AutoMac
JimConsider yourself very lucky!The AutoMac is a neat instrument if you don't have a newer alternator with the plug-in leads, and you know enough about batteries and charging, and are careful.Calder's Boatowner's Manual has an excellent description.We have a 1986 boat with the old standard 55 Amp Motorola alternator, and have been using the Automac successfully for the past five years. We did a lot of research to learn how to use it, and actually were in England on vacation in 1998 when we got in touch by email with a fellow C34 sailor in SF who copied the manual for us and mailed it to us so it was there for us when we got home.The Automac of that vintage usually has a switch that automatically cuts out when charging voltage rises above a preset limit, usually 14.2 for wet cells, and is adjustable. Hence, the AUTO part of the name.The way it works is that it is a rheostat that 'fools' the signal to the alternator and tells it to start putting out amps, regardless of the condition of the batteries. Therefore, it is VERY useful to recharge depleted batteries in less time than the internal (useless) regulator on your old alternator. However, it could cook your batteries if you are fully charged and your Automac is set to charge, although the Auto part would also shut it down.We like it very much.We've met people with Automacs who didn't realise that when the switch is ON, it draws 2 amps. Turn it off when not in use. Doesn't matter what position the rheostat is in, but the switch.I'd be glad to send you the manual, however, we're in Austria now and won't be home until August 2.If you send me an email at sec@c34.org, with an address or fax number, I'll get back to you soon after.It's a good piece of equipment that would require a new alternator and external regulator to replace (mucho $$$).Also try looking on the C34 website, www.c34.org, and search for Automac, or on the message board, use the Find feature, and do a separate search engine there, or look under posts under my name on the message board with 'AutoMac.'You may also check the archives on this website under Automac, regulators and other references, since I'm sure I discussed this subject on this 'site, too.Best regards,Stu JacksonIAC34 Association SecretaryPSJack's reply was 'right on.'