Posts: 134
Threads: 9
Joined: Jul 2022
Looking to tap into the braintrust here.
I plan to hardwire install a watchdog.
Why some may ask!?!
Well, I have one and it will allow me the extra Bluetooth power monitoring that I do not have.
Have to, no. Want to, yes
So my question is a pro/con of installing before or after the existing Surge Guard ATS?
Arch & Mary Jones
1997 Newell #463
Williamsburg, VA or Gettysburg, PA
depending on what day it is
(This post was last modified: 04-07-2024, 05:41 PM by
Jonestead.)
Posts: 5,116
Threads: 249
Joined: Jul 2012
Hmmmmmmmm, doesn’t the watchdog have surge protection? If it does, yank the surge guard out and put the watchdog in its place.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)
Posts: 134
Threads: 9
Joined: Jul 2022
(04-08-2024, 04:28 AM)Richard Wrote: Hmmmmmmmm, doesn’t the watchdog have surge protection? If it does, yank the surge guard out and put the watchdog in its place.
It does but only surge protection with Bluetooth power monitoring. the Surge Guard does double duty as auto transfer switch so i wasnt looking at replacement.
With both there would be surge redundancy but I see that only as a unnecessary benefit.
My thought installing it after the Surge GuardATS would really only be Bluetooth monitoring of genset as well...unless I am missing something
Arch & Mary Jones
1997 Newell #463
Williamsburg, VA or Gettysburg, PA
depending on what day it is
Posts: 5,116
Threads: 249
Joined: Jul 2012
Ahhhhhh. I have had a surge guard installed both ways relative to the ATS. I definitely preferred to only have the device on incoming power.
Why, every once in a while when starting up the gen, the surge guard would chatter a bit, which is not good for the genset controller.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)
Posts: 567
Threads: 29
Joined: Jul 2012
I have my Watchdog upstream of the ATS. This is also the configuration for a similar device when I had the Newell. My reasoning is this: Everything is subject to failure at some time. Should the Watchdog fail and be installed downstream of everything I no longer have the generator as a backup. Also I believe the generator power to be more transient free than some random power post to which I may be connected. YMMV
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004
Posts: 134
Threads: 9
Joined: Jul 2022
Thx for the feedback, before the ATS it is
Arch & Mary Jones
1997 Newell #463
Williamsburg, VA or Gettysburg, PA
depending on what day it is
Posts: 77
Threads: 20
Joined: Jul 2022
We have the power watchdog. We did not hardwire in the system. Issues in my opinion will come from the poll and not the gen. Bluetooth is awesome specially if you have dogs and have to leave them inside while ya run out for a bit. Can monitor the amp draw when the ac units are on. JMO. Plus using at the poll makes it way more easier to replace if something goes wrong.
Adam & Dana Mize
coach # 480
1998 45' 2 slides
Detroit Diesel series 60 turned up to 745 hp
Posts: 567
Threads: 29
Joined: Jul 2012
Okay I am a bit confused. Your post seems to indicate you can monitor the data from the Watchdog while you are away from the coach. Bluetooth has a very short range and I am not sure how you are doing this, but would sure be interested.
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004
Posts: 77
Threads: 20
Joined: Jul 2022
wifi
Adam & Dana Mize
coach # 480
1998 45' 2 slides
Detroit Diesel series 60 turned up to 745 hp
Posts: 567
Threads: 29
Joined: Jul 2012
My bad - it’s wifi but the question still remains. It is generally accepted that WiFi is good for 150’ indoors and 300’ outdoors. How are you able to communicate with the Watchdog over long distance?
Russ White
2016 Winnebago Vista LX 30T
#530 ( Sold )
1999 45' Double Slide - Factory upgrade 2004
