Easy start

[oldguy49]

I recently purchased a generator from Amazon and I am waiting for it to ship. Purchase a Champion 3100 for running the A/C. I think this unit should be able to start an run my 13.5 A/C with no problems but I have been looking into the soft start products and came across this product on Ebay; RV A/C Starter™ Easy start your Camper Rooftop Air Conditioner, SIMPLE DIY! | eBay

I was wondering if anyone has used or even heard of this unit and if so what do you think about it. I realize that this is much cheaper than the other 2 that get most of the attention but that does not make it bad. If you have any comments on this please let me know.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[Neal]

Hello @oldguy49 - yes, several of us use the MicroAir easy start (also called soft start) as you can find in searching this forum site. They are great but be sure you use the correct one for your setup. I suggest visiting the web site below to research if needed.

Leaders in Custom Marine & RV A/C Controls, Soft Starters & Displays

Micro-Air - Leaders in custom engineering & design of proven soft starters for single phase motors, control boards and displays in the Marine & RV industries.

www.microair.net

 

[oldguy49]

Thanks for your reply Neal. I was actually interested in the unit that went to the link. I have looked at the MicroAir but was curious about this one.

 

[RVTheming]

I recently purchased a generator from Amazon and I am waiting for it to ship. Purchase a Champion 3100 for running the A/C. I think this unit should be able to start an run my 13.5 A/C with no problems but I have been looking into the soft start products and came across this product on Ebay; RV A/C Starter™ Easy start your Camper Rooftop Air Conditioner, SIMPLE DIY! | eBay

I was wondering if anyone has used or even heard of this unit and if so what do you think about it. I realize that this is much cheaper than the other 2 that get most of the attention but that does not make it bad. If you have any comments on this please let me know.

Thanks in advance for all the help.

Ok... So for my first post I'm gonna just jump right In and show my naivety. What is a soft start and why is it necessary. I bought a Predator 3500 inverter sen specifically to run the AC) in addition to the lights and fridge) in the event it was needed if/when I ever boondock. Now I'm suddenly concerned I'm gonna blow up the joint. hahaha

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Ok... So for my first post I'm gonna just jump right In and show my naivety. What is a soft start and why is it necessary. I bought a Predator 3500 inverter sen specifically to run the AC) in addition to the lights and fridge) in the event it was needed if/when I ever boondock. Now I'm suddenly concerned I'm gonna blow up the joint. hahaha

When an electric motor (such as one driving an AC compressor) starts, it initially draws a heavy electrical current in order to get things moving. A "soft-start" circuit simply manages the initial starting current of the motor in a way that eliminates the initial high current load. We don't need to get into the technical details of how it works; just understand that it does work and prevents high starting current loads.

Why is this important? Because initial motor starting currents can sometimes push electrical demand beyond available amperage and result in tripped breakers or low voltage situations that are hard on electrical motors. With RVs, we usually operate within a 30A or 50A service and that may not be sufficient to have multiple ACs start at the same time, Soft-start circuitry reduces the load to a point where motor performance is not affected when that happens.

TJ

 

[Buly]

I installed two of them on my coach, and they work as TJ explained.

 

[RVTheming]

When an electric motor (such as one driving an AC compressor) starts, it initially draws a heavy electrical current in order to get things moving. A "soft-start" circuit simply manages the initial starting current of the motor in a way that eliminates the initial high current load. We don't need to get into the technical details of how it works; just understand that it does work and prevents high starting current loads.

Why is this important? Because initial motor starting currents can sometimes push electrical demand beyond available amperage and result in tripped breakers or low voltage situations that are hard on electrical motors. With RVs, we usually operate within a 30A or 50A service and that may not be sufficient to have multiple ACs start at the same time, Soft-start circuitry reduces the load to a point where motor performance is not affected when that happens.

TJ

Thank you so much for such a detailed response. It is appreciated. There is just so much to learn, and while exciting I do find myself feeling overwhelmed at times. It's kind funny. Ive never RV'd and I've never had a Diesel engine to operate. So I do it all at once. Why not? haha
Dom you feel this is recommended for s single AC unit as well?
Thanks again.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Thank you so much for such a detailed response. It is appreciated. There is just so much to learn, and while exciting I do find myself feeling overwhelmed at times. It's kind funny. Ive never RV'd and I've never had a Diesel engine to operate. So I do it all at once. Why not? haha
Dom you feel this is recommended for s single AC unit as well?
Thanks again.

It is probably not needed on a single AC unit though it certainly would not hurt.

TJ