Flight Systems

Universal Standby Generator Controller

Reference
Manual
Version 1 .09
DESCRIPTION
This all digital generator controller is a perfect
solution for updating older controls or new
installations. The GenStart is available in a
variety of sizes and mounting options to
simplify installation. Includes license free
software, backed with a 2 year warranty, and
free technical support.

FEATURES
8 channel digital input.
4 channel analog input.
Selectable 3 phase/single phase current sensing.
Selectable 3 phase/single phase voltage sensing.
RS485 serial communications port.
Common alarm contact.
4 programmable relays.
Magnetic pickup input.
USB port for programming.
License free software for programming.
Selectable self exercise.
Real time clock with event logging.
Daylight readable, backlit character display.
High performace, automotive grade microcontroller.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LAYOUT

INSTALLATION KITS

GENERATOR CONTROL

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION

RUNNING IN MANUAL MODE

RUNNING IN AUTO MODE

PROGRAMMING FROM THE KEYPAD

DIGITAL / ANALOG INPUT SETTINGS

GENERATOR SETTINGS

10

MPU / RELAY OUTPUT SETTINGS

11

SYSTEM DELAY SETTINGS

12

ACCESSING THE EVENT HISTORY

13

ADJUSTING SENDER SLOPES

14

SYSTEM CALIBRATION SETTINGS

15

EVENT TABLE

16

TECHNICAL SUPPORT / WARRANTY

17

WIRING DIAGRAMS

1 8-1 9

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

LAYOUT

Contrast
adjustment

MODEL 1 000-SM

Daylight readable
backlit display

8 Channel
Digital Input

*RS485 Port

4 Channel
Analog Input

Alarm Relay
4 Programmable
Relays
8 AMPS MAX

3 Phase
Current
Sensing Input
5 AMPS MAX

Power 7-36 VDC

3 Phase
Voltage
Sensing Input
300 VAC MAX

RPM Input
20Hz-20khz

SPECIFICATIONS
4 Programmable NO Relays
Options:
0-Disabled
1 -Start Solenoid
2-Fuel Solenoid
3-Pre Heat
4-Field Flash
5-Not In Auto
6-System Ready
7-Transfer Ready
8-Shutdown Alarm
9-Idle Control
1 0-Shutdown Solenoid

Power Input 7-36VDC

Settings:
Low Cranking voltage
Low Battery Voltage
High Battery Voltage

RPM Input 20-20khz

Settings:

Crank Disconnect RPM

Under Speed
Over Speed

8 Channel Digital Input

Switched to ground

Settings:

Active Open
Active Closed

Options:

0-Disabled
1 -Air Damper
2-Charger Failure
3-High Engine Temp
4-Low Engine Temp
5-Low Fuel Pressure
6-Low Fuel Level
7-Low Oil Level
8-Low Oil Pressure
9-Low Coolant
1 0-Emergency Stop
11 -Basin Rupture
1 2-Fuel Leak
1 3-Remote Start

4 Channel Analog Input

With constant current driver

for resistive sensors.
(0-2500 ohms)

Settings:

Current (2-20mA)
Low Alarm
Pre Low Alarm
Pre High Alarm
High Alarm

Options:

0-Disabled
1 -Oil Temp
2-Oil Pressure
3-Coolant Temp
4-Coolant Level
5-Fuel Pressure
6-Fuel Level

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3 Phase Voltage and

Current Input
Settings:
CT Ratio
Over Current
Low Voltage
High Voltage
Low Frequency
High Frequency

Options:

Single Phase A-N

Single Phase A-B
3 Phase (4 wire)

Real Time Clock

With programmable self

exercise

Settings:

Date and Time

Exercise Interval
Exercise Time

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

INSTALLATION KITS
MODEL 1 000-FM

Flush mount installation with 4 mounting holes. Recommended cutout

is 5 1 /8 inches x 8 inches. Ideal for existing generator enclosures. Mild
steel faceplate and back cover. Black UV resistant powder coat finish.
Faceplate dimensions 1 5cm X 22cm
Unit shipped with the 1 000-SM/FM default settings.

MODEL 1 000-BR

Flush mount installation with 4 mounting holes to match the DGC

500/1 000. Mild steel construction with black UV resistant powder
coat finish. 3 panel mount relays for Crank, Fuel, and Preheat.
Minimum cutout is 6 3/4 inches x 9 inches. Software includes
profiles and sensor calibration for existing sensors.
Faceplate dimensions 7 3/4in X 11 1 /4in
Unit shipped pre-programmed with the DGC 500 default settings.

MODEL 1 000-ER

Flush mount installation and instructions for replacing the Generac EPanel with minimal modifications. Included template for drilling 6
mounting holes for faceplate. Minimum cutout is 5 3/8 inches X 3 1 /2
inches (E-Panel) and 6, 9/64 inch mounting holes. Software includes
profiles and sensor calibration for existing sensors.
Faceplate dimensions 1 2cm X 1 9cm
Unit shipped pre-programmed with the E-Panel default settings

56-1 000-01

Oil pressure and universal temperature sender kit for new installations. If
you are unsure of how to calibrate your existing sensors then this may be
your solution. Both the Model 1 000-FM and 1 000-SM come pre calibrated
for this sensor kit. Temperature sender comes with 3 different adaptors to fit
any application.
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Universal Standby Generator Controller

INSTALLATION
Several mounting options are available for the GenStart controller. Follow the included instructions
for mounting the GenStart for your application. Generic wiring diagrams are provided with this
manual and are considered to be "factory default settings" or test settings that are used to calibrate
and verify correct operation of the controller. Depending on the kit you received you may have
received specialized intructions that are application specific.

GENERATOR CONTROL
In either AUTO or MANUAL mode the keypad will function as defined by the labels above and below
the navigation keys. To switch between manual and auto mode you must first press OFF to reset
the controller.

MANUAL - From the OFF mode, press the right arrow key to select manual. If a progammable

relay has been set for pre heat, the pre heat relay will close. Never leave the generator remain in
manual while not starting or running. Press ENT to engage the start solenoid and manually crank
the generator. While running in manual the left and right arrow keys will cycle through the displays,
the ESC key will emergency stop, UP will silence an active pre alarm, and DOWN will return to OFF.

AUTO - From the OFF mode, press the left arrow to select AUTO mode. When in AUTO mode

grounding a digital input set for remote start will begin the auto start squence. The left and right
arrows will cycle through the 4 available displays. Press ESC to emergency stop, UP to silence an
active pre alarm, and DOWN to return to OFF.
For a detailed explanation of the options available in AUTO and MANUAL see the SEQUENCE OF
OPERATION section of this manual.

ALARMS
In the event of an alarm condition, the main screen will default to an alarm notification screen, the
internal alarm will sound and the backlight will begin flashing. Pressing the UP arrow will silence the
alarm and if the alarm is not a shutdown event it will return the display to the main screen. Pressing
alarm silence again will clear the active alarm. If the alarm is set for shutdown, you must clear the
alarm by returning to the OFF position. The last 50 events are stored in the EVENT HISTORY, most
recent listed first.
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Universal Standby Generator Controller

SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Off Mode - On initial power up the controller will default to OFF mode or Reset. In OFF mode all

alarms are cleared, generator and engine monitoring are disabled and sensor power is disabled. To
switch modes, use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys for AUTO and MANUAL . Press the ESC
button to enter SETUP. See page 7 for details on the Main Menu. While in OFF mode,
the screen will display serial communication information (USB and RS485).

Auto Mode - Auto mode is enabled by pressing the LEFT arrow key while in the OFF position.

Switching to auto mode will enable power for the analog sensors and enable constant alarms. This
mode will also enable remote start and self exercise functions as setup in the user profile. Press
the DOWN arrow to return to OFF mode or use the LEFT and RIGHT arrows to scroll through the
main display options. Pressing the ESC key at any time will acitvate the Emergency Stop
function. You must return to the OFF position before switching to MANUAL.
IMPORTANT! RPM and voltage crank disconnects must be configured for
this function to work properly.

Main Page
Battery Voltage
Engine RPM
Analog Channel 1
Analog Channel 2
Analog Channel 3
Analog Channel 4

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Page 3

Page 4

Stator Voltage
Stator Current
Frequency
(varies depending
on stator config)

Displays most
recent active
alarm condition.

Date and Time

Next Exercise
(if enabled)

Manual Mode - Manual mode is enabled by pressing the RIGHT arrow key while in the OFF

position. This will disable the low power mode and allow you to force the generator into a start
condition. Press and hold the ENTER key to enable the start solenoid. If crank disconnect on RPM
or voltage has been properly set up, the crank will disengage automatically. Otherwise, you must
release the ENTER key to disengage the starter. As with AUTO mode, pressing ESC will activate
the Emergency Stop function and the LEFT and RIGHT arrows will scroll through the main display
options

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

RUNNING IN MANUAL MODE

1 . Manual - While in OFF mode, press the right arrow or MANUAL button
to enable MANUAL mode. The pre-heat relay is enabled if configured
and all alarms are enabled except low oil pressure and voltage. Do not
leave the controller unattended in manual as it will cause excessive drain
on the battery when not running. It is recommended that you verify all
readings are correct in manual mode before enabling AUTO mode.

2. Manual Start - Press and hold Crank(ENT) to engage the start

solenoid, field flash, and fuel solenoid relay. Pre-heat will remain active
during cranking. If the RPM calibration and crank disconnect settings are
configured properly, the start solenoid will disengage automatically.
Otherwise you must release the Crank button upon start up to disengage
the start solenoid.

Press and hold

crank to start

3. Running in Manual - After RPM and/or voltage exceed crank

disconnect values the mode indicator will change to "Running in Manual".

The alarm bypass delay and transfer ready delay will begin to time out.
You can use the RIGHT and LEFT arrows to scroll through the main
display. After the alarm bypass delay expires, oil pressure and voltage
alarms will be enabled. The Transfer Ready relay will be active after the
transfer ready delay expires.

4. Shutdown - To shut down from manual mode, press the Off button.

The generator will shut down without delay and return to the OFF or reset
mode.

IMPORTANT! Before switching to AUTO you MUST have the RPM

calibration(flywheel teeth), RPM disconnect and Voltage
disconnect configured properly to prevent damage to generator.
Default Settings:
RPM Calibration = 1 68 Pulses Per Revolution
RPM Crank Disconnect = 400 RPM
Voltage Crank Disconnect = 75 VAC A-N

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Release crank
after disconnect

Press Off to
Shutdown

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

RUNNING IN AUTO MODE

1 . Standby - While in OFF mode press the left arrow or AUTO button to

enable AUTO mode. It is very important that RPM calibration and RPM
crank disconnect or voltage crank disconnect are set correctly for this
function to work properly. Please review these settings before
attempting to run in AUTO. It is recommended that you do a manual test
first to confirm RPM and voltage readings are correct.

2. Enable Auto Start - Grounding the remote start input or enabling the

self exercise function will begin the time delay before engine start
(default is 1 0 seconds) and activate the pre-heat relay (if enabled). After
the delay expires, the controller will attempt to start the generator.
Removing the remote start signal at this time will immediately return the
controller to standby without delay.

3. Auto Crank - During cranking the GenStart controller will monitor

stator voltage and RPM for crank disconnect. The controller will try to
start the generator for the number of cycles, time on and time off, as set
in the user profile. Default settings are 5 attempts at 5 seconds on and
1 0 seconds off before faulting on overcrank. The controller will test for
low cranking voltage during the crank cycle.

4. Running in AUTO - After crank disconnect by either stator voltage or

RPM, the alarm bypass delay and transfer ready delay begin to time out.
The mode indicator will change to Running in AUTO or Self Exercise
depending on the start condition. Preheat, Start Solenoid, and Field
Flash are disabled and all alarms except oil pressure and voltage are
enabled. Removing the remote start signal will immediately shut down
the generator and return to standby without delay. 1 5 seconds before
transfer ready, Idle Control will be active and the controller will start to
monitor voltage and frequency.

5. Cooldown - After the alarm bypass delay expires, both oil pressure

and voltage alarms are enabled. Removing the remote start signal
before the transfer ready delay expires will immediately shut down the
generator. If the transfer ready delay has expired, removing the remote
start signal will disable the transfer ready relay and begin the cooldown
cycle for the duration set in the user profile. Self exercise does not
require a cooldown cycle and upon completion of a successful exercise,
an event will be stored in the event history and a notification message is
generated for RS485 devices.
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Universal Standby Generator Controller

MENU NAVIGATION
On start up the GenStart will default to AUTO. Press OFF to reset the controller. When in OFF
mode, note that OFF is displayed at the top of the character display and diagnostic data from the
USB and RS485 ports is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Press ESC to enter the MAIN
MENU. The default option should be set to SETTINGS. Press ENT to enter the SETTINGS menu.
When prompted to enter PIN, use the left and right arrows to select a digit and the up and down
arrows to change the number. The default PIN is set to 1 000, press ENT. Continue to use the right
and left arrow keys to cycle through options, enter to select, and
escape to go back. To increase or decrease a set parameter, use
the up and down keys. Press ENT to save a setting when prompted
to by the display. All parameters can be adjusted from the on-board
keypad except analog sender slopes, run hours, and security PIN
numbers. An example of how to set up each parameter is included
in this manual. Making changes to the analog sender slopes, PIN
numbers, and run hours can be changed with the included software.

SETTING PARAMETERS FROM THE KEYPAD

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

DIGITAL INPUTS
All digital inputs are clearly labeled
on the left side of the GenStart
controller. They have been
programmed for a common set of
faults based on the application the
controller was ordered for, however
they can be reassigned for other
functions from the SETTINGS
menu as well as their polaity
(NO/NC). It is good practice to set
any unused inputs to disabled but
may not be necessary as long as
the polarity of the input is set to
ACTIVE CLOSED.
Note that all digital inputs are
switched to ground.

ANALOG INPUTS
To function correctly, analog inputs must be calibrated for the sensor being used. The analog inputs
of the GenStart use a programmable constant current source to power resistive sensors in the
range of 0-2500 ohms. Do not connect any external voltage source to an analog input of the
GenStart! Sender slopes can only be adjusted by connecting to the GenConnect software. See
the calibration section of this manual for more information on creating and setting sender slopes.
Upon ordering the GenStart controller you can specify the sender slopes you would like to have
programmed. To adjust trip points or enable/disable the analog inputs from the keypad access the
ANALOG INPUTS from the SETTINGS menu.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

3 PHASE CURRENT SENSING

The 3 phase current input is monitored based on the voltage configuration setting from the
SETTINGS menu. Setting the stator configuration to single phase A-N (default), the controller will
only monitor phase A for over current. Setting for A-B will monitor inputs A and B, and setting to 3
phase (4 wire) will monitor inputs A,B, and C. The default CT ratio is set to 500:1 .

3 PHASE VOLTAGE SENSING

The 3 phase stator voltage input is monitored based on the voltage configuration setting from the
SETTINGS menu. Setting the stator configuration to disabled will disable crank disconnect voltage,
over/under frequency, over/under voltage, and over current. It is recommended that at a minimum
the stator configuration is set to single phase A-N (default). Frequency and crank disconnect
voltage is derived from phase A to neutral in any configuration. Setting the stator to single phase AB will display the sum of both inputs but will monitor over and under voltage from each input to
neutral. A setting of 3 phase (4 wire) will monitor over and under voltage from each phase to
neutral. 3 phase delta is not supported by the software.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

MPU INPUT
Use shielded twisted pair to connect a mag pickup, tach generator, or R-terminal to the RPM input.
The shield should only be connected at the controller. It is very important to set the MPU
configuration for your application. Failure to properly set the pulses per revolution could result in
starter or ring gear damage as well as incorrect RPM readings. The MPU configuration is availble
from the SETTINGS menu. To disable the MPU set the calibration to 0. RPM will be derived from
the stator frequency.

PROGRAMMABLE RELAYS
Refer to the default wiring diagrams for connecting the relay outputs. The default configuration is
listed below and other options are available in the relay configuration option from the SETTINGS
menu.
1 . Common Alarm - Dry contact A for external alarm.
2. Common Alarm - Dry contact B for external alarm.
3. Relay 1 - Configured for transfer ready signal.
4. Relay 1 - Configured for transfer ready signal.
5. Relay 2 - Fuel Solenoid*
6. Relay 2 - Connect to battery power for fuel sol.
7. Relay 3 - Pre heat output.
8. Relay 3 - Power or ground for pre heat.
9. Relay 4 - Start Solenoid*
1 0. Relay 4 - Connect to battery power.
11 . Battery - Power for GenStart controller.
1 2. Ground - System ground for the controller.
*Relays can switch to ground or to battery
voltage. External diodes should be installed
for inductive loads.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

SYSTEM DELAY CONFIGURATION

Crank Delay - Sets the on and off time of the cyclic engine cranking relay.
Crank Cycles - Sets the number of tries before the generator shuts down on overcrank.
Engine Start - Sets the delay before the controller attempts to start when called from the transfer
switch.

Alarm Bypass - Sets the time delay before the oil pressure alarm becomes active after the engine
starts.

Transfer Ready - Sets the time delay before the transfer ready relay, if defined, becomes active

after the engine starts. The transfer ready delay also sets the behavior of the voltage alarms as well
as the idle control relay, if defined. Voltage alarms are active 1 0 seconds prior to the end of the
transfer ready delay and idle control relay, if defined, is active 20 seconds prior.
Cooldown - Sets the time the generator runs after the transfer switch calls for stop. Voltage alarms
are disabled and idle control is active during cooldown.

TESTING YOUR CONFIGURATION

After you have reveiwed the user profile it is recommended that you do a test run in MANUAL
mode. Refer to the Sequence of Operation and Running in Manual sections of this manual.
Start and run the generator in manual to confirm that crank disconnect and analog readings are
correct. Allow enough time for the generator to run the system delays and get to normal operating
conditions to test for false alarms. Shutdown by returning to the OFF mode and set the controller
for AUTO. Ground the remote start input to simulate a request from the transfer switch and confirm
all settings are correct.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

EVENT HISTORY
The last 50 events are stored in non-volatile memory and will not be
erased by removing power to the controller. Events are listed most
recent first and will overwrite the oldest entry after 50 events are stored.
Events include pre alarms, shutdown alarms and exercise functions.
While in OFF mode, press ESC to enter the main menu and select Event
History, then press ENT. Use the left and right buttons to select View
History or Clear History and press ENT. Use the UP and DOWN buttons
to view the event history.

TERMINAL
The terminal application is used for debugging and setting up devices
connected to the RS485 port of the GenStart controller. Note that
entering the terminal application will cease all comunication on the
RS485 and USB ports so external devices may indicate a communication
failure until you exit the terminal application. Press ENT to enable the
terminal application and ESC to exit.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

SENDER CALIBRATION
New for version 1 .08 and later, analog inputs are calibrated by entering 1 0 calibration points of
resistance and actual value. Values must be entered in decending order from maximum to
minimum value. Resistance readings can be entered in decending order (positive slope) or
accending order (negative slope). The current source will automatically be adjusted based on the
maximum resistance value. Included with the software are tables for some common sensors. To
select a preset sensor, click "Load" on the desired channel. A dialog box will open and navigate to
the folder labeled "SENSORS". Select the desired sensor and click open. The calibration points
will be loaded as well as the sensor function and the current setting in mA. See the diagrams below
for examples of the default VDO oil pressure transducer and VDO temperature sender.

The default oil pressure

transducer is a positive
slope. Both resistance and
value are entered in
decending order. The
function has been set to oil
pressure and the current
adjusted to 1 6mA based on a
maximum resistance of 1 85
ohms.

The default coolant

temperature sensor has a
negative slope. Values are
entered in decending order
and resistance is entered in
accending order. The
function is set to Coolant
Temp and the current has
been adjusted to 2 mA based
on a maximum resistance of
2700 ohms.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

SYSTEM CALIBRATION
The system calibration includes constants for the programmable current (offset and span), battery
voltage, AC current, and AC voltage. These settings have been set from the factory and should not
need adjusted. The calibration settings represent a decimal number that the raw ADC value is
calculated with to display actual values.

Constant Current Driver - Calibration for the current driver can be set using the GenConnect

software. For correct calibration procedures see the Manual section of the GenConnect software.

Battery Voltage - Increase or decrease this value to correct battery voltage.

AC Voltage - AC voltage offsets are automatically set everytime a value is stored in the calibration
settings. To display correct stator voltage, increase or decrease the span for that phase.

Current Transformers - Increase or decrease this value to correct current readings.

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Universal Standby Generator Controller

Technical Assistance - If you require technical assistance during installation or operation of the
GenStart controller, please call our Technical Service Department at 71 7-590-7330 M-F, 8am-5pm
ET or email [email protected].

Repair -

Should the GenStart Controller suffer a problem when out of warranty, repair service is
available from the manufacturer at reasonable rates. Ship unit to Flight Systems, 207 Hempt Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 1 7050.

Warranty - The GenStart Controller is warranted to be free from defects in materials and

workmanship for a period of two years from the date of shipment. FLIGHT SYSTEMS liability is
limited to the repair or replacement of defective product within the warranty period, and does not
cover installation or removal costs incurred or possible damage to other equipment (including
generator sets and transfer switches) as a result of a malfunction of the GENSTART
REPLACEMENT CONTROL. If, in the opinion of FLIGHT SYSTEMS (or its authorized agent), the
malfunction of the GENSTART REPLACEMENT CONTROL PANEL was caused by abuse, misuse
or improper installation, the warranty claim will be disallowed and established repair rates shall
apply.

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ACCESSORIES
56-A1 000-02 - 23 light remote annunciator for GenStart Model

1 000 Universal Standby Generator controller. Flush mout panel

with no configuration necessary. Easy to read LED display for
notification of shutdowns and pre alarms. RS485
communication port for simple plug and play installation.

Wifi Modem - Receive email and sms notifications as well

as remote access and control of slave devices with this

802.11 bgn compatible modem. In addition, 2 external
switched to ground inputs can be configured for custom
alarms. RS485 port is compatible with the Model 1 000
GenStart and 09354-53 KASSEC replacement. Includes
license free software for configuring the device and remote
access.

Cellular Modem - Get remote notifications of failures and

events through email and sms text with this CDMA modem.
Provisioning has been pre programmed for Verizon Wireless
service but custom programming is available for the carrier
of your choice or take advantage of the benefits of joining
our private network for very affordable serviceplans through
Flight Systems. Service plans are available for as low as
$1 2 a month.