VA White I'm a little familiar with the Honda generators does yours have a 30 amp plug or just the 110 outlet that you use for the RV and is your generator pretty fuel efficient? I found out why Honda makes more power. they have a bigger engines that is light in a small portable suitcase style generator like yours has a 98 cc engine. that's bigger than the average 80 cc 2000 watt suitcase portable generators. And Honda's seem to be quieter and a better muffler on them with a little tiny hole for the exhaust. And the 2200 has a 128 cc engine on it that's even bigger and on the technical side they say they make more amps and out of every generator I looked at nobody makes a 128 cc motor in that small portable lightweight size. So when you get in a bog down moment the bigger engine will not have that overload problem. But I'm just not sure what a lot of you RV guys are running the 30 amp plug or the 110 plug? because I don't want Heat Outlet build up at the 110 volt outlet plug.

So this easy start will work with a solar hookup, that you don't need to use shore power?

Hi SLOaccent. That's awesome! Thank you very much for sharing your success story with EasyStart.

Oh, I forgot to comment on the video... oopsy. Thanks for a detailed instructional video. I appreciate the detail of the install even down to the exact wiring connectors and tools needed. It made for my install to be a "one trip up the roof ladder" experience. Without the video it would have been several trips from the trailer's roof, to my garage, back up the roof ladder, to the hardware store, and back up the roof ladder, again. Thanks.

A few moments of reduced voltage isn't damaging to laptops. They run off their batteries so there's a buffer between the computer the 110v outlet. Certainly not ideal to drop the voltage momentarily, but CERTAINLY not a big deal.

Will - That is awesome news and we greatly appreciate your compliments! We actually invested in our own Honda EU2000i years ago at Micro-Air just to do that ECO mode testing. EasyStart works quite well in that generator application as you found, and we also did a lot of testing and refinement with a variety of inverter power sources too. Thank you again and happy EasyStarting!

Micro-Air, Inc. mine work perfectly thank you for your quality parts and the schematics on how to hook it up

Thank you for the compliments, Ken. We're very happy to hear that the video was helpful and informative to you.

I want to provide an update to my post of one month ago. After successfully installing and testing the EasyStart to my Campers Dometic 15,000 BTU ac system at 8,000 ft elevation using a single Honda EU2000 i Companion model, I was all set for a 3 week camping trip lin late August. On two separate occasions the weather was hot enough that I decided to run the ac unit using my single Honda generator. The temps were in the 86-88 degree range and I was at an altitude of approx. 6,800 ft and 6,300 ft. respectively. On the first try at an altitude of 6,800 ft. my ac unit shut down and failed to start and the generator went into fault mode. I shut everything down and tried again with the same result. I must mention that I have not re-jetted the generator for high altitude as recommended. A few days later while at a lower altitude of 6,300 ft. I tried again and this time the ac started but on the second cycle of the compressor (after pressure had built up) the compressor locked out. I tried once more and got a similar result. After getting home, I tried once more (now at slightly over 8,000 ft.) and the ac unit started but on the second compressor start it locked out. I can only surmise that when I successfully tested the Easy Start after installation that the temps must have been much cooler than 86-88 degrees but I did not make note of that. I really don't know how much of a difference if any re-jetting my generator for altitudes above 5,000 ft will make to the generators power output and if that will make a difference as the generator sounds like its running OK. Additionally, I failed to take the EasyStart through its 5 learning cycles on ac/shore power after installing it and I don't know if I need to re-do this step by clearing its memory using a jumper technique???? Does anyone know how much increase power one can expect after re-jetting or even better, how much power degradation one can expect of the Honda EU2000 if not re-jetted. Finally, I used fresh, non-alcohol based premium unleaded gas in the generator. Over the next couple of weeks I will find time and re-jet my generator and see if that will make a difference but as it stands my early success and celebration has been premature.

Hello Craig. Sorry for the delay in responding here. The 5-minute delay you experienced was the EasyStart's short-cycle prevention timer. The way it works is the EasyStart will hold off restarting the compressor for 5 minutes _since the last time it was run_. This timer is "smart" in that it will keep track of the elapsed time, even if power is completely removed from the EasyStart or the entire trailer. So, if the thermostat calls for the compressor to run again in 3 minutes, the EasyStart will only wait an additional 2 minutes before it gently soft starts the compressor. If more than 5 minutes has elapsed, then the EasyStart will not add any delay (other than its minimum 5-second starting delay). Normally, when your thermostat is regulating the room temperature, becoming satisfied and then later calling for cooling again, the amount of compressor off time typically exceeds 5 minutes. So, the effects of this short-cycle prevention timer will not at all be noticed. However, when you are deliberately short-cycling the compressor like you were in order to accomplish the 5 learning starts, then of course the timer will be noticeable. It's good to understand this though because this timer is one of EasyStart's 5 additional fault protections that actually extends the life of your compressor. For example, if your compressor is operating and the campsite utility power or your generator browns out for a split second, this brownout may not be long enough to reset the A/C's digital control, but it may be long enough to stall the compressor (which typically only takes 50ms). The EasyStart will catch this brownout and NOT reapply power to the compressor when power comes back again, even though the A/C's digital control board may still be calling for it (because it "rode through" the brownout without resetting). Without EasyStart, the immediately reapplication of power would result in the compressor stalling and drawing locked rotor amperage (LRA) since the internal refrigerant pressures inside of the system had not had a chance to equalize yet. When this happens, the compressor's only protection is its thermal overload protector, which will "pop" open in about 3 seconds. During this short duration, the compressor is enduring potentially damaging locked-rotor amperage and significant mechanical stress (torque) that can shorten its life. EasyStart prevents this by stepping in immediately, preventing the short cycle, and waiting 5 minutes for the pressures to equalize before restarting the compressor.

Thanks for noticing. Yeah, I snuck into my firmware a little subliminal marketing there ;-).

Micro-Air, Inc. rock on. I watched this video through and through because I am very detail oriented. I just bought a smaller camper but have been looking for a solution to run the ac on a smaller generator. Thanks again

EasyStart actually does the opposite. It protects your compressor far better than any factory OEM configuration. This is because of its 5 different fault conditions that it constantly monitors for during start-up and steady-state operation. Also, EasyStart has a "smart"" short-cycle prevention timer to avoid restarting the compressor while the internal refrigerant pressures may still be built up from the previous run. Beyond this, although we don't have any empirical life test data (yet) to prove it, use of a soft start on a compressor will very likely extend its usable life because the mechanical and electrical stress of the brief locked-rotor condition that normally occurs during every regular (hard) start, is completely eliminated by EasyStart. Many customers with large solar/battery systems have succeeded in starting and running their A/C with EasyStart on inverters as small as 2000W. Depending on the heat load and how long the A/C has to run, typically customers can get through a night's sleep entirely on battery power with an 800-1200Ah 12V battery bank.

Hello. Yes, EasyStart will allow you to start and run a 15k BTU rooftop on a 2000W generator. We've verified that it works on a single Honda EU2000i, Yamaha EF2000iSv2, and the Westinghouse WH2000iXLT, all from each generator's respective ECO mode. There are others that have worked as well, but we've come to find out that not all 2000W generators are created equal.

@micro-air, Inc. Have you uploaded videos of a Honda running a 15k AC with your system?

@Esua. We haven't made any formal video as of yet because our 15k in in our NJ factory and I work out of FL. I'm still planning a full video to show this demonstration and to also address some of the other questions raised in the comments for this video. We did make one very short video back in June to help answer some questions in an Airstream Forum at www.airforums.com/forums/f382/running-your-dometic-penguin-ii-on-honda-200-generator-with-easystart-168019-2.html#post1962537. This short video shows our Dometic 15k Penguin II with our EasyStart running on our Honda EU2000i, with added load (a light bulb) to force the Honda close to its full 2000W capacity. Obviously, that is not the demonstration you are looking for, but it is for real and obviously it works. Also please check out our customer reviews posted on our website at www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners, and you will see multiple 5-start testimonials from customers reporting success with 15k units with EasyStarts on their Honda EU2000i generators. Sorry I cannot offer anything else as of yet, but please stay tuned.

You are most welcome, and thank you for your business! Our customers have installed EasyStart on all models of the Dometic Brisk I & II & Penguin I & II A/C systems with great success. The only Dometic model that we haven't heard anyone use EasyStart with yet is the Dometic Blizzard NXT, which is their newest, high-end model. But even in this, EasyStart should work just as well. If send us an e-mail, we can send you a wiring diagram for your exact system and we will be happy to answer any of your other questions!

Hi Gerald and thanks for the interest in our EasyStart product! Your question has many possible answers due to the variables but I will try my best! The Honda 3000i is capable of 2800 watts continuously and 3000 watts surge. My experience with Honda tells me it will probably do nearly all of the 3000 watts at sea level even on a hot day. This means that if you were running the air conditioner (typically 1800 watts for a 13.5K BTU rooftop) it will probably start and run most of the time without an EasyStart. Where it gets problematic is when you add elevations over 5000 feet and more heat. That reduces the generator output to the point where the surge from starting may prevent the AC from operating. You also want to add in more loads from the camper that are not always obvious. The largest are microwaves and electric water heaters. If the microwave draws 1000 watts then adding the AC at 1800, may work at sea level but will be a problem as elevations climb over 2000 feet. Many other loads are small like battery chargers which are 100-400 watts, and TV’s are around 75 or less. These add to the generators work load and should be considered if any are significant or many are run at the same time. The bottom line is EasyStart can make the starts lower making it possible to operate with your generator under most if not all conditions as long as you are careful with your additional loads. As to your second question, separating the loads is an electrical challenge that probably requires re-wiring your camper. It is probably beyond the scope of a novice but do-able as you gain electrical experience that you will undoubtedly get traveling!

EasyStart is CE rated and it uses all UL-rated components and practices, but it is not yet registered with UL or equivalent agency. For marine applications and RV aftermarket applications, UL registration is not required. Also, UL restricts any design from being further refined thereafter. If and when an RV or land-based OEM elects to install the EasyStart as part of their standard equipment, Micro-Air will proceed with investing in the UL compliance testing.

I've installed the easy start on a 15k Dometic and my 30 Amp plug was across my shop. I had to use a 25 ft. 30 amp extension cord to make it reach so I could use the a/c.. After installing the easy start, I can now use an adapter and tie into a 20 Amp standard outlet circuit right next to the rv and run the a/c. I have an online monitor, and the inverter and a/c draw a max of 14.5 amps, so it's possible it may run on a 15 amp circuit.

Hi and thank you for the question, check out our EasyStart Knowledge Bank www.micro-air.com/KnowledgeBank Type "learn" in the search.

Hi Arlene Thank you for your interest in our EasyStart product and many of our customers are using the Honda 2000 generator without issue. Please keep in mind though that outside elements can negatively affect generator power such as heat, elevation and other items that are running in your environment.

Thank you for the compliment. Yes, we do plan on filming the installation into a Dometic Penguin II A/C.

Look forward to it!

Hello Christian. Thank you for your comment. Yes, if you want to start and run two 15kBTU A/C units on a single 4000W or two paralleled 2000W generators, then you will need to install an EasyStart into each A/C. This is necessary because you won't be able to control which A/C turns on second, while the other A/C is already running. We've had many customers with two A/C units do exactly this with success. Installing EasyStart on both A/Cs also allows them to start and run on a 30A utility hookup, versus the normally required 50A. That benefit turned out to be more beneficial to our customers than being able to run on generator since more often they're at campsites with limited hook-ups, and 50A hook-ups are not only less prevalent, but often more expensive. One customer reported that his EasyStarts eventually paid for themselves because of this.

Yes, you can start and run two units on a 30A utility hook-up if you install EasyStart into both. Some power management will still be necessary since both units could demand up to 90% of the 30A hook-ups capacity (steady-state) in warm weather, depending on their make and model.

Hi Mike, EasyStart learns the amperage needed for the compressor. www.micro-air.com/knowledgebank

Hello Jose. Thank you for your comment and question. Given that your generator is 7000W, although you have less of a need for the EasyStart, you can still benefit. Specifically, if you have heavily loaded your generator and you only have just enough power left (~1800W for example) to _run_ your A/C, it may not _start_ when the generator is already this loaded (i.e. 5200W is already being drawn from it). The EasyStart would make the difference there between it not working and it working reliably in this case. Beyond this, the EasyStart continues to monitor and protect your compressor for 5 different fault conditions during steady-state running operation, after the start is long over with, including compressor stalls, overcurrent, open thermal protectors, failed wire connections, and brownouts/short power interruptions. No OEM factory configuration protects your compressor this well. And all of these issues can all happen even when running your A/C from a utility power source, not just on generator. So, there are benefits to be gained here as well. Thanks again for your question.

As we discussed via e-mail, there is nothing wrong. What is happening is the EasyStart's short-cycle prevention timer is delaying the compressor's restart. This timer is "smart" in that it keeps track of the elapsed time since the last time the compressor was shut down, even when power is completely removed from the EasyStart. For example, if power gets restored or the thermostat calls for the compressor to run again in 3 minutes, EasyStart will only wait 2 additional minutes. And if this delay is 5 minutes or more, EasyStart adds no additional delay other than its 5-second minimum. During normal cycling when the thermostat is being satisfied and then the room is warming up again, this short-cycle prevention timer will go unnoticed since it will have no effect on the compressor restart. Only if you are deliberately short cycling the compressor (e.g. during the 5 learning starts) or a brief power outage/brownout occurs, will the effect of the short-cycle prevention timer be noticeable.

Hi Jay and thank you for your interest in our EasyStart product, we should have a model for your situation but I would recommend that you use our EasyStart Model Selector in order to apply the correct EasyStart model for your environment. This is a simple 4 question process and will guide you to the correct model for purchase. www.micro-air.com/microair_support.html (image with the question mark)

If it is working adequately for you, and you can start and run it from your generator in ECO mode, you won't need an EasyStart.

Hi Terry, Take a look in our EasyStart Knowledge Bank for mounting locations and options for your brand. www.micro-air.com/KnowledgeBank

Hi CJ. Yes, when this video was shot 2 years ago, we used our older generation EasyStart 364 in the black plastic enclosure. This version was slightly smaller and not weatherproof, versus our current version in the beige-colored enclosure which is very slightly larger and IP65 (fully weatherproof). Customers who now install EasyStarts into Coleman Mach 1, Mach 3, Mach 3+, and Mach 15 (all high profile Coleman) rooftops simply mount the EasyStart in the open space between the evaporator and condenser, and route the harness wires back into the same electric box, where all of the electrical connections get made in a protected area. The current EasyStart being located in this open area which is exposed to the elements is not a problem since it is now IP65 and fully weatherproof! Thank you again for your business!

Hi Lisa and thank you for your question, legally it should not. We do however offer an Extended Warranty that covers your AC unit’s compressor motor for the duration of your AC manufacturer’s warranty. That can be found here: www.microair.net/products/easystart-soft-starter-extended-warranty-2-year

Hi John, Correct. EasyStart KnowledgeBank: www.micro-air.com/knowledgebank

Hello Craig. Thanks for your comment. Although we and our customers have demonstrated starting and running an RV rooftop A/C on a Honda EU2000i generator literally hundreds of times, we have yet to formally video tape and publish it. Instead, we demonstrated how we could start and run a 15kBTU Dometic Penguin II on a smaller 1800W inverter. This video is available at the following link: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mtN5hM6A3Jy4nGg.html. We still hope to publish a Honda EU2000i video soon.

Hi again Craig. Please send us an inquiry from our website in order to get in touch with me. Ask for Matteo. Thanks again.

Sent a message through your website. thank you

Hi and thanks for your question. Although it is possible, we only recommend this for commercial customers who would need to submit a sample for compatibility. Support is only available for bulk commercial accounts for this type of application. Our EasyStart model selector located on the product page just under the product image has an icon labeled "other" which covers this. www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners

Hi and No, the start surge will not overload a 30 amp outlet. Outlets actually have two ratings but only one is really used. The 30 amp rating is its continuous duty rating and that determines how much you can pull from an outlet without overheating. There is also a peak duty rating on outlets for doing things like starting motors. This is often 5 or more times the continuous rating and designed so the breaker will trip long before you reach any excessive temperature on the outlet.

Hi Dawn Many customers are using EasyStart to run with Honda EU2000i generators and portable AC units. Ducted or window units do not have enough room to mount the unit inside, you will be mounting the box on the outside of the case. Under counter and rooftop units can mount EasyStart inside in most installations. Honda generators are great generators but there are limitations. They can produce about 16.6 amps at sea level and less at higher elevations and temperatures. An air conditioner draws a little more than 1 amp per 1000 BTU so a 10K BTU would draw about 11 amps. That leaves you with a few amps of power to run other loads from your generator. At 6000 feet on a hot day, you will not have as much “head room” for any additional loads though since there is less oxygen for the generator.

Hi Jon. Thanks for your question. As it turns out, RUN capacitors do not need to be discharged because they will discharge through the motor, after only a few seconds of off time. This is true even when EasyStart is wired in. START capacitors - if your system even has one - might need to be discharged if they are 1) connected to your motor via a CURRENT-TYPE START RELAY (like on a refrigerator), AND 2) they do NOT have a bleed resistor built into their terminals at the top. If a start capacitor has this bleed resistor, OR it is connected to the motor via a POTENTIAL-TYPE start relay (like on many air conditioners), or via a PTCR (start assist) device as is often used with factory-installed start capacitors in RV A/C units, then like the run capacitors the start capacitors will discharge themselves through the motor in 2 or 3 minutes after the power is removed from the compressor. This is because the POTENTIAL start relay CLOSES once power is removed, thus connecting the start capacitor back to the motor, in parallel with the run capacitor, both of which can then discharge through the motor itself. Similarly, the PTCR reconnects the start capacitor, but only after it cools off and drops to its low, starting resistance again, which takes a few minutes. Remember, start capacitors, start relays, and PTCR devices always get defeated or removed BEFORE the EasyStart gets installed. Worst case, AFTER you ensure AC power is completely removed from the A/C unit either via a circuit breaker or the trailer is completely unplugged, you can always use an insulated handle screwdriver to short the terminals on either capacitor to ensure it is discharged.

As is done with all AC motor appliances and per the NEC, the circuit breaker, overload device ("Klixon"), and wire all allow for the short-duration, high-current condition that occurs during the motor's startup, without a soft starter installed.

That'll cost you ;-). Here's the short story: We manufacture all of the thermostatic controls for the Marine Air Systems brand of marine A/C, and most of the Cruisair brand controls as well (both brands are owned by Dometic). That DIY ammeter is a one-off hardware and firmware modification that I did using the Marine Air Systems Passport I/O display controller we manufacture for Dometic, paired with an ACI A/SCTE-250 split-core self-powered current transducer that I discovered about 8 years ago. It's incredibly accurate both for short duration peaks (~50ms or three 60Hz cycles) and for steady-state measurements.

Hi Kaivon. Thank you for your interest. We have confirmed reports of people running their 13.5k and 15k A/C units for prolonged periods using EasyStart on a Honda EU2000i up to about 3000', and on propane. At altitudes higher than this, customers have encountered issues with the generator being unable to sustain their output during steady-state operation of the A/C, without any problem at startup. That is, the altitude is not preventing the EasyStart's from starting the A/C on generator, but the generator is having problems keeping the A/C running thereafter, which has nothing to do with EasyStart. In a very recent case, an EasyStart customer at 5300' installed the high-altitude carburetor kit on his Honda generator, and afterwards he was able to run it for an extended period without any further issues.

Hello Jose. Yes, the EasyStart 364 will reduce the starting amps of a 30kW A/C compressor to about 4800W (conservative estimate based upon 60A LRA @230VAC). Providing you don't have any other substantial loads drawing power besides the compressor and the A/C unit fans, your 5000W inverter should be able to start and run it without a problem. Most inverters have 1.5x to 2.0x in surge capacity anyway.

there's a table where I can get this relation that you are telling me(30kw start to 4.8kW run); did you see that I have 8.79kW