Controller for my Lister generator.

John123321

Hello All

We have a Lister 8-1 start-o-matic which was already installed at
our cottage when we purchased it in 1975, which we ran for several
years with no major problems.

In about 1980 we purchased Lister ST1 start-o-matic which we ran for
the next 20 years(47,000 Hours) as our main power supply, with the 8-
1 just being used when servicing the ST1.

In about year 2000 we decied to go into alternative power production
(wind & solar) we now have 3 wind turbines(1.5/2.0kw) and 700watts
pv panels that track the sun(I built some solar water heating panels
about 1981 which still work well with a few mods over the years)

The reason for this post is I am thinking of selling the ST1 and
just using the 8-1 to charge the batteries when needed(90/95% self
sufficient on wind & solar)

The start-o-matic cicuit is a bit old and tired(like me!)and not
really needed as I start it manually when required, but I would like
to update it so it is understandable to lesser mortals than
ourselves!!

I was looking at this web site

http://www.gencontrol.co.uk/

Their controls look quite good and not expensive.

I have fitted a thermostat into the cylinder head to make it run
hotter (85/88deg) and an thinking of fitting a glowplug in place of
the compression change valve.

Their model 003xx looks as if it would work well in this situation
as I always found the start-o-matic cicuit put the engine on
compression to soon causing it to stall(I wired a delay in the
cicuit)

I thought also of pehaps fitted a temp sensor so it is a bit more
protected(for the lesser mortals)I don,t think oil pressure is
viable unless some one knows different?

So what is everybodys thoughts?

Thank,s John

Ps I had the alternator overhauled by the manufacturer BKB Birmingham
(was part of the swan brand)back in late 70,s(those were the days it
was done via the back door!!)

spakkker

Try posting your question on uk.rec.waterways -a newsgroup.