Outback Power Systems Outback Power Systems Battery Charger User Manual


 
Copyright 2003 OutBack Power Systems, Inc. FX & VFX “E” Series Inverter/Charger System Installation & Programming Manual
19009 62
nd
Ave NE, Arlington WA 98223 USA
Tel 360 435 6030 Fax 360 435 6019 Rev 7.0 07/02/04
Page 25
AUTOMATIC GENERATOR START INSTRUCTIONS
The Aux output of the FX can be programmed to start a 2-wire gas or diesel generator automatically when the batteries need charging.
If you wish to use this option, follow the instructions below.
Starting from the main menu, press the <ADV> button to get into the advanced menu (see page 43 for the “password”). From the
Advanced menu press the <PG2> button then the <PG3> button, then the <AUX> button to get into the auxiliary output options. The
first menu that comes up is the “aux output control” which tells the FX to keep the aux output off, on, or automatically do what the
auxiliary output function is. In this case we want to keep the default setting on “AUTO”.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “aux output function” menu. This is the menu where we tell the auxiliary output what function
we want it to be. In this case we want it to start a generator. The default setting is “CoolFan” so press the <DEC> button 3 times so the
display reads “GenAlert”. Now that the function is set to start a 2-wire start generator, the start and stop parameters need to be set.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert on setpoint” menu. This menu adjusts the battery voltage set point to where you
want the generator to start at. The default setting is 11, 22, or 44 volts (depending on your FX) which you can adjust. Press the <INC>
or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert on delay” menu. This menu adjusts the time you will allow the battery to be at the
“genalert on setpoint” before starting the generator. The default setting is 4 minutes at the “genalert on setpoint” and the generator will
start. Press the <INC> or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Next, you want to stop the generator at some point so you also need to set that value. Press the <DOWN> button to get into the
“genalert off setpoint” menu. This menu adjusts the battery voltage set point to where you want to stop the generator. The default
setting is 14, 28, or 56 volts (depending on your FX) which you can adjust. Press the <INC> or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Press the <DOWN> button to get into the “genalert off delay” menu. This menu adjusts the time you will allow the battery to be at the
“genalert off setpoint” before stopping the generator. The default setting is 9 minutes at the “genalert off setpoint” and the generator will
stop. Press the <INC> or <DEC> buttons to change this setting.
Even though you have set the off function for the generator, there are two other ways that the auxiliary output can stop the generator. If
the charger settings of the FX reach float or silent mode, that overrides the “genalert off setpoint” because the FX figures that the
batteries are charged. The generator will turn off based on whatever comes first, genalert off, float, or silent. If you want to stop the
generator based on float or silent, extend the “genalert off delay” beyond what is capable of the charger to achieve.
The following schematic shows how to hook up a relay that interfaces with the 2-wire start generator. 3-wire start generators require an
adapter like the Atkinson GSCM available at: www.atkinsonelectronics.com.