Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

parkgt

56
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
Model: 2552
Slide: Yes
Location: Western AR

Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« on: May 22, 2022, 10:12:38 am »

Since the Houghton's are remote controlled with no wall mounted thermostat is there a way to have the unit signal a AGS like the Onan EC-30 to start up the generator?

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Engineerlt

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2022, 11:30:31 am »

Hello parkgt
The generator auto start feature is not connected to the A/C's when Houghton's are installed. There is however 2 ways to bypass the issue. First you can simply set the A/C to the desired temperature if your on shore power and let the A/C's run. In the event of a power loss(Gen set to Auto Start) the A/C's will start back up and stay at the set temperature they were previously set to.

If you are wanting the coach temperature to dictate when the generator starts to power the A/C's, say when boondocking, you can add a 12V thermostat to wire #10 to supply a 12V+ signal to the Automatic Start System, which should be a gray colored wire (#10) behind the Energy Command 30 control panel.

Tried to add the info from the manual in the pics below. If you need a better picture just message me with your e-mail and I can send you a better copy. Also my PC never had the automatic start system so I installed it, that is why I am familiar with its installation/operation and I have Houghton A/C's

Here is a link to the manual, you will find the info below in the pics on page 14 and page 24. https://www.cummins.com/sites/default/files/2018-08/900-0541B-energy-command-operation.pdf

I hope this helps
Very Respectfully
Lance

« Last Edit: May 22, 2022, 12:24:45 pm by Engineerlt »

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parkgt

56
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
Model: 2552
Slide: Yes
Location: Western AR

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2022, 08:13:22 pm »

Lance,

Thanks for the reply, the second option is closer to what I desire. I will be traveling with a dog, that may be left for short periods and I want the gen to start as needed when the Houghton thermostat tells the A/C to kick on.

The second option you mention doesn't seem to tie the two directly together? I was hoping to pick up some signal directly out of the Houghton that would trigger the AGS. Or conversely could the wall independent thermostat trigger both the AGS and the Houghton main unit independent of the remote?

Maybe as a more expensive more flexible option I was contemplating a upgrade to system with 300 plus amp hours of lithium batteries feeding a 3000 watt inverter and just let the AGS kick in as the Houghton draws down the battery level. Then a signal from or to the Houghton and a separate thermostat wouldn't be needed?

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jim.godfrey

293
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: October 2019
Model: 2552
ModelYear: 2020
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Desert Sand
ExtColor: Nightscape w/ Burgundy
Location: South of Boston MA

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2022, 09:03:04 pm »

I think in Lance's second option, even though the Houghton is not tied directly into the wall thermostat, as long at the Houghton is set lower than the added 12 volt thermostat, when the 12 volt TT is calling, the Houghton will run. Seems like a pretty good solution to me?
The 12v TT calls for cooling > the generator starts> the Houghtons run and cool the coach > wall thermostat gets satisfied > gen shuts down > repeat.

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parkgt

56
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
Model: 2552
Slide: Yes
Location: Western AR

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2022, 09:20:49 pm »

Thanks it took another explanation for it to click for me. Yes a simple enough approach. Thanks to both of you!

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Engineerlt

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2022, 07:26:26 am »

Hello ParkGT
I figured you were wanting to ensure your pet remained safe and comfortable. I have set-up a wi-fi network in my PC using the Insty-connect antenna and modem. This allows me to log back into my PC and see what's going on through my WYZE PTZ camera inside and Govee wi-fi thermometer. You can set temperature alerts on the Govee thermometer so it will notify you with an email or text. The WYZE camera is great as I can log into it from anywhere and move it to see where my dog is hanging out, you can also talk back through the camera, but that just confuses my dog more than help. I also installed one more camera outside its an Reo-Link with a solar panel and it looks down at the door its weather proof and allows me to see who is at the door, it gives you notifications when it detects motion and you can also talk through it as well.

One thing about using the 12V thermostat to start the generator and run the A/C. You need to have the A/C configured in the run position then shut down the generator with the A/C still on. That way the A/C will restart when the generator starts.

Hey Jim, thanks for the additional input sometimes, I breeze over the details and with your help you filled in the missing blanks.

Very Respectfully
Lance

« Last Edit: May 23, 2022, 07:30:52 am by Engineerlt »

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parkgt

56
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
Model: 2552
Slide: Yes
Location: Western AR

Re: Houghton A/C and auto gen start?

« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2022, 11:16:29 am »

Thanks again for the input, I may be back for more help when I get to that project. Will be picking up a gently used 2552 later in the week.

First order of business is getting it configured to go under a 10' door. That is why the Houghton is of interest. Sat bubble has to go, not sure about the ladder and rails. This one does have the Liquid Springs that may help it squat under.

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