As full-time off-gridders since 2008, our remote location makes it difficult to maintain our batteries if we are absent during weeks of prolonged low solar output (typically November through January). With temperatures regularly dipping below -20 degrees C during this period, having our older 4cyl diesel Onan generator controlled remotely via my phone has given us the freedom to leave our home for extended periods of time without worrying about broken water pipes. Nick and Elena were awesome during the entire process, answering my incessant questions promptly and patiently. Once we were ready to hook-up our V7, both and Nick and Elena were there again, giving us fantastic customer service.
OUR SYSTEM: The V7 is mounted in a weatherproof box, which is placed within the generator shelter. The unit operates in the outside ambient temperature, and the unit has operated successfully down to -30 degrees C (I made sure to test it when the temperature dropped). The unit is powered by 12vdc and instead of using the generator starting battery to power the unit, I used 48vdc POE over a 40 m CAT6 patch cable, then used a POE-compatible dc-dc converter to reduce the voltage to 12vdc. The data connection is achieved via CAT6 cable and POE is injected into the twisted pair directly from the 48vdc breaker panel (off the battery bank). To ensure a good start each time, I keep an extension cord from the house hooked-up to the generator’s block heater and a 2amp battery charger hooked-up to the generator starting battery. The power to the extension cord is controlled by a smart switch, which allows me to remotely control the length of time the charger and block heater are operating. We used a Roadmaster 790 Hy-Power Diode to connect the V7’s starter cut-off switch (prevents racing the starter during start-up) but noted there was some voltage drop across the diode, so the alternator charges the starting battery at 13.8vdc, not 14.6vdc (which is why we use the 2amp charger, jic).
Once I had the unit wired-up, Nick remotely adjusted the programming on the unit to accommodate my start-up needs (timing for the glow-plugs, long shut-down sequence to ensure the fuel solenoid turned off, etc.). Aside from a few issues due to my poor familiarity with the App (since rectified), the unit worked perfectly. I have never heard the starter race during all the times I have used the V7 to start the generator, even remotely (I listen to the generator start-up via my Mobotix doorbell and camera).
Having the V7 attached to our generator has given my family the year-round freedom of travel we have been seeking since we moved out here in 2008. Our solar system handles our power requirements for most of the year, and we only rely on the generator for approximately 90 hours of use per year. But that sweet 8kW array (on Deger tracking system) doesn’t help you when the sun isn’t shining, your power system is failing, and you’re not home.
Thank you, Nick and Elena. Your patience, professionalism, and high-quality product means a lot, and I have no problem recommending your products to anyone, even those living in the frigid corners of North America.