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Topic: Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner (Read 219 times) previous topic - next topic
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Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner
This is a good video about installing soft start electronics onto your air conditioning unit. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjLzqmUmTcM
As explained, a motor, when started, draws a huge current of electricity.  Once it is rotating, that amperage drops considerably.  Soft start technology is a method of reducing that huge current so it reduces the tripping of circuit breakers, etc. 
Soft start used to mean the addition of bigger capacitors, but now the manufacturers have added microelectronics.  The unit installed in this unit "learns" the behaviour of the AC motor.
The results are impressive.
Harvey
Re: Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner
Reply #1 –
For someone with a small,, portable generator, a Honda 2000 perhaps, this device would allow starting and running it, assuming the altitude is too high. It is pricy device at $300 a pop.
It would be an improvement to have a quiet Honda running the A/C instead of the noisy Onan banging away.
Neve understood why Honda or Yamaha do not build and sell RV generators to compete with Onan.

Soft start, solid-state controllers were a major improvement in many industrial designs, in the early 1990's, we changed the elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks at LAX to soft starts. In return, the wiring and relays didn't need to be as large, due to the lower inrush of current and many parts lasted longer, starting slow and gentle didn't cause the wear of hard, jerky starts.
It was the beginning of many motors switching to solid-state, electronic controls, such as infinitely adjustable speed controls.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner
Reply #2 –
Hi Larry, Honda did make an RV generator, the EV4010. 4kw. And a 6kw, the EV6010.   Middle '90's. The water cooling made it quieter, but needed antifreeze, and clean/flush, replace coolant routinely. Think VW air cooled engines vs. water cooled engines, as far as noise is concerned.  They were more expensive too.  When I got my LD in 2000, it was hard to justify the money to replace the Onan. I've got a whole 120 hours on the Onan now after 20 years, mostly maintenance runs.  You can still buy parts for the Honda, but I didn't find any for sale.
     They were made to fit the Onan footprint, maintenance from one side. Two cylinder and 200 pounds dry weight. You can still get manuals.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner
Reply #3 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Larry, Honda did make an RV generator, the EV4010. 4kw. And a 6kw, the EV6010.  Middle '90's. The water cooling made it quieter, but needed antifreeze, and clean/flush, replace coolant routinely. Think VW air-cooled engines vs. water-cooled engines, as far as noise is concerned. 
They were made to fit the Onan footprint, maintenance from one side. Two cylinder and 200 pounds dry weight. You can still get manuals.   

We had a pair of the 6000-watt Honda EV6010 in the Airport's emergency command vehicle, they were very quiet.
Never saw the 4000-watt version, it appears to be a similar size and would fit in the Onan's position.
Amazon.com : Honda EV4010 4000 RV Watt Generator Made In Japan EV-4010...
It would have been a nice option.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Installing soft start [lower start amps] electronics on your air conditioner
Reply #4 –
What would be even better than using a soft start would be an inverter A/C unit, with a variable speed compressor.
It would have a soft start ability and the ability to keep a stable air temp by having the compressor and fan run continuously, with the compressor running just fast enough to maintain an even temperature.
It's something that is now available in home A/C systems.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze