Good morning Gavin! Early bird gets the 🐛! Man, this is a great device! Use it to monitor non Bluetooth capable gen sets, and soft start for everything. My Honda has Bluetooth, but this is good for redundancy, super awesome for older units. This will make voltage and current much more stable when you have a hard hit such as air compressors, ac compressors, refrigerators, hot water elements and all high draw items. I'm ordering one today. Don't even have our 5th wheel hauler yet, but here in a couple months, while the market is soft. Good time to buy this year for those that have been saving. Great video as always, well spent $300 right here. Thanks big buddy! Thumbs up and comment for the algorithm!

I love mine

Great video!thank you

Great video. This could be useful on an RV, but kind of expensive if all most people will need is soft start on the AC. Now something like this (in 240 volt) connected to a whole house when powered by a generator could be a game changer. The 5,000 to 7,000 watt generators start to look a whole lot more useful.

Hi Gavin. Great useful tools for RV’s. Cannot wait for tools like this to connect to Generator, then going to Power input 30amp plug to protect and assist CB PANEL and appliances. As you know I’m trying to learn about Generators and properly using them safely. Also protecting my home. Keep up the great work, your fans enjoy your work that you provide us. All the best, Mike i.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Hey Mike As always, I’m trying to get a mix of different topics pertaining to alternative power. I should be doing more in depth service related videos in the future. But I’m always happy to see my loyal subscribers watching Thanks buddy

Gavin, this is an Unfair test, your A/C units have soft start’s currently installed. A test without any Modifications to the unit’s would be Fair!

This is a fantastic idea!! Somewhat expensive, but having AC in July is worth the cost.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I almost wish I would’ve waited to test it in the summertime to show its full potential

Great video! REAL INFORMATION!!

I really would like to see this unit tested on an RV without a soft start already installed. Showing this works with a 2000 watt Gen and 15K BTU AC. I also have soft starts on both ACs but this would be a better option if it works as good as the hard wired dedicated soft starters. Testing this in front of a soft start still has me wondering. Thanks Gavin. I love the way you explain everything in such detail.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Hey, Robert Happy new year 🎊 I’m going to use my friends RV he has no soft start and also wait till it gets a little warmer outside so we can really test this thing up with a 2000 W generator

@PrecisionClays

Жыл бұрын

@@GeneratorReviews That would be a great test. Also, if it doesn't risk damaging equipment, I'd like to see it fail on the generator before the Active Start is plugged in. I was also surprised that the little generator didn't already bind the neutral and ground internally. I typically need to disconnect and put in a switch for bonding on generators (disconnect when I'm connecting to my house).

Great job. You have a knack for this.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

Great video. Very good information 👍.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

Great video Gavin, looks like the active start works well, I would be curious to see it work on a non soft start installed unit.

How nice thanks

Great I just spent $450 on 50 amp surge protector last week can’t spend another $500 on this better one When it come out mine is obsolete

Thought about using something similar for the well pump and mini-split on the house.

I’ll be installing the soft start on my central A/C unit at home. I see they sell the 20 amp version of this soft start. Can I use the plug in soft start on my home refrigerators? Trying to lower the most inrush load of my generator. Predator 9500.

@GeneratorReviews

11 ай бұрын

I don’t think you need a soft start for the refrigerator since you have such a large generator the 9500 should take care of that.

Great video, please test without and then with the Active start to show the difference.

I emailed them about a 14/30 version for my offgrid system.

When using both together (Active Start and the hard wired soft start.) would it lower the inrush current even more. If it does I’ll be interested to see if a even smaller generator ( like the predator 1400) can start the a/c.

@GeneratorReviews

11 ай бұрын

It probably won’t be able to start the ac unit

Can you use Economode on the generator?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes you can

What is a floater and why? What happens if you don't use a floater or have it? With your current unit, what happens if you don't use the soft starter.

@GeneratorReviews

11 ай бұрын

Most appliances that require floating or bonded will not operate so that’s why we have to bond the neutral and the ground by using a bonding plug

Can you run the gen on echo mode using this soft start to run the 13.5 BTU AC?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes that’s the best way

I can run a 13.5 without a soft start.

Just won't work with boondocking camper with solar and inverter, inverter shuts it down is the Word on the street

At 3:34 you say "Even though I already have a soft start................" so how is this a fair evaluation? Other KZreadrs have had mixed results but I bought mine after watching another video and posting a question/comment and contacting the company explaining what I was hoping for. I am running a 5000 BTU A/C with a Honda EU2200 and I wanted to be able to run the generator on Eco mode where it only runs fast enough to power the load. Of course then when the compressor on the A/C kicks in the generator has to increase the RPM to accommodate the extra load putting stress on the generator and the A/C, or so it seems. I explained this in both my inquiries and was told that this would absolutely help that situation. But in practice I see no appreciable difference with the Active Start in use or out. This not being an inexpensive item, I would suggest you do a bit more due diligence before purchasing this thinking it is going to be an easy solution to your concerns. I wish I had.

@SlimSh8E

Жыл бұрын

Just to be clear, I do not relish being negative on KZread and certainly do not wish to cause anyone any distress, but I think people should have a well rounded picture before they spend their hard earned money. Here is another video with results more like my own. kzread.info/dash/bejne/k3qDw7GkZ8zTosY.html

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I’m working on a full load test for this product should be releasing it soon, it’s a little cooler right now, so the AC compressor is having a hard time turning on want to get warmer I will do a full test. Thanks for watching and hopefully the next test will be more satisfactory.

This soft start makes it possible for my Honda 2200 ci to power the 15000 btu a/c in my toyhauler.

I thought the Active Start already has a built in Soft Starter to lower the amperage why would you also need to install a soft starter on the AC unit as well?

@GeneratorReviews

11 ай бұрын

I already had mine hardwired and I wasn’t going to remove it just for this test. Sorry.

@jarredross88

11 ай бұрын

@@GeneratorReviews Understandable I was just curious.

It would be very interesting to see this soft start on a oscilloscope, any idea how they work?

What does it look inside?

@georgesrisomsak9650

Жыл бұрын

I wonder too! Cap bank and logic board I know, but how beefy are the components? Open her up Gavin!

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I’ll see if I can get in there and open it up👍🏾

Gavin, do you believe there is any further benefit to having one of these in addition to already having a softstart hardwired like in your video? in other words do you see any further starting current reduction piggybacking these? i would assume not, but currious.

@GeneratorReviews

10 ай бұрын

No, I don’t think having both has any extra benefits for starting loads.

hi Gavin, last year i was getting the 2300xi duro max dual fuel will the active start power my 13500 btu on my 30amp travel trailer ? thanks Werner great video like always

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

does this work on a 13.5k btu ac w/o a softstart?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes it will

May I please ask this question: What is the point of this test, as the only thing it proves is the "Active Start" soft start device is capable of starting an A/C that has a hard-wired soft start device already installed. Maybe I missed something?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I will be doing individual load testing soon

I believe the hard wired MicroAir soft start you put directly on A/C has MORE surge reduction than this ACTIVE START.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

It probably does because it’s directly on the motor. I’m pretty sure there’s some line loss in this model. Happy new year Douglas 👍🏾

@douglasmontgomery6315

Жыл бұрын

@@GeneratorReviews , Happy New Year to you. I just went and checked the MicroAir 364 model webpage, "EasyStart can deliver 65-75% start current reduction as compared to a compressor's LRA (locked-rotor amperage).". So, just wanted your viewers to take this into consideration. There are both Pro's & Con's to the "Plug-n-Go" solution being displayed here, just as the Pro's & Con's of the manual install of the fixed MicroAir solution. Thanks for the videos sir !

I'm confused which active start I would need. I see they sell a 20 amp and a 30 amp. If I have a 30 amp airstream with a single air conditioner and a 330i Generac generator that needs the adapter for the 30 rv plug, do I get the 30 amp active start.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes get the 30amp

Did the AC start with the gen in Eco Mode?....

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it started in Eco mode also

do they make a version that can be used for the House?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes Active Control do make a whole house version it will be available soon.

@amelsfr

Жыл бұрын

@@GeneratorReviews great! thanks!

How would you compare this with the Hughes Power Watchdog if soft start wasn't a consideration?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

The Hughes power watchdog is a fully loaded surge protector with all the bells and whistles definitely one of the best ones

@GenX-

Жыл бұрын

@@GeneratorReviews Do you see any reason why the 50A wired version of the Hughes couldn't be setup for monitoring power going into your home? I'd probably install it right next to the breaker box before going into the generator breaker. The surge protection isn't of primary importance, but I would like to remotely monitor L1 & L2. Other than going with something like a iotawatt setup instrumented inside your panel, I don't know of other ways to do this.

Great video Gavin! Do you have any idea when the 50 amp is coming out?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I haven’t heard any information about the 50amp version

Mine is a 50a trailer but hooked up all summer to a 30a pedestal. Would this be the right one, or do I need the 50a model? Would this one unit allow me to start the 2nd ac? I can currently only run one ac at a time on the 30a pedestal.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

If you have access to the 50amp pedestal, I will get the 50 amp model

@kaydavis3297

Жыл бұрын

This is what I'm wondering. I have a 50 amp trailer but can only plug into a 30 amp

Curious if this would work for a sump pump?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

It should work on a sump pump if it’s 120 V or you’ll have to wait for the 50 amp version if you have a 240 V sump pump

Kind of pricey if you have a single ac on your rv. But, if you have 2 ac's, this would be good since 2 softstart's would be $600. Only other concern I would have would be the surge protection. If the surge protector does get hit and blows, does it reset or is it trashed? BTW: I looked on their web site and see they have a 20 Amp version too. Only $265 for it. I think that would be good for guys like me with 2000 watt generators and only need to run one ac.

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

That’s actually a good point. I did not think of that. It’s a lot cheaper than two softstarts.

Hi do you have a link to this company for I can buy one of these I've been trying to find it and I can't find the company

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

The link for the product is in the description of the video Thanks for watching

Why can't you just plug the RV cord directly into the inverter?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

We are testing a soft start that allows you to start loads 50% larger than your generator would normally be able to start

Hey Gavin, because its also a surge protector, can it still be used if i already have a surge protector wired inside my RV?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it can be used

Not sure I understand what you tested. You have a soft start in your AC and used Active Start on your gen to run it? Or did you test the Active Start without the Soft Starter AC?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

I wish I could have uninstalled the soft start but I still wanted to try it

This is exactly what I need but I need 2 of them for 2 different generators. $1000 bucks 🤦

Now will a device like this work for your home?

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

If you have a transfer switch, this will work for the home

$445 for a small box with electrolytic capacitors and a bluetooth transmitter interface.

All ACs are soft start anyway. It's just a question of are you adding an extra capacitor. My 11500 AC normally draws about 15 amps..... But draws 53 when starting..... And the normal stock AC capacitor takes care of majority of it. I had a problem once when I couldn't start the AC on my TT with a generator and it turned out to be slightly corroded spade terminal connections on the AC capacitor. Any resistance greatly increases the voltage loss and the amperage required there..... Make sure those connections are clean and solid. It probably wouldn't hurt to have antioxidant paste on them. Of course the crappy Chinese capacitors you get today die with regularity after 5 to 10 years so you should always have a spare on hand, and know how to change it. Cheap insurance. Capacitors are so cheap it makes you wonder why rv AC manufacturers don't install even larger ones normally.... Because RVs are frequently run on generator

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!! 👍🏾

@eosjoe565

Жыл бұрын

Do you mean all "RV" ACs are soft start? My home central air is definitely not soft start and I cannot use AC at home when on the generator. It is my understanding I would have to add a hard wired soft start unit to my home AC for it to work with my 7000 watt generator.

@duskyman1

Жыл бұрын

@@eosjoe565 your compressor motor always has a start capacitor . The start capacitor provided by mfg is just not big enough.....to let you start with the generator sometimes. Mfg can easily supply a larger one that could for $10 more. But it only needed to be large enough to be able to start off a breaker..... So that's all they gave you. Soft starts basically just give you another larger capacitor. Capacitors just store power to give the motor the high current it needs to get started turning from dead stop. Occasionally your home compressors capacitor will fail, and ac wont work until you replace it. Chinese capacitors are cheap.....but also don't last .

Bruh... I appreciate the attempt to demonstrate the effectiveness of this particular soft-start version. But, your comparison is flawed and can't be trusted because you already have a soft start hard-wired in. We have no way of telling if the remote box tested actually works! Disconnect the one up top that's hardwired and use only the pedestal/generator version and THEN we'll know if the product is full of baloney or not! DO IT!

@GeneratorReviews

Жыл бұрын

Yes I am working on a full test video

Stupid expensive