Maxwell Engine Start Module

Glad to see you here. The technical support line is pretty worthless. If I have issues I'll know who to contact.

 

You're welcome!

Cheers!!! Sean

 

Hi gregbo,

Let me know which number you called and I'll address this internally... In the meantime, if you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks, Sean

 

Semi Crazy, you are correct on all fronts.

The nominal voltage for the ESM at ~70 F will be at or above 15 V, and as the temp begins to drop the voltage will INCREASE (you will see just over 16 Volts of potential as the temp falls below freezing).

Caps/UCaps discharge quickly, however they are able to be recharged in a short period of time, which an advantage Caps have over Batteries. The ESM will give you approx. 15 seconds of continuous cranking before it will need to be recharged, and the average recharge period for the ESM is 15 minutes.


Thanks, Sean

 

Hi GP1500SC,

The ESM will give you approx. 15 seconds of continuous cranking. Using the ESM to perform extended cranking periods (e.g. prime fuel systems) is not recommended as you will have to wait 15 min for the ESM to recharge every time. Priming the fuel system using the starter is not the best practice, as it causes excess wear/tear on the starter/fuel inj. system et.al. A quality truck shop should use a DAVCO pump or equivalent to prime the system.

If you are in a bind and need to prime using the starter with our ESM employed; take the cable from the ESM Starter + post and just place it on one of the Battery + posts. This will re-employ the LA/AGM batteries back into the starting circuit. When you are completed, just put the cable back on the ESM Starter + post.

Thanks,
Sean

 

That is correct. The ESM was designed to meet / qualify with several SAE specs, employs a DC/DC converter and a logic that monitors temperature and supply voltages. The initial charge time (out of the box from 0 V to ~15.2 V ) is typically less than 23 minutes, or 1 volt every 90 sec. The subsequent recharge time is typically 15 minutes or less at the same rate (~5V residual recharging back to ~15 V).

 

A DC convertor, so is it able to get 15.2v from a battery that is ~11 volts or is that only if the batteries are charged?
So the starter main positive sees 15.2V and higher at cold temps like you said?
What has been the failure rate of the ESM?

I'm also wondering about a group purchase. I could probably get a bunch of guys to buy one. Is there a contact for this?

 

Hi allan5oh,

Yes, the ESM will continue to take a charge and remain @~15V until the batteries are down to ~9V. At that time the ESM will isolate itself and no longer take a charge; the Status LED will display a flashing green-solid red indicating a battery under-voltage condition. Once the batteries are above 9V the ESM will automatically reset.

Yes, the starter + sees at least 15V, and because they are ultra-capacitors (not Lead-acid) the voltage will increase as the temp drops. So at temps below 0F you will see the voltage increase up to ~16V.

We have thousands of units currently in service under a broad spectrum of applications throughout the North America and see very low failure rates. Most of the failures are from mis-installation or someone trying to charge the unit by putting the charger leads to the Starter + post and Ground (this will damage the logic inside).

For purchases:
1.) You can contact your local truck dealer;
2.) RV Cams PH: +1 (877) 378-2267
E-mail: Tim@RVCams.com
Website: www.rvcams.com
3.) Or our Central region Key Account Manager
Mike Padrnos
858-230-2115
mpadrnos@Maxwell.com

If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks,
Sean

 

In addition, if anyone needs references you can contact one of our Key Account Managers. I could provide them but it would not be my place to do so.

 

"We have thousands of units currently in service under a broad spectrum of applications throughout the North America and see very low failure rates. Most of the failures are from mis-installation or someone trying to charge the unit by putting the charger leads to the Starter + post and Ground (this will damage the logic inside)."

Maxwell needs to do a better job of educating dealers on installation. I bought mine at Truck Country in Davenport and had to go back 3 times to get the installation done correctly. The 1st mechanic had never heard of the unit and hooked it up to the batteries but not the starter. The 2nd guy told me it was designed to "supplement" the starter batteries and did not segregate the accessories. On the third visit I insisted that they read the users manual and install it correctly, which they did. Finding and isolating the acc. loads on a big truck can be a bit more complicated that the quick install sheet suggests. I decided I'd rather pay a proffessional (besides which it was too #### cold out to do it in the driveway). I shouldn't have to educate the mechanic to get it done right.