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Topic ClosedDual Honda 2000s versus AC
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Luv2Q View Drop Down
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dual Honda 2000s versus AC
    Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 11:37am
Thanks, Cliff.  Yes, a delay seems plausible.  I may have a chat with Progressive & sound them out on this phenomenon.  Thx again ..
John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 1:33pm
Originally posted by Luv2Q

Originally posted by Podamus

We just got back from 5 days of dry camping in northern California with temps in the 90s.  We have two Honda 2000s which were on eco mode during heat of the day.  While the generators took a second to catch up they never faulted when the AC launched.  With our 5th wheel they would fault frequently.  Unfortunately I don't recall the size of the unit in that trailer.

Podamus, interesting.  Wonder what's different between your Pod vs your 5th wheel?  AC capacity?  I ran ours for about 4-5 hours today (107°-109°) and, with eco mode off, never skipped a beat.  Was afraid to try eco mode. 

You know anything about hard start capacitors?  I'm thinking I'll give one of those a try.

Thanks for the reply.
I'll start with saying I know nothing about hard start capacitors.

WRT the 5th wheel it could have been the combination of the AC and the inverter.  But I'm curious:  Do you have two of the 2000i models or the companion.  I'm using the companion with the 30A plug.
Jim
Camas WA
2015 RPod 179
2014 Ford F250
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Luv2Q View Drop Down
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 2:20pm
Jim, yes, using the Companion w/ 30 amp plug.
John & Teri
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 8:40pm
You may just need to bypass the surge protector when using the generators.  You are far less likely to run into the problems it will protect you against, while using a generator, so I wouldn't call it a compromise on safety.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 11:45pm
Thanks for the suggestion, Doug.  With 3600 W continuous & 4k surge capacity, I can't believe the dual Hondas can't keep up.  (I say that like I know what I'm talking about.  Sorry)

If I'm not mistaken, my EMS-HW30C has a bypass switch (button) on the display module.  That would be downright handy.

Thx again, Doug & others, for sharing your thoughts & experiences.
John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 6:48am
John, I think the surge protector is very sensitive and its just detecting a little bump. It's not your generators. Since you know the power source is good I think its ok to bypass.

I'm sure its just a momentary drop. 

Does the EMS cut the power or just throw a code?

Bypass switch: This switch is located on the remote panel, and allows the user to 

bypass the computer circuit in the EMS in the event of computer failure, thus

allowing source power into the RV. This does not disable the surge protection 

portion of the EMS.
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 2:29pm
Cliff, I think you're right.  Everything points to a sensitive EMS reacting to a miniscule fluctuation in power.  And, yes, it cuts the power.

I'll give the bypass a try & report back.  I can use the Kil-A-Wat to monitor for dangerously low voltage while conducting my little "experiment".
John & Teri
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E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 3:28pm
I agree it is probably just detecting a momentary blip and not reflecting the voltage 99% of the time. 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 309 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2015 at 10:11pm
Update ..
Quick background: Using the PI HW-30 hard-wired EMS, I was using 2 Honda 2000s (regular + Companion) in parallel to run my 13,500 btu ac.  When the compressor cycled from Off to On, the EMS threw a low-voltage error code & shut down the power.  This was with the Eco throttles on.  (No problem with the Eco throttles off & the generators running at higher RPM.)

That made no sense to several of us since, in "continuous" mode, have a combined 3600 watts.  What seemed likely was that, when the ac cycled on, there was a momentary pause while the two generators spooled up.  Possible solution: turn the EMS off thereby bypassing it & trust that the Hondas deliver stable power.

The test today showed there is indeed a momentary low-voltage lag, but the generators kept the ac running.  I was monitoring the voltage with a Kill-a-Wat and they went like this:
122.1 - compressor on
125.6 - compressor off 
102.1 - flashed once when compressor came back on
122.4 - compressor on
125.7 - compressor off
101.1 - flashed once when compressor came back on
122.4 - compressor on

Next question:  Can the momentary brown-outs cause any damage to ac, fridge, etc.? I really could use some advice here, as I have -0- skills in this area.

BTW, why don't I just run it with Eco throttles off?  Answer: I may have to, but hope to avoid the extra noise & fuel consumption.

Thanks in advance, gents.
John & Teri
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E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2015 at 12:47pm
It is probably sagging lower than that, you need a special voltmeter to read true spikes and sags. But, I wouldnt worry about it. 108 is the minimum for continuous operation but equipment usually will tolerate lower startup sags. The fridge just runs a heating element on AC so no worry there.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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