Ample Next step regulator error

[Mylady]

From : Eelco Fransen aboard sv Mylady
Location : Port Owen Marina , South Africa
Problem : Next Step Regulator 12P – ( 12 V type Alt )

Good Morning Forum,

The Ample regulator we have on board since a long time is not working any more. It always did work well and nothing has been changed in the system at all.

Wiring on board sv Mylady .

Parrallel : not connected
On/Off : Connected to ignition switch and working well
Ground : Connected to PD
B+ : Connected to the POS of the start Battery . Fuse 15A in place and oke .
Field : Connected to the Altenator field input .
Alt. Gnd : Connected to the housing of the Altenator .
Lock : not connected
Bat. Volts : Connected to the “ Common “ of the 3 way manual swith. Fuse 3A in place and oke
T- (BLK) : Connected as on Ample drawing
T+ (BLK) : Connected as on Ample drawing
ABS : not connected
Lamp : not connected

When I start the engine the NEXT starts up normal and works well for a very short periode. Then the following green and red LEDs comes up.

Table 1 : Green status Led

ON : 2 Off : 1

Table 2 : Red Error Led

On : 3 Off : 1

Table 9 and 10 ( from the trouble shouting list) :

Ignition off Ignition on Eng Running
House bat bat v bat v bat v
On / Off 0 bat v bat v
B + bat v bat v bat v
Field 0 0 0
Alt Gnd 0 0 0
Bat Volts bat v bat v bat v
T – 0 0 0
T + 0 3 3


All measurments were done at the tabs off the NEXT .

All wiring has been tested and is oke
Alternator was tested and all was oke

The problem is that after a very short periode the FIELD goes back to zero volts.

As you can see at the outcome of table 10 the B + and Bat Volts remain at the same level .

I disconneted the On / Off line , B + and Bat Volts line at the tab of the NEXT and started the engine. Then I took the Field line and connedted that for a few seconds to the bat positive . The alternator started charging at full power.

Is there anybody out there who had the same problem and how was that solved. I have send Ample support this mail but was redirected to there forum where I tried to post this but I can not register so I can not post .

Thanks for the help