount of information
that a simple "Buttons and LEDs" panel could possibly
handle.
Xantrex has introduced a new
AGS module that will interface with the Xanbus system. This
module is ideal for use with the RS2000 series of inverters
because the RS2000 will communicate with the AGS module,
feeding it the exact battery condition and displaying this
common information on the SCP. The AGS module has the usual
ability to respond to a low battery voltage by starting the
generator. It also has the ability to temporarily start up
when it detects that the inverter is being run at a
predetermined peak load. This means that the inverter won't
run the batteries down when a major draw occurs because the
generator will take over for those few minutes until the
load is removed. It also has the ability to monitor the air
conditioning thermostat and start the generator should it
become too warm. This can be real benefit when leaving
pets unattended in the RV should shore power fail. It has
the ability to program in quiet time lockout hours as well
as run monthly exercise cycles and a whole lot more.
Choose from the following
links for more information on the Xantrex AGS:
AGS Module Spec Sheet
AGS Module Owner's Manual
If you wish to utilize the
high temp feature of any AGS module on a coach that uses
Dometic's Comfort Command thermostat, there will be an
additional item required. Because the Comfort Command is
entirely digital, it uses it's own network connections to
communicate with the air conditioners and furnaces. There
are no 12 volt contacts on the back of the thermostat to
enable communication with the 12 volt wires on the AGS
module that need that input. Dometic does offer an interface
box which connects to the rear A/C unit via another cat5
network cable, which will then output the relay closures
required to communicate with the AGS module's 12 volt wires.
Select the following link to
access the installation instructions and part numbers for
this interface:
Dometic Air Conditioner Interface Module
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