Thor Forums

[TurnerFam]

a quick tutorial on the Magnum AGS module and it's operations:

- 'TEST' provides for a quick automatic starting of the Gen, a run for 30 seconds, and an automatic shut down to confirm that the system is working properly
- 'Enable' and 'Enable w Quiet Time' are essentially the same, giving the AGS the 'ready status' to provide automatic starting - Quiet Time is to only allow this to operate during the included Hours, i.e., if you are at a campground that limits generator run times during overnight hours.(you'll also need to set the 'TIME' setting)

- 'RUN TIME': the amount of time you want the Generator to run before automatically shutting down by the AGS. 30min, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc., are the options. If you start with a setting of 30mins, you'll start to see if that is enough run time for your situation, but everyone tends to use a number that is comfortable for them. Some are more concerned about 'fully' charging the batteries, while others of us are more concerned about charging the battery bank for a shorter time, giving several hours between runs.

Triggers:
- 'VOLTS' setting: allows for the user to set the 'trigger' to start the Generator when the Battery Bank voltage falls below this number for a continuous 2 minutes. A good number to start with might be 12.0 Volts, which leaves enough power to make sure the AGS can actually start the Generator when it needs to.

- 'TEMP' setting: allows for the user to set a Temperature setting that will start the Generator in order to power the 120v roof Air Conditioner(s). Of course, you must also have the air conditioner Thermostat 'ON' and set to a temperature that is 1 digit lower than the AGS temp setting, so that the Air Conditioner will actual come on when the Generator starts. The AGS will run the generator until the temperature is reached.

Additional: LBCO(Low Battery Cut Out)
This is to maintain a 'fail safe' limit to the level that the Inverter can use power before it is automatically shut down due to the battery bank level reaching a critical level, should the Generator not be able to be started, the Generator's breaker(s) trip, or if you forget to enable the AGS. A good number to use is 11.5 Volts.

:SHORE button, or SHORE MAX
This setting tells the integrated Battery Charger how much 'amperage' it can make use of during the Generator run, or even when plugged into Shore Power.
-Typically, when on full 50amp Shore Power, and for an overnight or two, you might want to leave this on the default 30amp setting, giving the charger most everything it needs to charge the battery bank as quickly as possible.
-But, sometimes you are on less than full electrical service, such as 30amp or even 15/20amp - so you can dial this setting BACK down to 10 or 15, and the Charger will use a lot less amps during your overnight, and you have more room to use more of the electrical items in your coach without tripping the shore breaker.
-When the AGS is employed during off-grid overnights or extended stays, you might consider the Charger to need the MOST amperage, because, after all, your are probably employing the AGS to charge the battery bank when it drops too low - so dial this up to 30 or even higher, giving the Charger the most of the generator's 120v output during it's run. You might want to watch your other usage during this time, since now you are giving the Charger priority - using the microwave or air conditioners might help to prematurely trip a breaker, usually on the Generator itself.


The AGS is a WONDERFUL tool - especially for off-grid or when you want to make sure that the Battery Bank is maintained, the temperature in the coach is kept at a certain level, OR you want to make sure if shore power is lost, and the Inverter uses too much battery power, that the AGS will start the generator - serving as your BACK UP power supply, at least until shore power is restored.

We never used our generator near as much until I realized the power of this great tool. The generator is built and designed to run as much and as often as you want it to, and it's perfectly engineered to do that, without complaint. It's partner, the AGS, is the go-between technology so that the owner does not have to constantly monitor the battery bank or temperature, especially while away, and can have confidence that everything is 'just fine' back at the coach!

Travel, enjoy... and let the AGS control the Generator - you'll love it!