Predator 3500 Generator Auto-start/Remote-start

I live off-grid and use a generator as backup to my solar power. I purchased the famous harbor freight Predator 3500 Inverter Generator to replace an old, loud generator that came with the house. I like it but it lacks one function: remote start.

I'm a bit of a nerd and have been thinking; I can build my own remote start kit for this generator. It would just take a microcontroller, a couple relays, a servo, and bam! Auto-start success. But... if anyone knows of a ready-made system I'd be all ears.

Has anyone tackled this before? Any opinions on what features you would put into a system like this? I built a server and sensor system to monitor my power levels remotely so I would likely set up a trigger off that to start the generator automatically when the batteries fell below a certain state-of-charge. Data for my solar setup can be found here: http://www.yeolecabin.com/ Most people would probably just want a button so they can start it from inside their camper.

I could build a few of these kits to sell if people are interested.

 

Just do a Google search, there are plenty of kits for sale or plans out there for the Predator generators.

For me I wanted plug and play so I bought a Westinghouse Igen4500 dual fuel remote start with auto-choke so I can run it on Propane and its easy for the wife to start with a keyfob.

I don't live off grid but CA has been shutting off our power enough have generator power on standby. Propane can sit for months and not go bad.

Keep us posted with your off grid adventures. I did not see a list of your solar equipment in your blog. That would be interesting. Unless I just missed it.

 

I have searched and actually haven't found a promising kit. Maybe my Google-fu is lacking.

I put 100LL avgas in my generator and it will sit forever without going bad. There are extended run kits but I haven't bothered with one of those yet as I have never needed to run it that frequently.

I found one guy on an RV site that said he sells plug and play kits on Ebay but I failed to find his kit too. I think I will press on with building my own kit.

I need to finish my hardware series on my blog then move on to the solar setup. I don't yet have a solar system overview on my blog but I will get there.

 

Nice blog Joshua. Looks like an adventurous life. I like rasberry pie too, the kind that makes the house smell so good!

Are you thinking of auto running the genset or just remote starting? I never run my off grid setup (2004 - 20010 off grid) with generator on auto...just remote start. Auto leaves you with too many f-up points...too long a run, too short a run, no run. Going to the genny to start gives you the opportunity to check it all over before you start too. Mice nests in the air filter? Oil in the crankcase? Any rodent nibbles on wires/cables?

So, I don't have anything concrete to contribute, just some observations.

Ralph

 

I hope these are helpful or at least give you some ideas.


https://permies.com/t/99015/Wiring-remote-start-Predator

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Remote-Sta...erhouse-3500-Inverter-Generator-/283655245818

https://www.pinellaspowerproducts.com/product/predator-3500-wireless-remote-shut-off-kit/

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-install-a-generator-remote-start-kit