Kemahsabe
Kemah, TX
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I've got a Kipor 2,300 watt (rated) generator and a Coleman 13,500 BTU A/C unit. The genny won't start both the compressor and the fan, so I have to turn the fan switch to "On" and let it run continuously. Very annoying, but then the genny can start the A/C compressor without problems.
Saw a post last spring by smkettner, Kipor now starts the air in econo-mode and decided I had to do it.
He used an Agastat VTM1QCD Timing Module in the low speed fan circuit to delay the fan start until the compressor was running. The delay is adjustable up to 10 seconds by choosing the appropriate resistor. I used a 470k ohm resistor from Radio Shack for a 5 second delay. I made it removable in case I want to change it.
The module is installed above the return air grill as shown in the pictures. It took maybe 15 minutes and about $20. It has a hole for a screw to hold it in place. When the thermostat calls for A/C the compressor starts, followed 5 seconds later by the fan.
I'm delighted how well it works and how easy it was to do. Haven't tried it in Econo-Mode yet. If that works it would be a big bonus.
(Edit: I've been using Flickr for photo hosting and they've completely changed their software. I may not be able to post my pictures, but the above links should be all you need.)
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nadkaw1957
Reno
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My only concern is that the timer only handles 1 amp - does your blower only use 1 amp or are you using a relay to operate the blower?
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Kemahsabe
Kemah, TX
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The timing module is in the circuit from the thermostat, not in the fan power supply.
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nadkaw1957
Reno
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Thanks for clearing that up - I'm going to get one and put it in the mod I'm doing with my A/C and Hunter thermostat. I've been looking at building my own timer circuit, but this will be so much easier. I appreciate the info!
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BillyW
North ID
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Are you choosing the low fan speed simply to use less power, thus sparing the generator? It seems to me it might be a good idea for both low and high. Or am I missing something?
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Kemahsabe
Kemah, TX
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BillyW wrote:Are you choosing the low fan speed simply to use less power, thus sparing the generator? It seems to me it might be a good idea for both low and high. Or am I missing something?
To do both you would put a timing module in each circuit. No problem doing that. The low fan speed moves 250 cfm and the high fan moves 335 cfm. I can barely tell the difference, so I figured I'd put less load on the generator. I can use high fan on shore power.
BTW, when I installed the Hunter thermostat I put in a hi/lo fan switch even though there doesn't seem to be much difference between the two.
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smkettner
Southern California
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BillyW wrote:Are you choosing the low fan speed simply to use less power, thus sparing the generator? It seems to me it might be a good idea for both low and high. Or am I missing something?
The timing module is to reduce the start surge. Once running it is a small issue to then select high fan speed.
Although if I remember correct, high fan speed requires low & high to be energized so the module on low speed may well work for both.
BTW, Thanks for the pictures 
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gmctoyman
Lake Livingston, Texas
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So, just for my dim brain, this allows the compressor to come up to speed then the fan load comes up ?
Wire from the t'stat goes on the left and the wire on the right terminal comes from where ? OR are the fans on these things 12V ?
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Kemahsabe
Kemah, TX
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Yes, the compressor starts then ~5 seconds later the fan starts.
You take the low speed fan wire going from the thermostat to the 'GL' terminal in the picture, cut it, and put the timing module in series.
To put it another way, the wire on the left in the picture comes from the t'stat, and the wire on the right goes to the 'GL' terminal.
The fan is 120v, but the motor current does not go thru the timing module.
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smkettner
Southern California
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gmctoyman wrote:So, just for my dim brain, this allows the compressor to come up to speed then the fan load comes up ?
Wire from the t'stat goes on the left and the wire on the right terminal comes from where ? OR are the fans on these things 12V ?
You cut the low fan signal wire from the thermostat. Put one end on each terminal to delay the fan signal for a few seconds.
I know This is old but in case anyone else reads....
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