Replacement 15 Kva alternator

[solarman216]

As said, old unit suffered a control box fire which required a complete replacement alternator, sounds easy enough until you understand that the old one was automatic and could be started from any place in the yard with a two wire switch, I needed to keep this arrangement for ease of use by none understanding people, so how do you with a two wire switch from any location start up a diesel gen set?

Bearing in mind that you first need to enable the fuel, then operate the starter and stop it once the engine has fired, but it does not stop there, you now need to only connect the alternator once the engine has got up to speed, then on shut down you need to disconnect the alternator from the load first, all of which will fry the automatic voltage controller if not done correctly, not a big deal on a modern cheap genny as they are cheap and available, but my 1970 kit not so easy.

I have sorted it but your thoughts on a post card please, Rick

[panelbeater]

bit of a headache there rick,sorry its beyond me but a good electrician should be helpful.

[jims-terrano]

So am I right in thinking you are wanting to remote start a generator from pretty much anywhere on your property?

How about this little gadget, a GSM Relay that you control by text message.
https://www.gsm-uk.net/shop
This website is the company that I have used a few times before. Ive used the 4 channel version. You can get the relays to turn on or pulse like a momentary push switch.
The owner of the business is really helpful.
I got a sim card from a company called 1penny mobile, £30 a year works for me and because the sim has credit you can set the relay to text you back to confirm it has received your instructions.

[solarman216]

Yes Jim that is correct, we had that before with the original gen set and it was all controlled by the system on the alternator ( google Lister start O matic) for a full description, but now of course I have just an engine driving an alternator and needed to use the existing hard wired switches from most of the buildings in the yard that have a generator supply (7) all are simply two wires.

I have purchased an auto generator start control but it did not quite cut the mustard, so pulled it to bits and did some mods, now it works well, but does not address the connection/disconnection of the loads at start-up and shutdown, but with a couple more bits and bobs have sorted this, well on paper anyway, as I get into it properly next week if you are interested I will post some pics and details, Rick

[jims-terrano]

Always interesting to hear about your off grid setup Rick

[solarman216]

Thanks Jim, only times I ran the genny from April to September was for the vehicle hoist and welder, solar provided for everything else including the washing machines and also the chainsaw for cutting logs as have now got a battery powered jobbie, charged by solar, pics next week, Rick