I just purchased a Balmar Charging system. I have a Sterling ProSplit R battery combiner/splitter. The ProSplit R has a connection post for a advanced alternator regulator, or battery sensed regulator. Has anyone done sailed this course before me? If so, what wire from the Balmar ARS-5 regulator did you connect to the ProSplit R? or did you even need to do it. Any prior experience is appreciated.
I am not a huge fan of the ProSplit combiners. With the ProSplit the closest you can sense voltage is at the ProSplit itself, not at the battery bank. Part of the performance you've paid for with a Balmar regulator is the ability to sense battery voltage and run the alternator directly to the bank that needs it most, the house bank.
The ProSplit also inserts another potential failure point into the alternators path. Sterling makes some tremendous products and some that are more
slick marketing angles than actually being
necessary.
If you want the best charging performance the alt should ideally directly feed the house bank, and ARS-5 regulators B+ (red) and B- (black) should also sense the house bank directly. From there you can use a standard ACR, a DC to DC charger, an Echo Charger or Duo Charger to feed the start battery.
