Setings for alternator regulator: Balmar MC-612Balmar

[pr2501]

Hello.

I have bought alternator regulator Balmar mc-612 on ebay. It was 5 years ago.

On back of it is wroten:

"Charging but output is cycling. Solar?"

I think it would not be ok to connect field terminal of an alternator as it is set now.
But ... I don't know how to proced.

Does mc-612 has settings where you change it to fit the alternator needs?
And as first, how should I procede before conecting the alternator field?

[FPNC]

Balmar makes a good product and has good support.

Download an operators manual from here:
https://balmar.net/manuals-for-discontinued-products/

[smac999]

connect to power, ground, and ign. and then you can check and change the settings. voltage sense and field would also be needed to make it work. so you need min 5 wires.

you should also buy an alt temp sensor for it.

[pr2501]

Thank you for the manual.
1.From the first reading I could not find anything about the cycling.
2. What I can I use instead of magnetic screwdriver ?

I have no voltage sensing wire connected.
I will add it over the weekend.

Thank you

[wholybee]

What the note probably refers to, if the regulator and a solar controller are both connected to a battery, and they are not programmed correctly, it can happen that the alternator regulator "sees" the solar charger voltage and thinks the battery is charged, turning off.

Also, the manual describes a minimum bulk time and a minimum absorption time. After that time, charging will momentarily stop while the regulator checks battery voltage and calculates the remaining needed time, or switches to the next phase. So that might have been witnessed.

An overheating alternator, or hot batteries, if such temperature sensors are connected can cause reduced output that could be interpreted as the regulator cycling off and on.

I suggest following the manual to load the default program for your battery type, then test by itself without any other charge sources. You might find it works fine. From there adjust it for your needs, if the default program isn't adequate.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by pr2501

.....
2. What I can I use instead of magnetic screwdriver ?
.....

Any small bar magnet. It becomes obvious when the internal magnetic (presumably reed) switch is actuated.

[pr2501]

Thank you.

The mistake which I did years ago is that I did not connect the sensing terminal (as on may ars -4 did not had that).

After connection of device I could find next:
The program which is running on is PO2- FDP (deep cycle flooded)
(I have Trojan T-105)

Originally Posted by wholybee

I suggest following the manual to load the default program for your battery type, then test by itself without any other charge sources. You might find it works fine. From there adjust it for your needs, if the default program isn't adequate.

If charging and not charging means cycling, then I would say that I have to monitor voltage of the system when the solar is disconnected and check for periods of on and off.

Originally Posted by Wotname

Any small bar magnet.

I will look for it.

[smac999]

I just use my telescoping magnet pick up tool. As it’s in my tool bag anyways.