This is another chapter in the continuing saga of my multi-stage voltage regulator problems.Just to review, about a year ago I bought a Balmar 110 Amp alternator and a Xantrex multi stage regulator and installed them on my Yanmar. Everything seemed to be working fine until my extended trip around Vancouver Island last summer.The multi-stage regulator is supposed to run the alternator at a bulk charge level for 36 minutes and then test to see if a threshold voltage of 14.6 (variable based on battery type) has been achieved. If the threshold voltage has been achieved the charging level is supposed to step down to the so-called acceptance level. If the threshold voltage has not been achieved, the regulator is supposed to continue to drive the alternator at the bulk charge level for additional 6 minute increments until threshold voltage is achieved.My problem has been that the regulator steps down after 36 minutes no matter what the voltage. I moved the red sensing wire from the alternator's positive output (first choice in the installation manual) back to the battery side of the battery selector switch. Same problem.Xantrex was unavailable by phone or by email to provide tech support. I finally said screw it and bought a Balmar Voltage regulator. The Balmar regulator and it's instructions were virtually identical to the Xantrex which indicated to me they were both made by the same people--a bad omen.Now I've installed the Balmar regulator and have the identical problem. The good news is I was able to get through to Balmar tech support. The bad news is I was able to get through to Balmar tech support. "Sure it steps down to acceptance charge after 36 minutes. That's what is supposed to do. You wouldn't want it to fry your batteries would you?"We went round and round on this with regard to the voltage sensing and the thresholds. His comments were "I don't care what the manual says, but that's what it's progammed to do." He also said, "I guess you can tell I don't think much of the ARS-4 Regulator." (That's the model I have.)The problem has no practical significance in most of my boat uasge, but is occasionally very important. We spent some long days motoring going around Vanouver Island last summer and will do so again on our upcoming trip to Alaska. Frequently we're running an autopilot, radar, and a computer all day long as well as a refrigerator. Combined draw can exceed ten amps or more. If the regulator steps down to a float charge level, consumption can exceed the charge and I can arrive at an anchorage with a depleted battery bank instead of one that is topped off. Sometimes we sit in an anchorage for two or three days waiting for weather.I'm to the point where I will reprogram the regulator to exrtend the time for the bulk and acceptance charge. I'll also manually manipulate the system by shutting it down and starting it over which will keep the charge level up on long days. But that seems like a damn shame when you buy a "smart" multistage regulator.Does anyone have one of these that actually works? Any other suggestions? Thanks for your help.Gary WyngardenS/V Wanderlust h37.5