Honda eu2000i and air conditioning

gershel · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2010

Honda eu2000i and Air Conditioning

Just heard about a new product from Dometic. It's called a SmartStart controller. It reduces the amount of amps needed to start an air conditioner by 65%. I spoke to a tech from Dometic, who seemed to think, that a Honda 2000 could run a 16,000 btu Cruisair a/c. The cost for this unit is about $360. Sounds interesting. Sure would keep my wife "happy". Has anyone heard anything about this. It's only been available a few months.
Marc

chrisj13 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2010

I ran a small trailer a/c unit on just one honda 2000 w/o the comtroller. The honda's have the eco switch, which made a big difference. I have a second honda generator w/the link cord, but haven't had a need for it yet. Interested to hear more about the smart controller though, in case I want to run a larger a/c in the future.

gershel · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2010

Dometic Marine releases the SmartStartâ„¢ control - Dometic

PalmettoSailor · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2010

Yeah, I'll be keeping an eye on this product. If the reviews start rolling in positive, I might be getting a Honda genset.

hellosailor · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

Marc, I would guess it is a large capacitor with some brains added to it. If you charge the capacitor up, then allow both it and the generator to supply starting power to the load at the same time...presto-chango, you've doubled or tripled (etc) the amount of power being fed into the start-up process.

$360 sounds like a steep price to do that but I suppose with a small market and multiple mark-ups...

gershel · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

It's definitly cheaper than getting a larger generator.

2Gringos · #7 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

I have been talking to a potential boat seller ( I am in the market to buy right now) who has a mermaid 16,500 BTU air conditioner that he runs with the EU2000. He told me that it works fine, but he disconnected the blower for the air conditioner and wired a seperate socket for a second extension cord. He says the little Honda will start the compressor without the load of the fan. After a few seconds when the Honda gets through the surge, he plugs in the cord powering the blower.

I was thinking, if this worked, why not just wire in a switch between the blower and the ac power ?

gershel · #8 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Gringos

I have been talking to a potential boat seller ( I am in the market to buy right now) who has a mermaid 16,500 BTU air conditioner that he runs with the EU2000. He told me that it works fine, but he disconnected the blower for the air conditioner and wired a seperate socket for a second extension cord. He says the little Honda will start the compressor without the load of the fan. After a few seconds when the Honda gets through the surge, he plugs in the cord powering the blower.

I was thinking, if this worked, why not just wire in a switch between the blower and the ac power ?

Hmmm. Sounds interesting. What would happen when the A/C reaches the temp. and the compressor shuts off. Would you have to manually turn the switch off, and then on, to start the cooling cycle again?

2Gringos · #9 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

Good question. I'll ask him.

2Gringos · #10 (**permalink**) 02-21-2010

and I did, and Paul says:

"disconected the Thermostat.

We use the cabin fans for circulation and begin by closing off the cabins untill the main salon is comfortable and then open up the cabins one by one to keep it comfortable. At night we sleep under a blanket.

The compressor does not recycle."

I can think of times when a few bucks worth of gasoline would be a great trade for a night like that if the Honda doesn't care.