The automatic version uses just 3 relays to sense
when a light (or other load) is turned on, start the generator, sense that
it was started and up to speed, transfer the power to the load, and shut
down when the load is gone!
The large relay on the left is the load sense
relay (Two coils, one for DC when the unit is off and one for AC when the
Generator is running.
The large relay on the right is the Generator
start relay
"L" is a thermo cut out to shut off the unit
if it doesn't start quickly
The Light Plant starts and senses loads with
24VDC Batteries. The batteries are automatically charged (but at
a fixed rate)
The light plant draws NO power in standby!
It can be crank started
I have one of these and have a lot of fun with
it at shows. I rig it up with a "wall switch" and a string of lights
and invite passer byes to turn on the light.
Here are some similar units

This one is a very nice manual start light plant
Thanks to Jim Dunmyer
Specifications for Kohler light plant
Date Your plant by Sr #
Thanks to Dave Rotigel
A 95
page manual on the 1.5KVA light plant shown above
115
VAC manual and automatic start.
Adobe
Acrobat file Caution, It is 9.6 meg!
Thanks
to Jim Dunmyer for the space