Remote Generator Auto Start/Stop using a Victron Cerbo GX
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ย. 2024
- In this video, we share how to program a Victron Energy Cerbo GX to start and stop your generator based on custom conditions such as battery state of charge (SOC), Battery Voltage, or AC loads. For written steps and more helpful tips, read our recent technical article: icmontana.com/...
Hi there,
Nice explanation how the victron system works and stuff 👍🏻
But why are you all guys only explaining how the system works?
Why not making a video from A to Z. Example: type of generator for what batterybank, how to install the wiring, what do you need to let it all work (victron cerbo? , relaybox) and step by step explain it all. I think than you will have a briljant video.
Chears and have a good one 👍🏻
Hi there, I think you're right - there's sure a lot to consider/advice to share. We will absolutely make a video about the pending Victron integration with Hatz, which solves many of the constraints we've all experienced in traditional battery-inverter-generator setups.
Jack,
Great STEP by STEP for using the Cerbo and your generator.
Keep the videos coming...very helpful.
Thank you!
Great video. You have an example of actual hook up to gen to go? What are we connecting to on gen?
Hi Brad, consult your generator dealer for proper configuration. This is an example from the Kohler 12RES manual: 1.8.2 Remote Start Connection: "Connect terminals 3 and 4 to the automatic transfer switch’s engine start terminals or to an optional remote start/stop switch. Route the engine start leads through separate conduit from the AC power and load leads."
Jack, thank you very much for your videos! Maybe you can guide me on where to find more information. I have 2 Quattro 48/5000/70-2x100 120V inverters and a Cerbo GX. Currently, the AC1 input comes from the GRID. I also have a 22KW Generac Guardian Generator with a Generac ATS 200Amp. The Quattros back up the most important equipment in my house, the generator backs up other equipment, and when there's GRID power, it handles the rest. I haven't found any information on how to connect the relay of the Cerbo GX to the ATS to start the generator once the batteries reach 30% and turn off the generator when the charge reaches 95%. Obviously, this is under the scenario of not having GRID power. I've thought that the output of the generator should go to the AC2 of the Quattro. Sorry for the length, but I wanted to provide as much detail as possible. Any help is welcome.
Hi @asalazaram, you are on the right track. The generator would typically connect to the AC In 2, while your grid connection is on AC input 1. The info in Jack's video would apply in much the same way, though you'd run your start/stop relay to your generator. I believe some Generac generators have the start/stop relay as an add-on option, it may not be included "in the box" with your generator. Otherwise, you'll be following Jack's guide for setup. It's important to note that the Quattro will use AC1 by default, and will only use AC2 when AC1 is unavailable. It won't use both simultaneously because it can't sync up the AC inputs from both sources - but it will use AC2 if AC1 is unavailable. Does that make sense? Let us know if you have any other Qs.
Hello Jack, thanks for the great video. I replaced (2) VFXR3648A Outback Inverters with (2) MultiPlus-II, (Paralleled-Split-Phase) inverters.
The original connection from the generator to the Outbacks was via, what I’m assuming was a three-wire interface. The (3) wires (all red) coming from the generator were then connected to a 5-pin relay (V23234-C1001-X005 with its 5-prong pigtail/harness with black, blue, red, white, & yellow wires).
The black and white wires were connected to the “Master” Outback inverter via its “Auxiliary + (positive) & (negative)”.
Once I swopped the inverters, I connected the black wire to the > (NO) and the white wire to the > (COM) on the relay 1 slot via the provided terminal block for the Cerbo GX communication-center.
Please know that I’m able to turn the generator on manually, via the generator’s (14kW Generac) control panel and the GX Touch 50 and VRM do illustrate the Generator’s AC in input and thus is registered, yet when I try to start the generator manually with the GX Touch 50 or via the VRM, the GX Touch illustrates that the Generator has “started” and is “running” yet in fact the generator has not turned on.
What am I doing wrong? Any insight or orientation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance…
@iamfound74 On the generator control options, you can have it detect AC input as a check. Otherwise, it does assume that when the contact is closed, something is running. Another way to say it is you can have the Cerbo verify generator operation by monitoring AC input voltage. It's just a toggle option. There is another option in there, which is to trigger an alarm when you ask the generator to start, and it doesn't start based on the input voltage not being present. On your Generac, you can rewire those for a 2-wire autostart, and I know Generac dealers that have done that, so you might contact one in your area and ask if they could re-wire yours for a basic 2-wire autostart. You should have had a 12V relay in your old Outback system to isolate the 12V coming off the AUX connection. If that 12 volts is fed into the control board, it can damage the autostart feature, but it would be worth noting that the Cerbo does not put out 12 volts; it's a dry contact, so you should be able to connect it directly to the autostart controls on the generator leads. Hope this is helpful, very sorry for the delayed reply.
Thank you!!
How would you wire it for a 3 wire generator that needs to prime?
Hi good Q. The Normally Open-Normally Closed Relay 1 on the Cerbo only provides autostart functionality. In order to have more advanced control of the generator for priming, choke, etc., a generator control module is needed. Deep Sea Electronics is a common brand. I would recommend reaching out to them for more information about generator control modules.
This video may help: th-cam.com/video/hpo9UpHj5ZM/w-d-xo.html
maybe a second part on how to hook the generator up and configure the Inverter?
Hello Fernando, the inverter needs to be programmed for the battery chemistry, but as long as the AC input connections to the inverter are correctly installed, the Cerbo GX will be the brains of the operation and trigger the auto start accordingly.
How to hook this up to a harbor freight 5000w generator (already has push button start and remote start)? I want to run this setup on my semi truck!
Hi Anthony, is it a two-wire generator? The steps are here in the video and you can find more detail in this blog: icmontana.com/blogs/technical-articles/remote-generator-auto-start-stop-using-a-victron-cerbo-gx
Can you do a video on how to hook the carbon go to a duro max gen? Has a start stop button with 5 wires coming out of it.
Hi Brad, we're pretty focused on the Victron Energy product line. We don't sell generators, for example. I would try to learn more from the manufacturer of that generator.
@Intelligent Controls - I'm everything Victron. Love the product. Just really lacking on how to attach relays like generators to the cerbro gx. You taught us how to go in and do the setup in the software. We need the mechanical part now. I found one video where there hooked up to a brain box in a rv for a gen. That helped a little. Now need for a Duro Max type gen
May I ask what generator will be annotating to the two wire start? What brand? I’m looking for a propane generator and 4,000watt. Thanks for all you videos.
A 4,000watt would be a little bit small for a 2-wire start. We have some neat integrations coming with Hatz but they are diesels. You may be able to get an 8kW Kohler and those always come with 2-wire autostart. We don't sell propane generators but you kind of get what you pay for in that market. Best of luck - let us know what you've found!
Can someone name some two wire start generators
Kohler, Winco, Kubodas, WhisperWatt, most anything with a Blue Sea controller. Generac can be re-wired.
Please can someone help me with a question. I have a generator with 2 Wires…..
The first wire labelled Start Output (No.5) and the second wire is labelled Stop Output (No.13)….
IF I put a wire from B+ (No.2); onto Start Output (No.5); my generator starts. IF I put a wire from B+ (No.2); onto Stop Output (No.13); my generator stops.
Which wires would I connect to the NO. NC. COM on my victron relay?
Bring battery power into the COM, and then bring your Start connection into the NO. And you Stop connection into the NC. Then when the relay triggers, it will close the normally open, starting the generator. When the relay is off, the generator will be stopped. It might be worth looking to see if your generator requires a momentary trigger rather than a closed contact; in other words, a lot of people are jerry rigging their remote keyfob. In that case, they can build a NodeRED integration to pulse a Start signal and a Stop signal using both relays on the Cerbo.