Smart Alternator Regulator

[Ralph Johnstone]

Godon,Have you come across a smart alternator regulator which is suitable for a 50 amp alternator. I am told that most regualtors are in the 100 amp range which would fry my alternator in time. I am reluctant to upgrade my 50 amp alternator to a 100 amp because 1) I only have a 2GM20F on an H310 and can't spare the HP and, more importantly 2) I'm too cheap.Regards,s/v Island Hunter

 

[Jon W]

Regulators

As I understood it, some regulators have the ability to limit maximum amps out of the regulator, like the two higher end Balmar units. Most rely on the resistance of the battery(s) to limit currant. This seems to work if you're not asking a small alternator to charge large batteries that are severely depleted. This applies to the Cruising Designs Alpha charger that I'm using. I think there must be other currant limiting models besides Balmar, but I don't have any more info off hand.

 

[GARRY @ S/V TASHTEGO]

Regulators

For a discussion of current limited regulators see:http://www.amplepower.com/Don't let the product hype bother you, the information on batteries and charging is good.