Natural Gas Generators

I better get on it, 5 days into hurricane season!!!!!!!!

Since my gen has an RS-485 interface, I think I'd go with a pi hat and run rs485 wire from gen inside house, short enough to not affect data, and keeping electronics inside... then again, I should probably worry about induction/surge on the line running back into gen controller...maybe do an rs485 to fiber? Nah, getting expensive...

Maybe just use an rs485 to wifi box inside the gen housing? So many choices...

Opinions?
 
ncpilot said:
I better get on it, 5 days into hurricane season!!!!!!!!

Since my gen has an RS-485 interface, I think I'd go with a pi hat and run rs485 wire from gen inside house, short enough to not affect data, and keeping electronics inside... then again, I should probably worry about induction/surge on the line running back into gen controller...maybe do an rs485 to fiber? Nah, getting expensive...

Maybe just use an rs485 to wifi box inside the gen housing? So many choices...

Opinions?
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I did mine back when the Pi Hat was the only choice, so now I have a Pi4 inside the generator, connected with OM3 Fiber back to my network. No problems so far

I would not extend RS458 outside the generator personally, I'd be worried that lightning could strike and cause issues (Lightning often causes issues for Ethernet in conduit, for example)
 
I'd be worried about heat killing the pi... the git recommended rs485 to wifi looks industrial, up to 85C ambient... probably safer way to go...
 
A Pi can also withstand those temps, I'm on the third record breaking summer so far, doesn't even get above regular operating temps

I did throw a small heatsink on the CPU, no fan though

It is a PITA to get to though! Gotta open the generator of course
 
Quote for the Generac came in at $12k including NG hookup. I think that is the play…
 
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When I saw the title of this thread was "Natural Gas Generators" and originated by none other than IReallyLikePizza2, I figured it was list of things that gave him the bad farts like Taco Bell bean burritos, Wendy's chili, Pizza Hut Supreme and the like. :poop:

.....I was obviously mistaken. :lmao:
 
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biggen said:
Quote for the Generac came in at $12k including NG hookup. I think that is the play…
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Yeah, I love Kohler, but they sure around proud of those things!
 
IReallyLikePizza2 said:
Yeah, I love Kohler, but they sure around proud of those things!
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I've got a Cub Cadet LT1045 riding mower with a 19HP Kohler single cylinder motor...it's 16 years old, has over 200 hours on it and runs like a sewing machine!
 
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Problem with generators I think is that the engine itself is going to be the last thing to fail. Change the oil on time and you'll likely never have an issue, its all the other crap that will fail
 
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IReallyLikePizza2 said:
Problem with generators I think is that the engine itself is going to be the last thing to fail. Change the oil on time and you'll likely never have an issue, its all the other crap that will fail
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Yup. As you mentioned the Generac's need to have the valves serviced annually. It may be worth having my electricians do that yearly for a fee. I don't really want to tear into the engine for that. I can do the air filter, oil filter, oil etc.. on my own easily enough.
 
I've done the valves on a portable one before, its easy! Grab the right feeler gauges and you're off the races
 
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Awesome! Hopefully you can post good progress pics!

Got a space lined up for it?
 
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IReallyLikePizza2 said:
Awesome! Hopefully you can post good progress pics!

Got a space lined up for it?
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Yeah right on the side of the house between the NG meter and the power meter. There is a 15 foot space that will be perfect for it to sit in. I had my RPi out there today making sure I had wifi signal and I do easily from there.
 
:) How many of us have a spare pi laying around? LOL

Just had annual service, yeah, could do it myself, but while under warranty, I'd rather the installer do the work...

I need to get cracking with my pi... I think I'll go with an RS485 to wifi and keep the pi in the house...
 
Problem I have is that I just don't trust all the idiots out there. They have no skin in the game, I do!
 
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ncpilot said:
:) How many of us have a spare pi laying around? LOL

Just had annual service, yeah, could do it myself, but while under warranty, I'd rather the installer do the work...

I need to get cracking with my pi... I think I'll go with an RS485 to wifi and keep the pi in the house...
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I have two of them collecting dust: A 3b and 4. The 4 is overpowered for Genmon though.
 
ptzman said:
My power was out for eight days and my liquid cool natural gas 20kw Winco generator did not break a sweat in 90-degree weather. I do not think an air-cooled generator would have survived. Air cooled engines are not made to run continuously. I purchased this generator off of Ebay with less than 300 hours with the transfer switch a few years ago for $1100 plus shipping. My generator has a Ford four-cylinder motor in it. I installed it myself.
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I'm in the deep south. My 14kw air cooled kohler is on the 7th year now. No problems other than corroded battery cable and wasp nests.
 
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