ENGINE ECC326

GOVERNING
SYSTEMS GENERATOR FREQUENCY SENSING
SPEED CONTROL UNIT

INSTALLATION adjustments are a part. These control functions provide

isochronous and stable performance.
The ECC326 speed control unit is an all electronic
device designed to control engine speed with precise During engine cranking, the actuator should be fully
response to transient engine loads changes. This energized and should move to the maximum fuel
closed loop speed control, when connected to a position. The actuator will remain in that state during
proportional actuator and supplied with a speed signal/ engine cranking and acceleration up to the operating
frequency from the main AC generator, will control a speed. With the engine at a steady load, the actuator
wide variety of engines in an isochronous mode. The will be energized with sufficient current to maintain the
speed signal input must be in the frequency range of 40 governed speed set point.
to 80 Hz.
The output circuit to the actuator provides a controlled
The ECC326 is a hard potted module designed to switching current loop to the proportional actuator at a
operate with high reliability in harsh environments. The frequency of about 200 Hz. This switching frequency is
adjustment procedure is considered to be simple. well beyond the natural frequency response of the
actuator, thus there is no visible motion of the actuator
Standard features include: protection against reversal due to this switching circuit. Switching of the output
of the battery supply, accidental shorts in the actuator transistor reduces internal power dissipation and
wiring, high voltage transient on the DC and AC lines, provides for efficient power control up to 10 Amps of
and the loss of the speed signal or battery supply. continuous current at 25°C. A proportional actuator will
respond to the average current to position the engine
DESCRIPTION fuel control lever.

The generator’s frequency, when used as an engine The ECC326 is compatible with all proportional GAC
speed signal, can be either 50 or 60 Hz nominally. The actuators except the ACB2000 which has too a high
minimum and maximum amplitude levels required to current requirement (15A).
operate the ECC326 are 1V AC to 260V AC. The
generator’s residual voltage must reach 1 V AC so the
loss of speed signal will be defeated and allow the
actuator to open the fuel valve to start the engine. Other
than the Min and Max AC input values, the control is
not very sensitive to the wave shape or the voltage
levels from the generator.

When the speed signal is received by the controller, the

signal is conditioned to operate the GAC proprietary ECC326
speed sensor circuit. If the speed signal disappears for
longer than approximately 0.2 seconds, the actuator
output will be shut off (loss of speed signal protection).
When cranking the engine, the control unit will sense a
very low frequency and operate the actuator to start the
engine.

The internal summing circuit receives the speed signal

and combines it with the speed setting reference
adjustment along with the remote speed trim setting.
The output of the summing circuit is the input to the
dynamics control circuits of which the gain and stability
Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001
Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
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WIRING Connection to the generator: The two input Terminals,
D and E, should be connected to the generator’s AC
Basic electrical connections are shown in the Wiring windings. These connections can be either line to line
Diagram, Fig. 1. Battery and actuator connections or line to neutral. Terminal E should be connected to
should be #16AWG (1.3mm2) or larger. Long cables the neutral if this connection is chosen. See the wiring
require an increased wire size to minimize voltage diagram for various connections to the generator.
drops. The battery positive (+) input, Terminal F, should
be fused for 15A.

Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001

Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
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ADJUSTMENTS The Remote speed adjustment (optional) can be used
as a SPEED TRIM control. See Fig. 1.
WARNING
An overspeed shutdown device, independent of the Governor Performance
governor system, should be provided to prevent loss
of engine control which may cause personal injury or Once the engine is at operating speed and at no load,
equipment damage. the following governor performance adjustments should
be made.

Before Starting the Engine A. Rotate the GAIN adjustment CW until instability
develops. Gradually move the adjustment CCW until
Check to insure that the GAIN, STABILITY and external stability returns. Move the adjustment 1/8 of a turn
SPEED TRIM controls, are set to their mid positions. further CCW to insure stable performance.

Start the Engine B. Rotate the STABILITY adjustment CW until

instability develops. Gradually move the adjustment
The ECC326 control is factory set to operate at CCW until stability returns. Move the adjustment 1/8 of
approximately 60 Hz generator frequency. a turn further CCW to insure stable performance.

Crank the engine with DC power applied to the C. Normally, adjustments made at no load result in
governor system. The actuator will energize (within satisfactory performance across the entire load range.
1.5V DC of battery voltage) and force the fuel control to GAIN readjustment might be required after load is
its maximum fuel position until the engine starts. The applied to the engine if a non linearity exists in the fuel
governor system should then control the engine at near control. A strip chart recorder or storage oscilloscope
rated speed. with appropriate electronics can be used to measure
generator frequency to further optimize the governor’s
If the engine is unstable after starting, turn the GAIN, performance.
and STABILITY, CCW until the engine speed is stable.
If instability cannot be corrected, or further performance
Governor Speed Setting improvements are required, refer to the Instability
section under SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING.
The governed speed set point can be increased by the
CW rotation of the SPEED adjustment.

Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001

Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
Page 3 of 6 * ABOVE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE * PIB1083 Rev. A
SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE
Isochronous Operation ±0.25%
Speed Range (unless stated in units specifications) 40 - 80 HZ
Speed drift with temperature ± 1%
Speed Trim ( see unit specification) +/- 2 Hz

ENVIRONMENTAL
Ambient Temperature -40 to +185°F (-40 to +85C)
Relative Humidity Up to 100%

INPUT POWER
DC Supply 12V DC (8-15 VDC) Nominal
(24V DC available as special order)
Polarity Negative Ground (case isolated)
Power consumption <50 mA + Actuator Current
Maximum actuator current 10 Amps
Generator frequency sensing Load on generator, 40K Ohms
Minimum sensing 1 VAC RMS
Maximum voltage 260 VAC

RELIABILITY
Vibration 5G 20 - 500 Hz
Shock 20G's
Testing 100% Functional Testing before and after potting

PHYSICAL
Dimensions See Wiring Diagram (Fig. 1)
Weight 0.75 lb (0.34 kg)
Mounting Any Position

SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING

System Inoperative

If the governing system does not function, the fault may be determined by performing the voltage tests described in
Steps 1 & 2, (+) and (-) refer to meter polarity. Should normal values be indicated, the fault may be with the actuator or
the wiring to the actuator. See specific actuator publication for testing details.

STEP TERMINALS NORMAL READING POSSIBLE CAUSE OF

ABNORMAL READING
1 F(+) & G(-) Battery Supply Voltage (12 or 24VDC) 1. DC battery power not connected.
(while cranking, 8.0 VDC) 2. Low battery voltage.
3. Check for blown fuse.
4. Wiring error.
2 J(+) & H(-) Battery Voltage less 1.5 volts 1. No Speed signal
(When cranking) (Generator residual too low, see
additional troubleshooting)
2. Wrong connection at Terminals D & E
Voltage present, but actuator does not move Actuator circuit open, measure actuator
resistance

Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001

Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
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Unsatisfactory Performance

If the governing system functions poorly, perform the following tests.

Symptom Test Probable Fault

Engine Over speed 1.Do Not Crank. Apply DC power to the
governor system 1. If actuator goes to full fuel, then disconnect
speed sensing wires at Terminals D & E. If
actuator is still at full fuel, speed If actuator is still
at full fuel - speed
If actuator is at minimum fuel position - erroneous
speed signal. Check wiring to generator to assure
generator voltage is properly connected to the
unit.
2.Manually hold the engine at the desired 1. If the voltage reading is 1.0 to 2.0 VDC,
running speed. Measure the DC voltage a) SPEED adjustment set above desired speed.
between Terminals G (-) & F (+). Turn CCW.
b) Defective speed control unit.
2.If the voltage reading is above 2.0 VDC, on the
speed control unit. Actuator or linkage binding.
3.If the voltage reading is below 1.0 VDC,
Defective speed control unit.
Overspeed during 1. Low GAIN setting. 1. Try to increase the Gain setting CW and also
start up turn the Stability CW as much as possible without
causing instability.
2. Check the actuator for binding or friction
which may be causing a low gain setting issue.
Actuator does not fully 1.Measure the DC voltage at the actuator 1. Replace the battery if it is weak or undersized.
energize It should be 0.8 to 1.5V DC less then the 2. Actuator wiring incorrect or too small a wire
actual battery voltage but not less than gauge.
8V DC
2. Momentarily connect Terminals J and 1. Actuator or battery wiring error.
F. The actuator should move to the full 2. Actuator or linkage binding.
fuel position. 3. Defective actuator.
Engine remains below 1. Measure the actuator output, 1. If voltage is within approximately 2V DC of the
desired governing Terminals J (+) & H (-) while running battery supply voltage, then fuel control restricted
speed. under governor control. from reaching full fuel position. Possibly due to
mechanical governor, carburetor spring, linkage
alignment, or interference.
2. If not, increase SPEED setting.
Engine does not start 1. Measure V AC at Terminals D and E 1. If too low consider connecting a 7 amp diode
(Minimum AC residual while cranking. between the starter motor battery signal and
too low) Terminal J. (Cathode of the diode to “J”)

Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001

Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) If a fast instability occurs, this is typically the governor
responding to engine firings. Raising the engine speed
EMI SUSCEPTIBILITY: - Any governor system can be increases the frequency of instability and vice versa.
adversely affected by large interfering signals that are
conducted through the cabling or through direct Interference from powerful electrical signals can also be
radiation into the control circuits. the cause. Turn off the battery chargers or other
electrical equipment to see if the symptom disappears.
All GAC speed control units contain filters and shielding
designed to protect the unit’s sensitive circuits from Slow instability can have several causes. Adjustment of
moderate external interfering sources. The ECC326 the GAIN and STABILITY (if included) usually cures
can tolerate levels of at least 10 V/Meter from 10 MHz most situations by matching the speed control unit
to 1 GHz (CE requirements) dynamics. The control system can also be optimized for
best performance by following procedure.
Although it is difficult to predict levels of interference,
applications that include magnetos, solid state ignition If slow instability is unaffected by this procedure,
systems, radio transmitters, voltage regulators or evaluate the fuel system and engine performance.
battery chargers; should be considered suspect as Check the fuel system linkage for binding, high friction,
possible interfering sources. or poor linkage. Be sure to check linkage during engine
operation. Also look at the engine fuel system.
If it is suspected that external fields either those that are Irregularities with carbureted or fuel injection systems
radiated or conducted, are or will affect the governor can change engine power even with a constant throttle
systems operation; it is recommended to use shielded setting. This can result in speed deviations beyond the
cable for all external connections. Be sure that only one control of the governor system. Poor mixture
end of the shields is connected to a single point on the adjustment or bad ignition timing can cause speed
grounded metal plate or place the unit in a sealed metal instability in Gas engine applications.
box.
NON-PERIODIC instability should respond to the GAIN
Conduction is when the interfering signal is conducted control. If increasing the gain reduces the instability,
through the interconnecting wiring to the governor then the problem is probably with the engine. Higher
system electronics. Shielded cables and installing filters gain allows the governor to respond faster and correct
are common remedies. for the disturbance. Look for engine misfirings, an
erratic fuel system, or load changes on the engine
Instability generator set voltage regulator.

If unsuccessful in solving instability, contact the factory

Instability in a closed loop speed control system can be
for technical assistance.
categorized into two general types. PERIODIC appears
to be sinusoidal and at a regular rate. NON-PERIODIC
is a random wandering or an occasional deviation from
a steady state band for no apparent reason.

The PERIODIC type can be further classified as a fast

or slow instability. Fast instability is a 3 Hz. or faster
irregularity of the speed and is usually a jitter. Slow
periodic instability is below 3 Hz., can be very slow, and
is sometimes violent.

Governors America Corp. 720 Silver St. Agawam, MA 01001

Tel: 413-786-5600 Fax: 413-789-7736 Web: http://www.governors-america.com E-mail: [email protected]
Page 6 of 6 * ABOVE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE * PIB1083 Rev. A