Adding a simple external alternator regulator

[aberglas]

My boat used to have an expensive external Xantrex regulator that died. I currently have a nasty system with a manual switch that turn the alternator full on or off. Forget it and batteries get cooked. Not good, but I mainly use just solar.


I want to add a simply external regulator. Got an Ingram RGX4021. But the only documentation describes the pins with a few letters


IGN -- Ignition?
FLD -- Field, i.e. the exiciter coil?
E -- Earth?
WL -- ?
B+ -- Battery voltage sense?
N/S -- ?


I am guessing wire Ign to my on/off switch (normally off), Fld to the Alt field, E to a good earth, B+ to near the battery. Leave the others unused.


Anyone know if that makes sense?


(Theory is regulator senses voltage between B+ and E, and adjusts FLD to keep it below 14.2.)


Thanks in advance,


Anthony

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by aberglas

My boat used to have an expensive external Xantrex regulator that died. I currently have a nasty system with a manual switch that turn the alternator full on or off. Forget it and batteries get cooked. Not good, but I mainly use just solar.


I want to add a simply external regulator. Got an Ingram RGX4021. But the only documentation describes the pins with a few letters


IGN -- Ignition?
FLD -- Field, i.e. the exiciter coil?
E -- Earth?
WL -- ?
B+ -- Battery voltage sense?
N/S -- ?

I am guessing wire Ign to my on/off switch (normally off), Fld to the Alt field, E to a good earth, B+ to near the battery. Leave the others unused.

Anyone know if that makes sense?

(Theory is regulator senses voltage between B+ and E, and adjusts FLD to keep it below 14.2.)

Thanks in advance,

Anthony

No, they would use GND for ground, not E?

Why buy an unknown regulator without reviews or a manual? Why not stick to the ones that have been discussed, tested and liked by CF members? Just to save money? It is shown over and over that this doesn’t save enough to be worthwhile most of the time.

[aberglas]

There is not a lot of choice in regional Australia from an auto shop. If you have suggestions let me know. That said, I would prefer not to spend $1000 for a $50 part, I do not need all the fancy battery management stuff. And may upgrade to lithium later which requires other system changes.

[Wotname]

First you need to know what sort of alternator you have (manufacturer / model / part number).

Then - is the alternator designed for 6 wire regulator such as the RGX4021?

There are many types of alternators and many external regulators, they are not compatible or interchangeable.

There are 2, 3, 4, 6 wire external regulators.

AFAIK, the RGX4021 is suitable for some (but not all) older Hitachi alternators.

Some general reading
https://www.circuitsgallery.com/6-wi...iring-diagram/
https://toolsweek.com/how-to-wire-a-...an-alternator/
https://www.erareplicas.com/427man/w...or/trouble.htm

Best way to get a suitable external regulator in regional Australia is via the Internet.

BTW - E is used for the ground wire (negative) in a lot of vintage car (auto) circuits.

[BobFord]

I have good life ( 10 yr ) using a Bosch 24v 65a at $385