New Alternator Regulator?
- Thread starter jviss
- Start date
Finally got back to it. Blown 10A fuse for the field supply. Replaced it, immediately blows again. Field winding 5.6 Ohms, which is normal. Energized it and it magnetizes. Strongly suspect bad regulator output module, probably the field output MOSFET blown and shorted to 12V. IR540 - $1.49 at Digikey.
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Just circling back on this, whew! that's an expensive regulator! Like, almost $600 plus $120 for the wiring harness. Wow.The state of the art regulator is a Wakespeed. It uses the actually amperage generated to regulate the alternator, not the voltage output as all other regulators do.
WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator - Wakespeed
The WS500 is the only alternator regulator to utilize current, voltage and temperature to deliver the most precise and effective charging possible.www.wakespeed.com
@Stu Jackson
I am pretty sure what's going on here is that Xantrex distributed the voltage regulator functions across the Link 2000-R and the "Ideal Regulator Output Module."
Yes, thanks, I think that is so.
Oh, wow, that's a great price. Is that with the wiring harness? Do you have the battery and alternator temp sensors, too?
Yes the are Mc618H (H=harness)and I have piles of temp sensors too..These are way below distributor cost..
That's excellent. I will contact you if the need comes. I already have a couple of alternatives in the works, including just replacing the MOSFET in the module I have. It might be worth getting the 618 setup even as just a backup!
I hear you, but I would actually lose some functionality, I think, going to the more modern one while not replacing the entire system. As it is, the Link 2000-R panel and display controls and programs the regulator, so no magnetic screwdriver needed! But, we will see.
Big shout out to @Scott T-Bird , who sent me a Balmar MC614 regulator! Wow. Very generous. So, regardless, I will be charging and back in business before the weekend! Thanks Scott!
Big shout out to @Maine Sail for his excellent tutorial on Balmar regulator programming! The cheat sheet is great! Thank you!
Programming a Balmar External Voltage Regulator
Programming a Balmar External Voltage Regulator
Digi-Key rocks! Ordered MOSFETs Sunday night, they will arrive today, via USPS first class mail, cheapest shipping alternative: $4.95. So, about $10 for 3 MOSFETs. Time to fire up the soldering station - I have a pretty good soldering/desoldering rig, with vacuum desoldering, etc.
The plan is to remove the old one and test it, just to confirm; there's a technique for testing MOSFETs with a DMM. Then install a new one. Won't take long.
Meanwhile, I have the MC-614 that @Scott T-Bird so generously sent me. That could be a quick swap, as both use the standard Ford plug, and that's all the wires you really need for this. However, if I go with the 614 long term I will locate it outside the engine compartment, which will require re-routing the harness. The existing harness is still full-length, it was just bundled-up with cable ties, so not so tough.
The plan is to remove the old one and test it, just to confirm; there's a technique for testing MOSFETs with a DMM. Then install a new one. Won't take long.
Meanwhile, I have the MC-614 that @Scott T-Bird so generously sent me. That could be a quick swap, as both use the standard Ford plug, and that's all the wires you really need for this. However, if I go with the 614 long term I will locate it outside the engine compartment, which will require re-routing the harness. The existing harness is still full-length, it was just bundled-up with cable ties, so not so tough.
I have no ability to ship unless I can get my daughter to do it.. They are 4 minutes from Portland, ME..