Mod: Micro-Air EasyStart
DETAILS: Micro-Air EasyStart™
I’ve encountered two driveway camping experiences in hot weather when I could not get my air conditioner to start without tripping the 15-amp household breaker. Even with every other 120v electrical function in the RV disabled, including the converter (battery charger), the amps that the AC required to start were too great for the 15-amp circuit that I was plugged into, even though 15 amps is typically enough to keep the AC running once it starts.
The EasyStart™ solves a few problems:
Reduces the required start current by 65-75%
Practically eliminates the jolt and associated noise/vibration of the AC compressor start
Enables AC to start (and then run) on a 15-amp household outlet
Enables AC to start (and then run) on a small Honda (or similar) generator
Enables AC to start (and then run) on a 2,000w inverter
The Easy-Start™ is a microprocessor inside a waterproof housing that replaces the role of the start capacitor on your rooftop AC unit. It’s a one-of-a-kind, custom-developed soft starter for single-phase motors that employs a 4-part start ramp sequence that is self-optimizing, resulting in the lowest possible start-up current.
The manufacturer’s instructions, linked below, are very detailed and must be followed exactly. Rather than detail the step-by-step procedures here, I’ll defer to the links below.
I will highlight one specific note from my experience, however. My 2018 Navion came with a Coleman-Mach 10 model (with heat pump). The only available space to install the EasyStart™ is an area that is fully exposed to the elements (i.e. rain, sun, etc.). I confirmed with Micro-Air that this is, in fact, a suitable mounting location, even though several YouTube videos specify that you must mount the unit in the sealed electrical compartment.
I’m amazed how slow and graceful the start-up of the compressor is now. Very pleased with this mod!
EasyStart™ 364: www.amazon.com/dp/B08VFDYQ4Q
Detailed Instructions for Coleman-Mach AC units: https://bit.ly/2JUkRnM
Detailed Instructions for Dometic AC units: https://bit.ly/2WogsA7