It has been 2 years since I hooked up the remote start on my generator. It is still working great. Again, thanks for your idea and the wiring diagrams in the video.
First of all, I want to thank you for your video and your wiring explanations. I have a Duromax 12000 generator. The key switch wiring is the same as yours. The main thing I changed was the choke actuator switch (I used the same Door Lock Actuator). I used a momentary switch to turn the choke on and used a spring to return the choke to off the position. All works great.
I didn't realize it when I made this but the choke on mine has a vacuum return to pull the choke off once it's started and running. I could have just wired the choke with a momentary like you did but oh well.
I have since converted my generator to natural gas. (I did have to buy a NG regulator) I am using the Door Lock Actuator to push the primer button on the back of the regulator.
Thank you for posting this video. Very informative. Could you perhaps post a link to the wiring on the generator side? What wire in your project box goes where on the generator side? Pictures or a hand drawing will suffice. Thank you
I have to say, I would not have even imagined doing this some of hardware revision to my Genrac. Its looks great. Schematics do help though. Parts breakdown of the momentary switches.
awesome video/tutorial! I was thinking, with your remote control panel, and your skillz, you are probably only a few steps from getting an Automatic Transfer Switch setup to feed your emergency circuits, where some of the control contacts on said ATS device could start the generator itself whenever you lose power automatically; and subsequently shut it down and reconnect to your utility power when it's restored, all without you having to do anything or be home to get your generator up and running and online.
Nice idea with the door lock actuator. Only thing I would do different is use a 2-way momentery rocker switch for the choke so it never gets left on by accident.
The buttons are momentary. Momentary on and off. No different than a rocker switch. The actuator has to have a reversing 12volt signal to work. Alternatively you could use a return spring to turn off the choke when you let off of the button but that adds way more stress to the actuator.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone I believe I meant: instead of 2 separate switches to open and close the choke using a momentery rocker switch similar to the old power antenna switch for up/off/down would work better so never to leave the choke engaged while running.
Id just use a 555 timer, relays and a two wat solenoid. Badically the same thing except their would only have to be one button pushed to choke it and the delay the choke was on would be determined by the 555 timer circuit like push button then choke on for 10 seconds then automatically turns it off.. could run some sensing circuits for protection so couldnt engage while motor is running.. id even include some thermal cutoffs for starter temp and ambient temp like a fail safe
@@Z-AckThat's a good plan - I intend to put this together with an Arduino/microcontroller, should be easy enough to add delays and a temperature sensor inside the generator.
Good stuff. But here I end up using my generator maybe once a year or so, and the only way I know it will start when I need it, is to shut it down by shutting off the fuel. Doing that, it starts on the first pull even with 3+ year old gas in it. I lose power more than once a year, but it has to be for more than a few hours before I go to the trouble. So I'd want to do a remote fuel shutoff as well. Even though I'd be using it more often with your setup. I watched this because I just ordered a new electric start generator, updated version of yours there, ($640 w/tax n free shipping at Newegg if you're interested, POWERLAND PD2G10000E) and was thinking of doing the same thing. Great idea for the choke btw. I suggest you draw up a simple wiring diagram using something like windows paint, laminate or fold it up in a Ziploc bag and stick it somewhere in or on the gen. The little run light on the control board is a nice touch. Wiring diagram done in windows paint: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNr-B4eVXx5Il2jq4xhxM9p2pU6C5lIpC0dqAWT
I used to run it out of fuel each time as well. I had to make a few changes to use it the way I do. 1 being only using 100% gasoline with no ethanol. I have a place near me that sells it pure. Also, I run it once a week to keep the carb cleaned up.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone I have a few cars that I've collected over the year, and everyone needs a fuel pump because of Ethanol. So I hate the stuff with a passion. But I have no issues with it in the gen, because I only shut it down with the fuel shut off valve. This way there's no need to run it ever, until it's needed. And it fires up every time with no problems. I hope to use propane for the few outages we have here with the new gen, but if I ever need to run gas through it, I'll have to go out and manually run the carb empty, or add a remote shut off valve to the fuel. Should probably think of remote shut off for the propane/natural gas as well...
Dude a 50$ 20lb will run that generator for a week solid and maybe more.. all i did with mine is take an old rusted out grill and gut it for the gas connections and knobs, then i drilled a hole in the air filter box cover and tapped into that. Same generator.. i just turn off the fuel cutoff valve when using propane then turn the knob back on if using gas.. mounted the tank on top of the gas tank with a water heater expansion mounting strap and done deal.. runs cooler, more efficiently and longer.. minimal ring abd cylinder
This is an amazing way to make a portable generator work similarly to a stand-alone back up generator. Is it possible to get a parts list/wiring diagram of the box you created? I have the same generator, but mine is propane so no choke needed. Just looking for the way to wire up the remote box directly to the electrical panel on the generator.
Can you think of a way to activate the Lost soldier via phone. I think it would be cool to have a remote camera on my front door and be able to unlock and lock it via cell phone or Internet. So if someone came to my door and I wanted to let them in I could do so.
I just purchased a Duromax 13,000 watts. I live in Longisland NY, i’m an ass in electricity, how would help me install the remote starter on my generator?
Hello. Can’t believe this is the only video i can find about having the duro max generator in a shed. I already have the shed for it, so my problem is how to run the exhaust out of the shed. The exhaust sits just like yours. Is there a kit or maybe you can tell me how i can get that done. I would appreciate it.
Hey brother, Im following this project and building the same exact thing with the same exact generator. Ive been able to find everything that you have used for the remote started box and choke solenoid setup. I know that other people have asked, but some wirering diagrams of that starter box and anything else would be worth its weight in gold in order to finish this project. Thanks again.
Great Video. however you need to be able to shut off the gas to the carburetor while its sitting there doing nothing. Nothing worse than leaving gas in the carb for months on end.(Ask me how I know) You will end up with gum,sludge,etc.Always best to shut off the gas when its done running and let it burn up whatever is in the carb. That way it wont gum up hopefully.
Very nice video and thx for sharing the power door lock for choke. I was thinking of everything and that never crossed my mind. Where did u find your control switch board with the light notification when it's running? Thanks again 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
I have mine wired as per the diagram. Three hot wires one to each switch and one fused positive to both 87s. Grounds to each 87a , 85 on relay one and 86 relay two. Relay one #86 is from one switch and positive to battery. #85 on relay two is from the other switch that comes from the battery. Each #30 has one wire from the actuator. I have it exactly as the diagram says AS LONG AS where the diagram says +from switch means 12v from battery. Problem is the actuator only functions outward.
The diagram is correct. Double check wiring. Try to manually power the actuator by attaching it to 12 volts and then switching the polarity. All this circuit does is reverse the polarity to the actuator. So when you press one switch it's positive one one terminal and negative on the other and then the other switch reverses the polarity. Very common automotive circuit. You can test it with a voltmeter that will show +12 volts and -12volts
Good video sir. Me being an old car audio installer, this kind of project on my 15000k DuroMax is right up my ally. Lol. All I wanted to know is how is your battery holding up with the ignition left on. Do you have a little red light on the panel showing it is energized? I’m thinking if you did, that would drain the battery over time unless disconnected. Do you keep a solar panel installed to keep battery topped off? Thanks for any info.
The ignition doesn't work like that. It's not a real on/off switch. It's either off(in the on position) and on in the off which grounds out the coil and keeps it from starting or running. I do have a solar maintainer but don't need it because I run it once a week for 15 minutes and that keeps the battery charged up off of the alternator.
Oh ok, well that makes it a lot easier to deal with. Also, I’ll have to see how the choke is situated on the 15000k being that it is a V-Twin motor. Thanks again
I ended up not wiring a reversing relay for the choke, but rather put a spring on the actuator thus forcing the choke open when actuator is de-energized.
You should be making the whole kit and sell it to people like me👍! I know that there’s a lot of people who want start up their generator from inside their home, just like me.. If you want to meme me one I wil buy it from you!
@@JackofAllMasterofNone Thanks!! I found some on eBay. Two from eBay were cheaper than one at the auto parts store that I work at plus the ones from eBay came with the harnesses.
It is paralleled but the problem is the off position is actually the on position if that makes sense. When you turn the switch to off it completes the circuit and grounds out the ignition. If you shut down the generator and then turn the interior switch to the run position you will be able to start it outside. If the switch outside or inside is in the off or shutdown position it wont start
@Jack of All Master of None . My inlaws are retired now live near the gulf in Florida. Father inlaw bought a generator like the one in the video. Since purchasing had to have a pacemaker put in due to heart problems and cannot be near the generator while it starts or running. He has purchased a (universal) remote start for a car. Was curious if we sent pictures of the diagram could you help in figuring out what wires to use and not use. I live near Charlotte and they are 9 hrs away so time is not on my side when I get there along with mental fatigue. Would be happy to send my contact info to make communication easier. Please let me know if you can help thanks in advance.
Hello! Sir! Its a very good project I hope if you can gave a me diagram for the keyswitch of the generator how you wire up that in to your house? And if possible to make it automatic when power grid runs out it will automatically start the generator if you have also that diagram I hope you can send me that also thanks and more power!!!!!
The signal has to be a momentary signal to the actuator. A dt relay will always send power to one side or the other, which will burn out the lock. Actually, if he would have used heavier wire, he wouldn't have even had to use the relays. You could always use a spdt, center off, momentary toggle as well
Why not connect the actuator directly to starter terminals, so when crank the choke will be activated and when it starts, spring will turn back the choke
@@JackofAllMasterofNone you are right, but it is much easier, compared to the variant with the relays. And the most important - it is automatic, it chokes only the time when crank the engine - 2 or 3 seconds. And other, my gen is with honda clone engine (chinese but works great) and it wont start without choke, no matter hot or cold, without automatic choke I can not use the remote control.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone LOL Good one... Most standbys that I have seen burn up had maintenance or install problems. Not saying what you did can't be done, but most people screw it up. The generators overheat. Still not recommended to put it in a combustible container against your house.
@@markavery2888 I understand, which is why I installed a fire suppression system in the "box" should something go awry. It is not as ideal as a standby but in rural areas where no propane or natural gas is readily available, it is an important option for some people. My plan is to upgrade to a diesel standby generator soon.
It has been 2 years since I hooked up the remote start on my generator. It is still working great. Again, thanks for your idea and the wiring diagrams in the video.
First of all, I want to thank you for your video and your wiring
explanations. I have a Duromax 12000 generator. The key switch wiring is
the same as yours. The main thing I changed was the choke actuator switch (I used
the same Door Lock Actuator). I used a momentary switch to turn the choke on and
used a spring to return the choke to off the position. All works great.
I didn't realize it when I made this but the choke on mine has a vacuum return to pull the choke off once it's started and running. I could have just wired the choke with a momentary like you did but oh well.
I have since converted my generator to natural gas. (I did have to buy a NG regulator) I am using the Door Lock Actuator to push the primer button on the back of the regulator.
Thank you for posting this video. Very informative.
Could you perhaps post a link to the wiring on the generator side? What wire in your project box goes where on the generator side? Pictures or a hand drawing will suffice. Thank you
I have to say, I would not have even imagined doing this some of hardware revision to my Genrac. Its looks great. Schematics do help though. Parts breakdown of the momentary switches.
awesome video/tutorial! I was thinking, with your remote control panel, and your skillz, you are probably only a few steps from getting an Automatic Transfer Switch setup to feed your emergency circuits, where some of the control contacts on said ATS device could start the generator itself whenever you lose power automatically; and subsequently shut it down and reconnect to your utility power when it's restored, all without you having to do anything or be home to get your generator up and running and online.
Nice idea with the door lock actuator. Only thing I would do different is use a 2-way momentery rocker switch for the choke so it never gets left on by accident.
The buttons are momentary. Momentary on and off. No different than a rocker switch. The actuator has to have a reversing 12volt signal to work. Alternatively you could use a return spring to turn off the choke when you let off of the button but that adds way more stress to the actuator.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone
I believe I meant: instead of 2 separate switches to open and close the choke using a momentery rocker switch similar to the old power antenna switch for up/off/down would work better so never to leave the choke engaged while running.
Id just use a 555 timer, relays and a two wat solenoid. Badically the same thing except their would only have to be one button pushed to choke it and the delay the choke was on would be determined by the 555 timer circuit like push button then choke on for 10 seconds then automatically turns it off.. could run some sensing circuits for protection so couldnt engage while motor is running.. id even include some thermal cutoffs for starter temp and ambient temp like a fail safe
@@Z-Ack Man, I feel like I am back in school again. Good stuff
@@Z-AckThat's a good plan - I intend to put this together with an Arduino/microcontroller, should be easy enough to add delays and a temperature sensor inside the generator.
Good stuff. But here I end up using my generator maybe once a year or so, and the only way I know it will start when I need it, is to shut it down by shutting off the fuel. Doing that, it starts on the first pull even with 3+ year old gas in it. I lose power more than once a year, but it has to be for more than a few hours before I go to the trouble. So I'd want to do a remote fuel shutoff as well. Even though I'd be using it more often with your setup.
I watched this because I just ordered a new electric start generator, updated version of yours there, ($640 w/tax n free shipping at Newegg if you're interested, POWERLAND PD2G10000E) and was thinking of doing the same thing. Great idea for the choke btw. I suggest you draw up a simple wiring diagram using something like windows paint, laminate or fold it up in a Ziploc bag and stick it somewhere in or on the gen. The little run light on the control board is a nice touch.
Wiring diagram done in windows paint: photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNr-B4eVXx5Il2jq4xhxM9p2pU6C5lIpC0dqAWT
I used to run it out of fuel each time as well. I had to make a few changes to use it the way I do. 1 being only using 100% gasoline with no ethanol. I have a place near me that sells it pure. Also, I run it once a week to keep the carb cleaned up.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone I have a few cars that I've collected over the year, and everyone needs a fuel pump because of Ethanol. So I hate the stuff with a passion. But I have no issues with it in the gen, because I only shut it down with the fuel shut off valve. This way there's no need to run it ever, until it's needed. And it fires up every time with no problems. I hope to use propane for the few outages we have here with the new gen, but if I ever need to run gas through it, I'll have to go out and manually run the carb empty, or add a remote shut off valve to the fuel. Should probably think of remote shut off for the propane/natural gas as well...
I am not worthy! Great ideas and execution. You da man Jack!
Pretty cool
I’m trying to figure out how to get my victron solar system to start my generator 🤔
Generator has to have a 2 wire start system for the Victron to do it.
Dude a 50$ 20lb will run that generator for a week solid and maybe more.. all i did with mine is take an old rusted out grill and gut it for the gas connections and knobs, then i drilled a hole in the air filter box cover and tapped into that. Same generator.. i just turn off the fuel cutoff valve when using propane then turn the knob back on if using gas.. mounted the tank on top of the gas tank with a water heater expansion mounting strap and done deal.. runs cooler, more efficiently and longer.. minimal ring abd cylinder
Very nice video! (Jack of all master of none) That is my handle. Thanks
This is an amazing way to make a portable generator work similarly to a stand-alone back up generator. Is it possible to get a parts list/wiring diagram of the box you created? I have the same generator, but mine is propane so no choke needed. Just looking for the way to wire up the remote box directly to the electrical panel on the generator.
Nice job!....great video and very informative
Could I use this "DC10K Engine Manual Start Generator Controller"? Just not too sure about wiring it to my Troy-Bilt generator.
What amperage should the push button switches be rated?
Can you think of a way to activate the Lost soldier via phone. I think it would be cool to have a remote camera on my front door and be able to unlock and lock it via cell phone or Internet. So if someone came to my door and I wanted to let them in I could do so.
Great video, I have the same unit, and very interested in copying your idea. Do you have a full wiring diagram of all your circuits. Thanks Bob
I just purchased a Duromax 13,000 watts. I live in Longisland NY, i’m an ass in electricity, how would help me install the remote starter on my generator?
why can't you use remote control airplane servos to actuate the choke and starter? They are super small.
You could
Freaking mcaiver, great job.
Great project!! Do you have a wiring diagram for the ignition?
Do you have a wiring diagram? , just an idea for the choke the actuator is very strong so just use a spring to retract the choke handle.
Great work, please can you provide the starter key with the relay diagram
Hello. Can’t believe this is the only video i can find about having the duro max generator in a shed. I already have the shed for it, so my problem is how to run the exhaust out of the shed. The exhaust sits just like yours. Is there a kit or maybe you can tell me how i can get that done. I would appreciate it.
Watch my other video. I used a circular metal pipe standoff just to disapate the extreme heat and keep it from melting the plastic.
Hey brother, Im following this project and building the same exact thing with the same exact generator. Ive been able to find everything that you have used for the remote started box and choke solenoid setup. I know that other people have asked, but some wirering diagrams of that starter box and anything else would be worth its weight in gold in order to finish this project. Thanks again.
I will see if I can find it. I already forget how exactly I wired it
@@JackofAllMasterofNone Looking to do the same, can you point me to the wiring diagram for your remote start? Thanks
@@JackofAllMasterofNone can i please get a wiring diagram for your remote start setup im using the same generator also Thank You
Great Video. however you need to be able to shut off the gas to the carburetor while its sitting there doing nothing. Nothing worse than leaving gas in the carb for months on end.(Ask me how I know) You will end up with gum,sludge,etc.Always best to shut off the gas when its done running and let it burn up whatever is in the carb. That way it wont gum up hopefully.
I use on only ethanol free "rec" gasoline. What gums up the carb is ethanol, not gasoline. I have let it sit for months and never have any problems.
very cool
Very nice video and thx for sharing the power door lock for choke. I was thinking of everything and that never crossed my mind. Where did u find your control switch board with the light notification when it's running? Thanks again 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Its all custom made. I just used a plastic box and added the switches and a 12volt led
I have mine wired as per the diagram. Three hot wires one to each switch and one fused positive to both 87s. Grounds to each 87a , 85 on relay one and 86 relay two. Relay one #86 is from one switch and positive to battery. #85 on relay two is from the other switch that comes from the battery. Each #30 has one wire from the actuator.
I have it exactly as the diagram says AS LONG AS where the diagram says +from switch means 12v from battery.
Problem is the actuator only functions outward.
The diagram is correct. Double check wiring. Try to manually power the actuator by attaching it to 12 volts and then switching the polarity. All this circuit does is reverse the polarity to the actuator. So when you press one switch it's positive one one terminal and negative on the other and then the other switch reverses the polarity. Very common automotive circuit. You can test it with a voltmeter that will show +12 volts and -12volts
Good video sir. Me being an old car audio installer, this kind of project on my 15000k DuroMax is right up my ally. Lol. All I wanted to know is how is your battery holding up with the ignition left on. Do you have a little red light on the panel showing it is energized? I’m thinking if you did, that would drain the battery over time unless disconnected. Do you keep a solar panel installed to keep battery topped off? Thanks for any info.
The ignition doesn't work like that. It's not a real on/off switch. It's either off(in the on position) and on in the off which grounds out the coil and keeps it from starting or running. I do have a solar maintainer but don't need it because I run it once a week for 15 minutes and that keeps the battery charged up off of the alternator.
Oh ok, well that makes it a lot easier to deal with. Also, I’ll have to see how the choke is situated on the 15000k being that it is a V-Twin motor. Thanks again
What in the world. I'm in the wrong section, this for experience mad scientist ppl not ass and go ppl. Holy shit
Ha lol ! Open thy eyes a bit wider my young Jedi you happen to be in the half ass section
I ended up not wiring a reversing relay for the choke, but rather put a spring on the actuator thus forcing the choke open when actuator is de-energized.
That works well also and is easier. That's kind of how some OEM ones are anyway.
I have it all done but the led indicator light u used. Did u run wires from the cig lighter plug or wired from generator?
Yes. I just used the 12volt output on the 12 volt screw terminals on the panel.
Thx a lot my friend. I ended up ordering 110v LEDs and wired from a plug off gen. U was a really big help with dat masterful design!!!
Hey! Thanks for this video amazing!! Where can I get the switch box from?
I made it. It's just a small plastic project box you can buy online
Thanks for taking time to reply me back!! What about the relays? What kind and where can I get them? Thanks 🙏🏼
You should be making the whole kit and sell it to people like me👍! I know that there’s a lot of people who want start up their generator from inside their home, just like me.. If you want to meme me one I wil buy it from you!
I want to do this to my generator, but what relays did you use? Are they specific or just a universal thing? Thank you for sharing this video.
Just universal automotive relays
@@JackofAllMasterofNone Thanks!! I found some on eBay. Two from eBay were cheaper than one at the auto parts store that I work at plus the ones from eBay came with the harnesses.
thanks for the Video, Just one question,
did you Parallel your Connections to the Key Switch Wiring, So you can still start it at the Generator?
It is paralleled but the problem is the off position is actually the on position if that makes sense. When you turn the switch to off it completes the circuit and grounds out the ignition. If you shut down the generator and then turn the interior switch to the run position you will be able to start it outside. If the switch outside or inside is in the off or shutdown position it wont start
@@JackofAllMasterofNone make that momentary contact, normally open! Where do you power up the green "running" light, from the 12v charging circuit?
very interesant my friend,
@Jack of All Master of None . My inlaws are retired now live near the gulf in Florida. Father inlaw bought a generator like the one in the video. Since purchasing had to have a pacemaker put in due to heart problems and cannot be near the generator while it starts or running. He has purchased a (universal) remote start for a car. Was curious if we sent pictures of the diagram could you help in figuring out what wires to use and not use. I live near Charlotte and they are 9 hrs away so time is not on my side when I get there along with mental fatigue. Would be happy to send my contact info to make communication easier. Please let me know if you can help thanks in advance.
The diagram shows one wire to the switch. Where does the other terminal on the switch run to?
The other wire on both switches goes to the positive term on the battery.
Hello! Sir! Its a very good project I hope if you can gave a me diagram for the keyswitch of the generator how you wire up that in to your house? And if possible to make it automatic when power grid runs out it will automatically start the generator if you have also that diagram I hope you can send me that also thanks and more power!!!!!
If you put a dpdt relay u can use a toggle switch for forward chock and back not choke
The signal has to be a momentary signal to the actuator. A dt relay will always send power to one side or the other, which will burn out the lock. Actually, if he would have used heavier wire, he wouldn't have even had to use the relays. You could always use a spdt, center off, momentary toggle as well
Why not connect the actuator directly to starter terminals, so when crank the choke will be activated and when it starts, spring will turn back the choke
If you do a hot start you dont want the choke on
@@JackofAllMasterofNone you are right, but it is much easier, compared to the variant with the relays. And the most important - it is automatic, it chokes only the time when crank the engine - 2 or 3 seconds. And other, my gen is with honda clone engine (chinese but works great) and it wont start without choke, no matter hot or cold, without automatic choke I can not use the remote control.
The new model of this generator has an automatic choke
How can I convert to natural gas
What if the generator does not have a keystarter?
You can still add the electric choke but im sure why you would want to since you have to pull start it?
Just found this video can you please draw a wiring diagram of this
Bad idea... Just get a standby generator.
Has been working great for the last 4 years.
@@JackofAllMasterofNone Also seen a setup almost identical burn down two houses.
@@markavery2888 Hey I've seen a standby generator burn down 2 houses. We even?
@@JackofAllMasterofNone LOL Good one... Most standbys that I have seen burn up had maintenance or install problems.
Not saying what you did can't be done, but most people screw it up. The generators overheat. Still not recommended to put it in a combustible container against your house.
@@markavery2888 I understand, which is why I installed a fire suppression system in the "box" should something go awry. It is not as ideal as a standby but in rural areas where no propane or natural gas is readily available, it is an important option for some people. My plan is to upgrade to a diesel standby generator soon.