The DSE7320 MKII and the DSE8610 MKII look almost identical from the front: same case, same panel cut-out, same four-line display. But they do very different jobs. The DSE7320 MKII runs a single generator that takes over automatically when mains power fails. The DSE8610 MKII runs a generator that works in parallel with other generators, synchronising and sharing the load. This guide also covers two controllers that often come up in the same decision: the smaller DSE6110 MKIII for simple single-generator sets, and the DSE8660 MKII mains controller that completes a DSE8610 MKII system. Picking the wrong one is expensive, so this guide sets out the differences, drawn from Deep Sea Electronics’ own specifications.
The quick answer
- One generator started by hand or by a remote start signal, with no mains monitoring needed? Choose the DSE6110 MKIII Autostart, the most compact of the four. If you want the same size module with automatic mains failure, choose the DSE6120 MKIII AMF.
- One generator backing up the mains (utility) supply? Choose the DSE7320 MKII AMF. It watches the mains, starts the generator when the mains fails, transfers the load, and hands back when the mains returns.
- Two or more generators running together on one bus? Choose the DSE8610 MKII, one per generator. It synchronises each set to the bus and shares the load between up to 32 generators.
- Several generators that must also take over from, or run alongside, the mains? Use DSE8610 MKII modules on the generators plus a DSE8660 MKII mains controller. Ask us about the DSE8660 MKII.
Side-by-side comparison
| DSE6110 MKIII | DSE7320 MKII | DSE8610 MKII | DSE8660 MKII | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Auto start control module | Auto mains (utility) failure (AMF) control module | Synchronising auto start control module for load sharing | Auto transfer switch and mains (utility) control module |
| Typical system | A single generator started from the front panel or by a remote start signal | A single generator backing up the mains | Multiple generators in parallel, up to 32 sets | The mains side of a DSE8610 MKII system: one or more mains supplies with one or more generators |
| Mains (utility) sensing | No: 3-phase generator sensing only (the DSE6120 MKIII adds mains sensing) | Yes: 3-phase mains sensing with protection and automatic load transfer | No: senses the generator and the common bus | Yes: mains failure detection, mains power monitoring, decoupling protection (R.O.C.O.F. and vector shift) and kW export protection |
| Synchronising and load sharing | No | No | Yes: slip sync and dead bus synchronising, multi-set communication (MSC) link with optional redundancy | Yes: synchronises DSE8610 MKII generators with the mains for no-break transfer, peak lopping and peak shaving |
| Governor and AVR control | No | No | Integrated | Works through the DSE8610 MKII on each generator |
| Communication ports | USB, plus DSENet expansion terminals | Includes USB, RS232 and RS485 (Modbus RTU) | Includes RS232 and RS485 (Modbus RTU), plus Ethernet (Modbus TCP and SNMP v2C) | RS232, RS485 and Ethernet (Modbus RTU and TCP) |
| Data logging | Data logging, and a 100-event log | Up to 10 parameters | Up to 20 parameters, and a 250-event log | Data logging to a USB memory stick, and a 250-event log |
| DC supply | 8 V to 35 V continuous | 8 V to 35 V continuous | 8 V to 35 V continuous | 8 V to 35 V continuous |
| Maximum operating current | 260 mA at 12 V, 150 mA at 24 V | 340 mA at 12 V, 160 mA at 24 V | 530 mA at 12 V, 280 mA at 24 V | 460 mA at 12 V, 245 mA at 24 V |
| AC voltage sensing | 15 V to 415 V phase to neutral, 3.5 Hz to 75 Hz | 15 V to 415 V phase to neutral, 3.5 Hz to 75 Hz | 15 V to 415 V phase to neutral, 3.5 Hz to 75 Hz | 15 V to 333 V phase to neutral, 3.5 Hz to 75 Hz |
| Overall size | 221 × 163 × 42.5 mm | 245 × 184 × 51 mm | 245 × 184 × 51 mm | 245 × 184 × 51 mm |
| Panel cut-out | 184 × 137 mm | 220 × 160 mm | 220 × 160 mm | 220 × 160 mm |
| At Ghaddar | Order online | Order online | Order online | Ask us |
Source: Deep Sea Electronics product pages for the DSE6110 MKIII, DSE7320 MKII, DSE8610 MKII and DSE8660 MKII.
When the DSE6110 MKIII is enough
The DSE6110 MKIII is an auto start control module for a single diesel or gas generator. It monitors the engine and the generator’s 3-phase output, shows warnings, shutdowns and engine status on its backlit screen, and starts and stops the set from the front panel or from a remote start signal, for example from a separate transfer switch. It does not monitor the mains supply. For automatic mains failure in the same compact case, Deep Sea makes the DSE6120 MKIII.
It works with electronic (CAN) engines and with non-electronic engines that use a magnetic pick-up or alternator sensing, and has 8 digital inputs, 4 analogue or digital inputs, 6 configurable outputs, a USB port, DSENet expansion terminals and a 100-event log. It is smaller than the other three, with a 221 × 163 × 42.5 mm case and a 184 × 137 mm panel cut-out, which makes it a good fit for smaller generators and tighter panels.
When the DSE7320 MKII is the right choice
The DSE7320 MKII is built for the most common standby job: a building, site or telecom shelter on mains power, with one generator ready to take over. The module monitors both the generator and the mains supply. When the mains fails it starts the generator, transfers the load, and returns the load to the mains when the supply is restored. You can also start and run the generator manually from the front panel.
It works with electronic (CAN) engines and with non-electronic engines that use a magnetic pick-up or alternator sensing. That makes it a good fit for the Kubota, John Deere, Cummins and Perkins powered generators most of our customers run. It also supports Deep Sea’s Dual Mutual Standby feature, where two generators take turns as duty and standby.
When you need the DSE8610 MKII
Choose the DSE8610 MKII when one generator isn’t enough, or when you want redundancy from several smaller sets instead of one large one. Each generator gets its own DSE8610 MKII. The modules talk to each other over the MSC link, synchronise each set to the common bus, and share the load between up to 32 generators. They can start and stop sets as the load changes.
Because it controls the engine speed and the alternator voltage to synchronise and share load, the DSE8610 MKII has integrated governor and AVR control. The engine governor and the AVR must be able to accept that control. It also adds an Ethernet port for Modbus TCP and SNMP monitoring, which is useful for building management and remote monitoring systems.
On its own, the DSE8610 MKII doesn’t monitor the mains. That is the job of the DSE8660 MKII.
Where the DSE8660 MKII fits
The DSE8660 MKII is the mains (utility) side of a synchronised system. It does not control an engine itself. Instead it works with one or more DSE8610 MKII generator modules, and with one or more mains supplies, to change over automatically from mains to generator power, or to run the generators in sync with the mains for no-break transfer, peak lopping and peak shaving.
It monitors the mains for failure, measures mains power (kW, kVAr, kVA and power factor), and adds mains decoupling protection (R.O.C.O.F. and vector shift) and kW export protection, which matter when generators run in parallel with the grid. It can start sets in sequence as load demand rises, balance running hours between them, and has 12 configurable inputs and 8 outputs, RS232, RS485 and Ethernet ports, and a 250-event log. It shares the 245 × 184 × 51 mm case and 220 × 160 mm cut-out of the DSE7320 MKII and DSE8610 MKII. A typical system is two or more generators, each with a DSE8610 MKII, plus one DSE8660 MKII per mains supply.
What they have in common
All four modules run on 8 V to 35 V DC, so they suit 12 V and 24 V systems, and all survive cranking dropouts without internal batteries. All have an IP65 front seal when fitted with the sealing gasket, advanced PLC functions, flexible inputs and outputs and DSENet expansion support, and all are set up with Deep Sea’s DSE Configuration Suite PC software. The DSE7320 MKII, DSE8610 MKII and DSE8660 MKII share the same 245 × 184 × 51 mm case and 220 × 160 mm panel cut-out; the DSE6110 MKIII is smaller.
Upgrading between controllers
Because the case and cut-out are the same, a DSE8610 MKII fits the hole in an existing DSE7320 MKII panel. The wiring and settings are not the same, though. A synchronising system needs governor and AVR interfaces, the MSC link between modules, bus sensing, and usually a DSE8660 MKII mains controller. Treat it as a panel redesign, not a straight swap, and have the new configuration prepared with DSE Configuration Suite before commissioning.
Moving up from a DSE6110 MKIII to a DSE7320 MKII means enlarging the panel cut-out from 184 × 137 mm to 220 × 160 mm, adding mains sensing wiring, and a new configuration.
Order from Ghaddar Machinery Co.
We stock genuine Deep Sea Electronics controllers and accessories and ship worldwide:
- DSE6110 MKIII Autostart and the DSE6120 MKIII AMF
- DSE7320 MKII AMF and the related DSE7420 MKII AMF
- DSE8610 MKII, with the DSE8660 MKII mains controller available on request
- DSE7310 MKII Autostart, for generators started by an external transfer switch
- Deep Sea battery chargers and the full range in our Deep Sea Electronics category
For the full Deep Sea range, including the DSE3000 series, see our Deep Sea Electronics controller guide. Not sure which controller your panel needs? Contact us with your generator model and panel photos.
Frequently asked questions
Can a DSE7320 MKII synchronise two generators?
No. The DSE7320 MKII controls a single generator against the mains supply. To run generators in parallel and share load, each set needs a synchronising module such as the DSE8610 MKII.
Does the DSE8610 MKII provide automatic mains failure (AMF) on its own?
No. The DSE8610 MKII monitors its generator and the common bus, not the mains. In a multi-generator system, Deep Sea’s DSE8660 MKII mains controller handles mains monitoring and changeover, and can also run the generators in parallel with the mains.
What does the DSE8660 MKII do?
The DSE8660 MKII is Deep Sea’s mains (utility) and auto transfer switch controller for synchronised systems. It works with one or more DSE8610 MKII generator modules to change over from mains to generator supply automatically, or to run the generators in sync with the mains for no-break transfer, peak lopping and peak shaving.
What is the difference between the DSE6110 MKIII and the DSE7320 MKII?
The DSE6110 MKIII is an auto start module for a single generator and does not monitor the mains; it is started from the front panel or by a remote start signal. The DSE7320 MKII is an auto mains failure module that watches the mains and starts the generator and transfers the load when the mains fails. The DSE6120 MKIII is the AMF version of the DSE6110 MKIII.
How many generators can the DSE8610 MKII synchronise?
Deep Sea specifies the DSE8610 MKII for synchronising up to 32 generators, with electronic or non-electronic engines.
Do these controllers fit the same panel cut-out?
The DSE7320 MKII, DSE8610 MKII and DSE8660 MKII all use a 220 × 160 mm cut-out and a 245 × 184 × 51 mm case, with a maximum panel thickness of 8 mm. The DSE6110 MKIII is smaller, with a 184 × 137 mm cut-out, so moving up from a DSE6110 MKIII means enlarging the panel cut-out. In every case the wiring and configuration are different.
What software do I need to configure them?
All four are configured with Deep Sea’s DSE Configuration Suite PC software. On the DSE6110 MKIII, DSE7320 MKII and DSE8660 MKII, selected settings can also be edited from the front panel.
