DynaGen Technologies, the Canadian manufacturer of engine and generator controls, instrumentation, automatic transfer switches, generator load controls, battery charge managers and remote telemetry and control systems, has developed two new engine controls designed to provide a high degree of functionality in a simple, economical package. The GSC300 Digital Display AutoStart engine controller integrates a range of critical engine readings and control functions, while the GCP300 control panel combines the GSC300 engine controller and two analog gauges displaying volts and amps.

"Approximately 80% of purchasers of engine control products add four to six gauges on every job," said Bill Faulkner, vice president of marketing at the Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, company. "In a typical installation the total cost of a conventional controller, gauges and associated labor can easily exceed $300.

"The GSC300 can cut that cost in half. And, the GCP300 Panel is the perfect solution for customers who want analog display for volts and amps. It is the lowest priced of any comparable panel in the marketplace."

The GSC300 control integrates six critical engine readings, a complete range of engine control functions and a built in Auto/Manual/Off switch. Gauge functions displayed include oil pressure, engine temperature, fuel level, hourmeter, frequency and battery voltage.

Faulkner said the GSC300 engine controller is also unique in that it is socketed to accept three on-board, user-installed 40 amp cube relays, each protected by an easily replaceable automotive type fuse. This feature eliminates costs related to the mounting, wiring and fusing of-external slave relays for fuel, crank and preheat.

Information is displayed on an ultrabright backlit 16-character LCD panel and eight high intensity LEDs with regulated brightness for status and failure indications. LED indicators cover a range of functions and conditions, including low oil pressure, high water temperature, overcrank and overspeed, engine running, pre-heat/ETS, low battery and not in auto.

The GSC300 can be programmed manually via three buttons on the front panel or with an easy-to-use PC software interface. The software allows customization of messaging and languages, sender selections and control settings, etc. The unit can also be configured to customer settings at the factory prior to shipping.

Controller adjustments available include warm-up (zero to 200 seconds); cool down (zero to 255 sec-disconnect (12 to 140 Hz in the generator output version, 44 to 300 Hz in magnetic pick-up version); overspeed (60 to 4156 Hz in generator output version, 300 to 8492 Hz in magnetic pick-up version); crank rest (3 to 32 seconds); start delay (zero to 59 seconds); crank attempts (1 to 10 or a single long crank attempt available up to 256 seconds); oil bypass (15 to 55 seconds); and low battery indication (7 to 35 seconds).

Faulkner pointed out that the new controllers am UL508 listed and in the near future will be J1939 and NFPA Level 1 complaint. "Compatibility for Tier 2 engines is a priority for our products," he said.

Despite its versatility, DynaGen was able to maintain a compact dimensional envelope to provide maximum mounting flexibility. The GSC300 controller, which is constructed with an impact-resistant, injection molded plastic housing, it 4.5 in. high, 5.5 in. wide and 1.25 in deep. The GCP300 panel's steel enclosure is 11.5 in. long, 8.254 in. high and 10 in. deep.

Three on-board replaceable 40A fuses protect fuel, crank and timer outputs. The unit is reverse polarity protected and includes short circuit and overload protection on annunciation outputs. All inputs are electrostatic discharge protected. Removable terminal blocks are used for annunciation outputs and low power connections. All other connections utilize 0.25 in. spade terminals.