The target is the very small sites. The ones where you're really only needing the $500 generator, if it would only start itself, and you're lucky to pull 20A.
The other target are off-grid sites where you need to start a generator based not on grid loss but on things like battery getting low. With the generator controller, you could effectively hit the sub-$1k price. But you're right, part of the issue is that the guardian is getting cheaper and cheaper, and this I'm sure affects people. On Thu, Dec 21, 2017 at 9:19 PM, Adam Moffett <[email protected]> wrote: > I might be thinking of this wrongly, so I welcome input. > > We got a 16kw Generac Guardian for under $5k. That included a transfer > switch, "cold weather kit" (which is basically a block heater and battery > heater), and a precast base to put it on. I think there are models as > small as 8kw, but I don't have a price for that. I'm sure it's less than > $5k. When we set up propane service the fuel company provided the tank and > we only pay for the fuel. > > This starts automatically when the power is off, and turns off when power > comes back on. This is what we want, right? A truck crashed into a pole > one morning, and we lost power for more than 8 hours. That one incident > paid for the Generac. We certainly would have lost $5k worth of labor and > service credits if we were down for that whole time so this system is worth > every penny. > > So what is it we're trying to achieve that the above product doesn't do? > I'm happy with my packetflux stuff, but if the generator board didn't sell, > there's probably a reason. If we're just trying to make it cheaper, isn't > that the so-called "race to the bottom"? > > Maybe there are points I'm overlooking, so again, I do welcome input. > > > > ------ Original Message ------ > From: "Dave" <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Sent: 12/21/2017 9:40:02 AM > Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Remote generator start options packetflux? > > Forrest, > We had a discussion about this as we now have 4 generators and I have 3 > of your standby controllers taking care of > these sites without issue since we installed them. > Would it be feasible to just remove the Transformers and just give a link > for separate purchase ? > My issue as with many would like to see a box with many inputs to monitor > different things like AC,DC voltages, tempatures > make and brake contacts. Also, the need for active outputs to turn on off > things or just for a cycle with timer. > A nice gui would be ok to be able to log in for manual control or > configuration. > > There are some very expensive things out there to do all of this but I > know with a little work it can be done with out much money involved. > > I have a very specific need to integrate a 26vDC generator with a site > that is a 48v plant. I have everything installed and connected but I need > some > automation to start and stop when needed. > The generator has a voltage sense on its output to detect if the battery > bank is below 22vdc and if so it will kick on for an amount of time to > restore > charge. The problem with this is there is a 1000W converter between it and > the 48v battery bank. > > Anyone with suggestions is welcome > Dave > > > On 12/21/2017 03:18 AM, Forrest Christian (List Account) wrote: > > The short version: I never sold that many, and this particular product > came up in discussions about product liablity insurance. Not that it was > unsafe, just that there was some discomfort with the fact that I was > monitoring the AC power line. To remedy this I would have either had to > redesign to remove the AC monitoring hardware, or send the whole thing > through UL listing. Based on the volume, I didn't really see any reason > to spend a lot of R&D time or money doing either. > > I do expect the functionality in the generator controller will be able to > be replicated as a side effect of planned technology to be incorporated in > an upcoming product. > > > On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 8:23 PM, Lewis Bergman <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> Bummer. Guess there was not enough demand or to make variants? >> >> >> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 5:18 PM George Skorup <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Yeahbut Forrest doesn't make the generator control board anymore. >>> >>> >>> On 12/20/2017 5:01 PM, Lewis Bergman wrote: >>> >>> I think packetflux is likely the easiest with the most to offer our of >>> the box. I know if one other out of the box solution that cost about 3 >>> times as much. First can not only start it but he can use his shunt to make >>> sure it is actually started and producing current. >>> >>> If you want to do it yourself you could work some coding and such but it >>> doesn't sound like that is what you want to do. Arduino, raspberry pi, etc. >>> Could do this but you have to build it all yourself. Not really fast but >>> fun if you like that kind of thing. >>> >>> You would need some electronics knowledge if you don't want to spend a >>> few days googling. I guess you still have to know enough to make Google >>> work. >>> >>> Again, see Forest for his genset setup. I know a lot of people in this >>> list use it. >>> >>> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017, 4:39 PM Eric Kuhnke <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> assuming you have a generator that does auto-choke and is wired for >>>> electrical remote start, like the small generac units sold for RV use and >>>> similar... where all you need to do is turn on a relay for 4-5 seconds to >>>> crank a starter, then turn off the relay again. >>>> >>>> one of these: http://tinycontrol.pl/en/lan-controller/ >>>> >>>> and one of these: http://tinycontrol.pl/en/relays-board-10a-v3/ >>>> >>>> or a thing like this: http://denkovi.com/ether >>>> net-relay-card-5-channels-snmp-http-xml-real-time-clock-din-box >>>> >>>> >>>> there are quite a few different DIN mount relay-controllers with basic >>>> http interfaces to turn on and off things. Some support things like >>>> receiving an snmp trap to trigger a relay for automated scripting. >>>> >>>> On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 2:30 PM, Brandon Yuchasz < >>>> [email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> We are looking at adding a remote start to a generator at an off grid >>>>> site we have and I am gathering information on options at this point. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Right now we are all Solar at the site. It’s a new site and if / when >>>>> we draw down batteries beyond where we are comfortable we turn go to the >>>>> site turn off the PV and start a generator manually and run a 48v battery >>>>> charger on the bank. It’s a fairly low tech solution right now. We log in >>>>> turn off the PV array and a guy goes out and pulls the rope on the >>>>> generator and batteries start to charge. He then leaves and in three hours >>>>> generator runs out of fuel and charging stops. Log back in turn the PV >>>>> back >>>>> on and that’s the end of the process. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> We are considering a few different options at the site and I don’t >>>>> want to complicate this to much by offering to much information to start. >>>>> Ill go into more details later but for now I am looking for a way to start >>>>> a (different) propane generator remotely during the dark months. Most >>>>> likely once a week in December and January. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> So assuming electric start is an options on the generator. What >>>>> options do I have for throwing that “switch” from the office. I am >>>>> positive >>>>> I am not the first one of us to want to do this. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Thoughts everyone? I want to KISS so when I am not around others can >>>>> do this with minimal training. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Thanks, >>>>> >>>>> Brandon >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> > > > -- > *Forrest Christian* *CEO**, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc.* > Tel: 406-449-3345 | Address: 3577 Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602 > <https://maps.google.com/?q=3577+Countryside+Road,+Helena,+MT+59602&entry=gmail&source=g> > [email protected] | http://www.packetflux.com > <http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian> <http://facebook.com/packetflux> > <http://twitter.com/@packetflux> > > > -- > > -- *Forrest Christian* *CEO**, PacketFlux Technologies, Inc.* Tel: 406-449-3345 | Address: 3577 Countryside Road, Helena, MT 59602 [email protected] | http://www.packetflux.com <http://www.linkedin.com/in/fwchristian> <http://facebook.com/packetflux> <http://twitter.com/@packetflux>
