Power Relay Project

Remote Start a Honda Electric Start Generator with RMSv1

When your batteries need a boost to bring them back to full charge, a generator and a high amperage battery charger are the things you need! With RMSv1 you can remote start and stop your generator at anytime using an Internet connection from home or at the office!

We chose the Honda eu-3000-is generator for its quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and electric start capability. It does have one draw back, it isn't equipped with an automatic choke. We overcame this drawback with a trunk lock solenoid to actuate the choke mechanism. The solenoid was purchased from the local automobile wrecking yard for 5 bucks. 

Warning! Disassembly required!

Using our reverse engineering skills, we disassembled the front panel to get at the key start circuitry. The start switch has four wires that plug into it. With the wiring schematic in the manual, we were able to ascertain that two of the wires that attached to the start switch were for the starter, the other two are used to stop (kill) the engine. Touching the two starter wires together causes the starter to engage, the generator fires up. Touching the two stop wires together, stops (kills) the generator. At this point, we also removed the factory choke cable.

It's not as bad as it looks! But the warranty has for sure been voided.

The starter switch has a plastic plug connector that when separated, allows us to attach wires to it with ordinary automotive spade connectors. We ran the two starter wires to the large power relay (relay 3) on the RMS board. One starter wire we attached to the COM terminal, the other starter wire we attached to the NO (normally open) terminal. The two engine stop (kill) wires we ran out to one of the smaller power relays (relay 2) on the RMS board. One kill wire we attached to the COM terminal, the other kill wire we attached to the NC (normally closed) terminal. 

RMS relays connected to the generator.

Powering RMSv1 with an ordinary Ac to Dc wall outlet adapter, and connecting it to a laptop computer with a Ethernet cross cable, we are able to start and stop the generator at will. The next step is to install the solenoid to actuate the choke mechanism. The solenoid when powered, pushes a piston attached to a lever. When power is released the piston slides back again. Since the solenoid is powered in only one direction, a return spring was added to the choke mechanism to open the choke fully when power is released from the solenoid.

Making a hole for the choke return spring.

 A bicycle brake cable was selected for its flexibility to pull the choke closed with the solenoid. The cable is attached to the choke and routed out the side panel of the generator.

Making a hole for the new choke cable.

The solenoid gets attached to the generator, and the new choke cable gets attached to the solenoid lever. 

The solenoid and choke cable is installed.

At this point our RMSv1 unit is able to actuate the choke and start/stop the Honda generator remotely with our laptop. So far so good. Next we must modify the exhaust outlet to vent the exhaust fumes outside our equipment shack.

It looks weird, but works perfectly!.

The factory fuel tank on the generator is much too small for any kind of prolonged use, so a larger steel fuel tank was obtained.  A fuel filter and shut-off ball valve were added. A large capacity fuel tank will allow us to charge our batteries enough to last all winter. 

The fuel filter and shut-off valve.

A 50 gallon steel fuel cell.

Below are some pictures of our equipment building on Holmes Mountain with the RMSv1 unit and Honda generator installed. This relay project worked exceptionally well! We are able to monitor our batteries, temperature, entrance door, and remote start our generator from the comfort of home! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the sales staff at Mac's Auto Parts for their knowledgeable help, and interest in our relay project. Thanks guys!