Welcome to our General FAQs section.
Here, you'll find customer questions we have received, and relevant answers we have shared with those customers. If you don't find the answers you need here, please feel free to contact us directly.
Before installing your EasyStart™, we strongly suggest you review this page on knowing your what else is drawing power from your generator. It can make your installation go much smoother and reduce the potential for errors.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Do you have any experience with this brand generator used with the Micro Air soft start on a 13.5K A/C ?
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
A:
Unfortunately, we do not have any direct or customer-reported experience with the Quip-All 2200I Generator. From studying its user manual online, it appears to only have a rated output of 1700W and the 2200W is labeled as a "starting wattage", although there are some mix of terms used in the manual. This differs from the Honda EU2000i in that its 2000W rating is listed as a "maximum wattage".
Our experience has found that generators that list their higher wattage rating as "surge" or "starting" wattage cannot maintain wattage between their "rated" wattage any this "surge" or "starting" wattage for any duration of time. In such cases, the generator will declare an overload fault once it exceeds its rated wattage output. The Honda EU2000i generators are totally different in that they have a "rated" wattage of 1600 and a "maximum" wattage of 2000W, and they can certainly maintain steady-state output up to 2000W indefinitely without declaring an overload fault.
We've tested our Honda under such conditions, even over 100°F.
Hundreds of our customers have as well.
The above described difference is important because most 13.5kBTU and certainly every 15kBTU rooftop A/C can exceed 1700W for their steady-state amperage draws, especially in extremely hot weather. So, using an EasyStart will certainly allow you to start this A/C on this generator, but the generator may not be able to keep it running.
So in conclusion, we cannot reliably predict if the Quip-All will work for your particular A/C application given the risk that it may declare overload the moment you surpass 1700W. We are therefore not certain of what it will do.
We apologize that we cannot offer you a more definitive response. If you already own this Quip-All 2200I generator, you can perform a load test by rigging up a special power cord that allows you to measure the output amperage exiting the generator with a clamp-on current probe (see attached photo). Then you can keep adding load to see what happens when you exceed 1700W (14.2A @120VAC) and are operating closer to 2220W (18.3A @ 120V).
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Can the 366 operate a 220 volt 3 hp motor for my swamp cooler?
Can it operate the 6hp 220 volt compressor motor?
I am very electrically savoy.
I am aware of the start plate in the air compressor motor.
Cant I just bypass it and will your unit take the current?
A:
Regarding your questions about the EasyStart 366, yes it (ASY-366-X05) can be used to operate a 3HP 220V motor, providing this motor is a PSC type (CSIR or CSCR).
For your 6HP 220V application, the larger EasyStart 366 (ASY-366-X06) can be used, providing the motor is the type described above.
I am not familiar with the terminology you used, "start plate". If you are referring to your motor's existing start capacitor, then yes, you must remove any existing start capacitor and start relays/PTCRs before installing the EasyStart.
Motors that use centrifugal switches are much more difficult to install EasyStarts into, and we do not recommend you attempt this without extensive research up front since motors of this type require disassembly to identify and isolate the various motor windings (if you don't already have an internal wiring diagram available from the motor's manufacturer).
Regarding your question about a bulk rate discount, unfortunately since the EasyStart 366 is already about half the price of the EasyStart 364, it is very cost-constrained. In fact, we reluctantly had to raise the price of only the 366 back in May due to cost increases in its components and manufacturing costs. Therefore, we cannot offer you any discounts on the EasyStart 366 at this time.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Is there a way to run two AC’s off of one Easy Start unit.
I’d like to eventually design a solar system for my new Airstream with 13,500 and 15,000BTU units.
A:
Although it would not be electrically impossible to wire a single EasyStart into 2 A/C units, it would be impractical, would compromise the EasyStart's ability to monitor the compressor during steady-state operation, and very likely cost more than just buying a second EasyStart (in wiring, components and labor). This is because the cross-wiring that you would have to add between the A/C units, plus a bunch of switching devices (power relays) to connect the respective wires to one compressor at a time, would end up being a nightmare. Please realize that I'm not telling you this because I want you to buy 2 EasyStarts instead of 1. These are just the facts.
Many of our customers with trailers with 2 A/C units designate only one A/C as the only A/C they will use when they're operating on their single 2000W generator. Of course, their choice in doing so trades off the ability to run both A/Cs on a single 30A utility hookup or on 2 paralleled generators, but we can totally understand the choice made in this case since not everyone can afford 2 EasyStarts.
In your case, if you intend to setup a solar system with a single 4000W inverter (or larger) to run both A/Cs, you would stand to gain more and in fact would almost require the benefit of installing an EasyStart into both A/C units. That way, it won't matter which A/C is cycling on at any given time. The same is true for the situation with a 30A utility hookup (3600W). I did an installation into an Airstream with both a 13.5k and a 15kBTU A/C back in February and wrote a report, which is attached (please ignore the fact that the EasyStarts back then used the now-obsolete black enclosure).
Alternately, if you intend to only run one A/C with your solar/inverter system (2000W), then you'd only need 1 EasyStart and you'd have to choose the A/C that would only be powered when using the inverter as the power source.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I'm writing from my Airstream roof.
In looking at the write up you sent me in your previous email, and the available space within my ac's electrical panel, I have no idea how I'm going to fit the new white enclosure in there?!?
It appears larger than the black enclosure in the right up and there's no way to simply "snap" off the plastic mounting tabs on this enclosure like the black one.
Is there a way to mount it remotely??
A:
Do not install the new style EasyStart inside of the electrical enclosure because it won't fit as you found out.
It gets mounted outside now, and because it is IP65 (fully weatherproof), that is not a problem.
Follow the detailed instruction guide for the Dometic Penguin II that is available in the Manuals & Resources tab on the EasyStart webpage.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I was wondering if your product will help me I have 2 15000 btu a/c units on my fifth wheel I was thinking this would help on starting and I may be able to reduce the size of generator I need.
A:
Yes, installing an EasyStart on your two 15kBTU air conditioners should allow you to reduce the size of your generator and you would even be able to operate both 15kBTU A/Cs on a 30A utility hookup.
Granted, the total wattage required by twin 15kBTU systems would not leave much headroom for other appliances on a 30A cord, but being able to carry out such operation demonstrates the powerful capabilities of the EasyStart.
You'll need to budget about 1800W for each of your 15k systems, so that is 3600W total.
Beyond this, you would need to budget for your appliances (refrigerator, water heater, microwave) and your converter/battery charger, and whatever power management you are willing to live with.
The good news is that you will not need any extra generator capacity to account for the startup of your A/C units since EasyStart will reduce the starting surge to be only a few amps higher than the steady-state power requirement of the A/Cs.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have a 2017 airstream classic and would like to install your product on one or both of my air conditioners, can you recommend an installer in the Jacksonville, Florida area?
A:
Please visit our Dealer page
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
In watching your installation video I was lead to believe your box needs to be protected from the weather.
Is your box weather proof enough to be left out even if I take the outer cover off and spray the coil with water to clean it?
A:
As it turns out, the black-enclosure EasyStart 364 that was used in the video over one year ago (time flies), was discontinued this past spring in lieu of a newer enclosure version that is IP65 and fully weatherproof.
Therefore, you can mount the EasyStart in the outdoor area that I explicitly forbade in the video.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have very limited access to “shore power” (utility provided) to complete the 5 starts for the learning process.
I do have an 8000/10000 watt generator with a 120v-30amp output.
Would this generator power suffice for the learning process.
After installation I plan on using a 2000 watt generator.
A:
If you were to use your 8000W generator to carry out the 5-start learning process in place of a utility source, that would be totally fine.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have been watching installation procedure on YouTube and would like to know if the clamp on meter is needed or not or if they use one just to demonstrate results.
A:
The clamp-on ammeter used in the YouTube video was only meant to demonstrate the results. You do not need one of these for your installation or for your earning starts.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Do you have wiring instructions for airxcel 48000 ac units?
A:
The 48000 model series for Coleman corresponds their high-profile model family, in which there are several different models:
- Mach 1
- Mach 3
- Mach 3 PS
- Mach 3 Plus
- Mach 15
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have a 13500 btu air conditioner on my rv currently but I was wondering if it would be in my best interest to buy the 368 model in case I buy a different rv with a bigger air conditioner unit in the future.
Would there be any issues using the 368 model on my current unit that I should know about?
A:
The EasyStart 364 is designed to support up to a 36,000BTU air conditioner, which far exceeds the size of any RV air conditioners on the market today.
The EasyStart 364 (ASY-364-X20-IP) will therefore cover any 120V RV air conditioner you might purchase down the road.
The EasyStart 368 is meant for air conditioning systems larger than 36,000BTUs, like marine chillers and commercial/residential A/C systems up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs).
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Is the 366 board the same as the 364 board.
I was guessing that it was and that I could mount the 366 board in an enclosure mounted on the outside of the aircon and route the wires inside and would only need room for the cap if needed.
Do you know the approximate size of the cap required by the 366 board?
Is it different then the cap required by the 364 board? Thanks again for your help.
A:
The EasyStart 366 board is not the same as the board inside of the EasyStart 364.
They have different geometries and connection points, each custom suited for either electric box installation on standoffs (366) or mounting inside of the custom IP65 enclosure (364).
Electrically and functionally, the EasyStart 364 (-X36) is equivalent to the EasyStart 366 (-X05).
If you wanted to use the EasyStart 366 and mount it in its own enclosure outside of the A/C unit itself, you certainly could do that.
The dimensions of the EasyStart 366 board are listed on its website page at this link.
The start capacitor best suited for your 12.5kBTU portable A/C is 88-106MFD/250V (CAP-110-X00).
This is the same start cap that is inside of the EasyStart 364 ASY-364-X20-IP.
The other EasyStart 364 variants use different start caps.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have a small travel trailer with a Samlex Solar PST-2000-12 PST Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
I have a 400watt solar set up with 200ah of LiFePO4 batteries.
My trailer is a Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S, with a Coleman / Mach 15000 btu A/C unit ( i dont know the model off the top of my head).
Would something like the Easy Start 364 likely allow me to fire up the A/C from my 2000watt inverter (which has a peak to 3500watt surge).
If so, should I look at the: 115V-only RV A/C (-X20-IP) OR Standard A/C (-X36-IP)
Also, what is your return policy if unused or defective
A:
As you found in your research, the EasyStart 364 (ASY-364-X20-IP) is the appropriate model for your 15kBTU Coleman Mach.
It should allow you to start and run your A/C on your 2000W inverter.
Please be advised though that any 15k A/C will consume upwards to 95% of the 2000W steady-state capacity of your inverter, so you have exercise some strict power management in your travel trailer, especially with devices like the battery charger (converter) which can jump in and start drawing upwards to 1000W in bulk (rapid) charge mode.
Most customers have to manually turn their refrigerators and water heaters to propane mode in order to operate their A/C on a 2000W inverter or generator.
Our warranty policy is 2 years, repair or full replacement, for any defects or failures not due to abuse.
Our normal return policy if unused has a 25% restocking fee.
Please see all of these policies at the bottom of our main website page.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I am interested in buying the captioned product for my boat so i can use a Honda 2kw generator to run a reverse cycle air conditioner system consisting of a 16,000 BTU self contained air conditioning unit.
Can you please advise which model should I choose. Where I live we use 220-240volts so the ac is designed to run on that voltage.
A:
The model you need is the EasyStart 364 variant ASY-364-X36-IP, which works for 240V marine applications up to 36k.
It is available at this link (choose the -X36 from the pull-down menu).
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
What EasyStart 364 so I need to order for a Cruisair Marine 16K AC?
The x-20 or the x-36?
A:
If your Cruisair 16k marine A/C is 115V, then the ASY-364-X20-IP will work, but if it is 230V, you must use the ASY-364-X36-IP.
For all of our marine customers, we recommend the -X36 regardless of voltage since it will have the short-cycle prevention timer disabled (something not needed in a marine A/C).
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Has the Microair been tested with the original Yamaha 2000is?
I have a 15k AC unit.
A:
The Micro-Air EasyStart 364 has been tested by some of our customers with the original Yamaha EF2000iS generator. Unfortunately, the results are not favorable with 15kBTU systems.
As it turns out, although the EasyStart allowed the compressor to start on the Yamaha EF2000iS, the generator could not keep the compressor running as its current draw increased above around 1500W as the system quickly warmed up.
This resulted in a very indepth investigation which was discussed at length on the Airstream owners forum at this link.
The conclusion drawn was that the EF2000iS was not truly a 2000W generator, like the Honda EU2000i. In fact, Yamaha did eventually recognize this and they came out with their EF2000iSv2 model. This Yamaha model can in fact start and run a 15kBTU system, from ECO mode, just like the Honda EU2000iS. We've had multiple confirmed reports from our customers on this.
So, given the generator that you have, we do not recommend that you purchase and install an EasyStart since you will likely not achieve the desired results. I apologize for this, but as you can well understand, it's not due to a limitation in the EasyStart but instead the generator itself.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I am interested in your soft start unit and was wondering if it would adapt to a window ac easily.
I have a generator that is 1600 watts running and 2000 watts surge.
The ac unit is 12K BTUs.
The ac unit compressor will not start.
A:
Yes, the EasyStart 364 is adaptable to a window A/C unit.
The wiring is basically the same as any other air conditioner.
The only challenge may be finding enough space inside of the A/C's enclosure to mount the EasyStart.
Fortunately, the EasyStart is IP65 (fully weatherproof), so you can mount it just about anywhere inside.
We do require though that it not be mounted directly in the hot air exhaust.
As far as your generator goes, we have confirmed reports and test data that customers have been able to start and run their A/C systems on Honda EU2000i, Yamaha EF2000iSv2, and Westinghouse 2000iXLT.
If your 2000W generator is a different make and model than these, we cannot guarantee that it will work since not all 2000W generators are built alike.
Some cannot sustain the necessary wattage to support even a 12kBTU A/C, especially on a hot day when the steady-state wattage may exceed 1600W.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I was wondering on the easystart 364 what type of warranty they have.
Lets say it breaks within 9 months would you guys replace it?
This will be going on a dometic penguin 2 13,500 btu.
A:
Like all of our products, our EasyStart 364 comes with a 2-year warranty as detailed at the bottom of our website's home page at this link.
EasyStart has been installed into hundreds of Dometic Penguin II models such as yours.
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
The instructions are identical for both the 13.5k and 15k.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I purchased an EasyStart 364 a few months ago.
I'm in process of having Airstream Orange County in Southern California install it for us. I have provided them with the MicroAir website and a series of Airforum posts about how to install, but would it be possible for you to pass along a support contact name/email/phone at MicroAir if they have questions?
This is the very first install they have done.
I'm hopeful that once they figure it out they can offer this as a standard service to other customers. I even encouraged them to think about reselling it as I suspect a lot of their customers would be interested. Airstream OC is also the same company as Airstream Los Angeles and AIrstream Inland Empire, so if we can help them figure it out once you should have all of SoCal covered with a knowledgeable installer.
A:
You can give Airstream Orange County our contact information below.
Micro-Air, Inc.
124 Route 526
Allentown, NJ 08501
609-259-2636
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
It is specific to the Dometic Penguin II, which is very likely what is installed on your Airstream if it is from 2014 or later.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have a refrigeration system that used a 1hp Marathon 110v motor that uses a belt to drive a Climatrol open face compressor.
The motor is CSCR.
The run capacitor has two terminals and is fed with two wires, brown and purple.
Neither terminal is labeled and I can't determine which terminal it to be connected to the EasyStart's orange wire and which is to be which wire is to be spliced to the brown wire. Do you have a wiring diagram for my installation.
A:
EasyStart has been installed with success into Baldor and Leeson motors of the type you have described (not yet Marathon), but I must advise it is a difficult prospect.
The reason is, even though these motors may be CSCR, as you have already discovered, they don't provide an internal wiring diagram, nor are the wire connections easy to figure out.
Also, there is likely a centrifugal switch that is used to switch in/out the start capacitor. This device typically must also be located and bypassed in order to wire in the EasyStart (depending on the overall design of the motor windings).
Some motors of the type you describe use dual run windings to handle different voltages, and some also split the start winding with a center tap, applying the start capacitor at one point and the run capacitor at another point. It can get very complicated as compared to the relatively simple task of installing an EasyStart into a HVAC compressor application.
The other challenge is most refrigeration systems are designed to hold their discharge and suction pressures after the compressor shuts down, not allowing them to equalize. This pressure differential during the next compressor startup therefore requires much higher torque than it would if otherwise, thus making the work of any soft starter much more difficult (almost forcing a "hard start" to occur).
Most air conditioning compressors allow the system pressures to equalize during their off time, so the next startup will be less loaded and application of a soft start such as the EasyStart will be much more successful.
In your case, since your refrigeration compressor is belt driven and not direct-drive, that will likely help the starting torque requirement a little bit, but we cannot predict what will happen here and if the EasyStart will work, with any degree of certainty.
In spite of the above points, installing an EasyStart into your refrigeration motor is feasible.
I told you the above not to discourage you, but to make sure you are aware of the challenges this will involve. It could take a fair amount of research and work on your part.
First, I would recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your refrigeration system or Marathon (Regal-Beloit) themselves to see if you can get a copy of their motor's internal wiring diagram - using the model number off of the motor's dataplate label.
We have had good success with other motor manufacturers such as Baldor and Leeson in terms of their willingness to provide internal motor wiring diagrams, but we have little to no experience with Marathon. You may be able to find the diagram online as well.
I just perused the Regal-Beloit website and their Marathon motor subsection, and I was able to find some wiring diagrams for some of the motors listed.
You may get lucky if you search for your motor's model number or can find it in the listing.
Second, after you find the diagram, please send it to me and I will draw in where the EasyStart will wire and send it back to you. After that, you'll be able to check if all the wire connections that are necessary are accessible, and then make your decision on whether or not to try installing an EasyStart.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have ordered an EasyStart and have been reading the install instructions.
The video says to run off shore power for the first 5 starts for the system to learn.
I don't have that option at this time. What are the ramifications if I run my AC without the shore power?
I believe I read/heard that the system can be reset (once I get to shore power) but so far have not found how to do that in the instructions.
Can you please advise.
A:
The instructions on how to reinitialize the EasyStart's 5-start learning process can be found in the installation manual at this link.
In cases where you have no utility power available and subsequently have no choice but to use a generator to conduct the 5-start learning process, always make sure that when conducting the 5-start learning process, any ECO mode is turned OFF and all other auxiliary loads in the trailer are also turned off at their circuit breakers - most especially the converter/battery charger.
After the 5-start learning process is completed, ECO mode can be turned back on.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Looks like my wiring is consistent with the 6-wire configuration.
I was able to run it with the eu2000i today. Worked great!
3 amps before compressor coming on. And ~14.2amps with it on.
Will be happy to sell my honda with parallel kit.
Any advantage to the 7-wire configuration?
A:
Glad to hear everything is working well for you! Thank you.
In your case and for any RV rooftop application with a dual run capacitor, you're better off with the 6-wire configuration.
The reason is the 7-wire configuration adds the current through the run capacitor (via the RC terminal) to what the EasyStart 366 monitors, in addition to the current it already controls and monitors to the run winding and to the start capacitor.
The current through the run capacitor is relatively small compared to the current through the run winding & start winding during startup and during steady-state running operation (5-10%) and doesn't change very much.
So without it, the EasyStart still makes the right decisions during the 5-learning starts.
Also, if the RC terminal is used to tie in the run capacitor, since your model A/C uses a dual run cap that supports both the compressor and the fan, then EasyStart then starts passing and measuring a very small portion of the fan current as well (what goes through its start winding through its run cap).
This current is very small and has no effect on normal start-ups and running operation; however, this fan current could affect the 5-start learning process if somehow the fan speeds were set differently during each of the 5 different starting trials, thus throwing off the precise current measurements being made by the EasyStart during those trials, possibly resulting in the EasyStart choosing a less than optimal starting profile.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have an Airstream with a rooftop AC unit, 15K BTU’s.
I have installed a hard start capacitor.
I have heard that you have a better option for running the AC off of one 2000 watt generator.
What easy start options do I have? Please advise
A:
Yes, our EasyStart 364 (ASY-364-X20-IP) is the appropriate model for your 15kBTU A/C at this link.
It will far surpass what your hard start can provide for you.
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
There you will find helpful information, installation guides, and a library of wiring diagrams for various rooftop makes and models.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I'm looking to purchase soft start kits for my two AC units.
At first glance, it didn't look like you have any that can accommodate the specs on the pictures attached.
Please advise. Thank you!
A:
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Please also visit our new EasyStart™ Knowledge Bank, recently added to our website.
There you will find helpful information, installation guides, and a library of wiring diagrams for various A/C makes and models.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I have an Airstream 26U that has the dual 13.5k and 15k A/C units on it.
I am in the process of buying a Yamaha or Honda 3000watt inverter/generator.
What would be the best way to install a soft-start with this application.
Could I actually run both A/C's at the same time with a soft start installed on each unit, or would I want to select one over the other and simply install a soft-start on one of them, if so - which one?
A:
Your situation is not uncommon.
Installing an EasyStart 364 into both your 13.5k and 15k A/C units will allow you to start and run both A/Cs on a 30A utility hook-up, or start and run either A/C on a single 2000W generator.
Unfortunately, a 3000W generator is not quite enough to run both A/Cs together.
You need an absolute minimum of 3500W (29A @120VAC) to do that.
Many people with dual, paralleled 2000W generators (4000W total) choose to install EasyStarts into both A/Cs so they can run both with both generators, or they pick a single A/C into which to install EasyStart so they can operate on a single generator.
For the latter case, the A/C you choose is up to you since there are trade-offs.
Choosing the 15k for a single EasyStart installation will provide you a greater amount of cooling for single A/C operation, but it will leave you with less leftover generator capacity to power your trailer's auxiliary loads.
Alternately, choosing the 13.5k for a single EasyStart installation will provide you less cooling, but greater auxiliary load capacity.
For 2000W generators, we recommend the latter case.
In your situation, if you do choose to purchase a 3000W generator, you can certainly afford to install the single EasyStart into the 15k.
Moved To Our EasyStart Knowledge Bank
There you will find helpful information, installation guides, and a library of wiring diagrams for various rooftop makes and models.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Some questions I have after looking at the diagrams.
From the compressor, the blue wire gets cut, stripped and both ends get connected to the black wire from the easy start?
The white wire from the compressor gets cut stripped and one end gets connected to the brown wire?
What happens to the other end of the white wire?
Or does it live with it too?
Sure don't want to do a smoke test.
How would you recommend attaching the unit to the mounting locations?
I've thought about using aluminum ducting tape.
A:
What you described for the EasyStart's BLACK and BROWN wires is correct.
The WHITE wire from the EasyStart connects to the same terminal cluster on the run cap from which you removed the compressor's white run winding wire (that was then spliced to the EasyStart's BROWN wire).
Lastly, the ORANGE wire from the EasyStart connects to the opposite terminal cluster on the run cap where the compressor's red start winding wire is connected.
The best way to mount the EasyStart in the recommended locations is by using 3M double-stick foam tape.
That way you don't risk damaging anything by using screws or other fasteners into the evaporator air box.
The 3M foam tape stands up to weather and temperature, and once it cures, it is very strong.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Are the Easystart soft starters only for use if a RV/Motorhome is going to be using a generator?
In other words can an easystart be used in all electric situations i.e.: 50amp, 30amp, Generator?
Even when we are on 50 amps it seems that the heat pumps start up very rough/hard and just wondering if it would do any good?
Last question; what all has to be bought?
The starter, control display and control board?
A:
Yes, the EasyStart 364 can be used in all situations, utility power and generator.
It obviously provides its benefit of dramatically reduced startup amperage with all power sources.
Besides the most sought-after benefit of being able to start and run a single A/C on a 2000W generator like the Honda EU2000i, many other customers also purchase EasyStarts so they can run 2 A/Cs on a 30A hook-up (or two 2000W generators), when normally a 50A hook-up would be required.
Also, EasyStart provides sophisticated compressor fault monitoring during steady-state operation that protects your compressor better than any OEM factory configuration.
We believe EasyStart can and does extend the life of any compressor.
Besides the EasyStart 364 itself available at this link, you only need some miscellaneous crimp terminals to accomplish the wiring, and some fasteners (sheet metal screws) or 3M double-stick foam tape to mount the EasyStart.
It is IP65, so it is fully weatherproof.
We offer a low-cost installation kit at this link for those who don't have easy access to the necessary crimp terminals and foam tape.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Needing to purchase a unit ASAP.
Trying to determine the appropriate unit. Have a 4 ton.
Max ampacity unknown.
Would the smaller or larger unit be ideal?
A:
You're going to need the larger EasyStart 368 for a 4-ton system at this link.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
I just noticed that the EasyStart 368 typically requires "5 learning starts" on utility power.
That isn't an option in this case.
Is there a jumper to bypass or a way to force it on generator?
A:
Here are the trade-offs and realities you'll have to contend with.
The very first learning start is the most critical.
It is this start that may be the one to make or break your entire attempt at learning on a generator versus on utility power.
This is because the start current reduction during this first learning start is only about 40% (and not the 65-70% you'll get when the learning is done).
Therefore, if your A/C will not start at all on generator without the EasyStart, there is a chance - probably lower than 50% - that it will be not be able to do the first start with EasyStart.
Chances are, it should work, but we cannot guarantee it given we don't know anything about your generator.
If it doesn't work, the compressor will stall on this very first learning start and the EasyStart will immediately shut it down.
The EasyStart will then keep re-attempting this same first learning start on subsequent starting attempts, by design, because it never worked and it won't allow itself to progress through the 5-start sequence unless the previous start was successful and the associated data was collected.
Second, there is a jumper on the EasyStart that prevents the learning process and keeps the EasyStart using a "default" starting ramp profile and parameters, which really corresponds to the first learning start.
We NEVER recommend that customers use this unless they are trying to do some troubleshooting.
In your case, I would not recommend this either.
So, it's up to you if you want to take the chance on it.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Q:
Hi, wanted to know if Airstream dealers install your product (easy start)?
Looking at a sport 22 with a 13,500 btu AC and want to run just one Honda 2000.
If they don't, do you know if installing it after purchase voids the airstream warranty?
A:
A few Airstream dealers around the country are installing EasyStarts now, but it's less than 5.
If your particular dealer is willing, I can help them with the necessary instructions or training.
It's very straightforward and it does not require a highly advanced level of mechanical and electrical know-how.
Regarding the warranty, this question has been asked many times before.
I cannot speak to the Airstream warranty itself.
The primary concern is the warranty with Dometic, the manufacturer of the rooftop A/Cs on the newer Airstreams.
When asked, Dometic or any manufacturer will always state that any modification of their equipment will violate their warranty.
This is what we tell all of our customers:
The EasyStart is wired only into the compressor circuit of the A/C, so it has no effect on any of the other components.
Furthermore, the EasyStart better protects your compressor than the factory configuration because of its 5 diagnostic faults that it continuously monitors for during steady-state operation, even after its unique soft start sequence is completed.
The EasyStart can be installed in such a way that it can easily be removed and the factory configuration restored.
So, we tell customers that if the A/C unit develops an issue unrelated to the compressor during its warranty period, you can legitimately remove the EasyStart, restore the factory configuration, and submit the unit for warranty.
If however, a warranty-period issue with the A/C unit involves the compressor, then we at Micro-Air would work with you or your installer to properly diagnose the cause.
If it's the EasyStart itself, we would, of course, repair it or provide you a replacement within our 2-year factory warranty period.
If the compressor itself developed a problem because of the EasyStart, the likelihood of which is near zero, then we would work with you to get it resolved. I can happily report that of the thousands of EasyStarts we have sold, none have caused any premature compressor failures. In fact, the opposite is quite true: EasyStart will better protect and likely extend the life of any compressor because its soft starting sequence is less abusive (mechanically and electrically) and because its 5 diagnostic faults constantly monitor the compressor for any operational problems. In the end, the decision is totally yours. If you are not comfortable with the above, then we don't recommend that you install an EasyStart.
If you are, then great! Rest assured, we will stand behind our product to support you.
--------------------------------------------------------------