100A alternator regulator

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aboardduet

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Mar 12, 2009
19
Hunter 37-cutter Avalon, Catalina Island
Do I need a fancy regulator to control the output of the alternator? I ask, because my IN CHARGE regulator seems to have a hangnail and won't work!

We're on a mooring, and generally use solar for everyday charging of our 10-piece House bank, (10 6V golf cart batts equaling 5 12V ones) with god only knows the amp-hours, but there are never enough!

I read of manually-adjustable ones, but where to find one? Just musing, and yearn to read my ol' buddy Ed Shenk's projects and PROGRESS!! Hi Ed. Hi Y'all!

Dave on SV Duet
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,176
CC 30 South Florida
With that size battery bank and a high output alternator I would say you need the fancy voltage regulator. The In Charge regulator acts as a smart charger by gradually reducing output voltage accordying to estate of charge and temperature. It will mainly protect the alternator but also the batteries as well. That massive battery bank can put a strain on the alternator if the energizing and output are not well regulated. Don't know of a manufacturer that is making manual regulators but have read about some enterprising sailors that have fabricated them for their own use. I do not think the "manual" consideration translates to less expensive.
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Hey Dave, when are you leaving for Tahiti? How long have you been there now?

I have to agree with Benny about the need for a good multi- or 3-stage regulator. So I guess the engine is your main source when the solar doesn't keep up. No plans for a generator?
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
A manual regulator is nothing more than a verable resistor with 12 volts on one side and the alternator field coil on the other. Pick a minimum resistance so you do not exceed the field coils amp capability. This is usually around 4 amps so a min resistance of V/I=R of 14.4/4=2.88 ohms
Typically these look like a circular coil with carbon shorting brush attached to a rotary knob.
You decrease the resistance to increase the field coil current which increases the magnetic field and the alternator output. Just watch the voltage and set it where you want for a given engine speed. Faster speeds will cause higher outputs BTW so if you set the regulator and then change engine speed you will need to reset.
 
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Ed A

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Sep 27, 2008
333
Hunter 37c Tampa
Or you can get a Balmar regulator, i use an ars-5. thery are programable to battery type, temp, charging cycles and voltages or use the auto programs and you set, you can in a glance see what is going on the the charging process. The temp for battery and temp for alternator will prevent overheating of either one,. Temp over heat is the number one cause of altrnator and battery failure.

Its not as good as sex but better than sliced bread.
There are other brands out there that im sure are good too.
 
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waternwaves

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Feb 6, 2009
257
Hunter 40 Camano Island
just curious........

But the solar is only charging one pair of batteries at a time........ right??
 
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