Field output

[MollyBlossom]

Does the Smart Alternator Regulators put out 14 volts to the field on the alternator when the battery bank is discharged at 13 volts? I understand your alternators only meet the specification for amps out when there is 14 volts on the field.

Martin Basch

[Coulomb]

During the bulk charge cycle, the regulator applies battery voltage to the field.

All alternator manufacturers follow SAE standards and rate output with 14V on the field, at a temperature of 77F.

[MollyBlossom]

What voltage is put on the field during the bulk charging mode, bank at 13 voltsl?

[Coulomb]

During the bulk charge cycle, the regulator applies battery voltage to the field.

[MollyBlossom]

That probably explains why I am not getting the output from one of your alternators I just bought this winter. The regulator I am using (not Ample Power) only puts out 11 volts to the field when the battery voltage is 13 V. Thank you for your reply.

[Coulomb]

That sounds like an automotive type regulator.

[MollyBlossom]

Part of my problem was the wiring to the external regulator. When I fixed that by shortening the leads I now get 12 volts out to the field with 13 volts power to the board.
What is the voltage drop to the field voltage on your smart regulator in the bulk charge mode? If you use a semiconductor to control the field there must be some voltage drop.

[Coulomb]

On the NS2 the voltage drop at 6 Amps field current is less than 0.1 Volts -- better than any regulator you can buy. The SARV3, using earlier technology is about twice that.

With the cost of fuel, an Ample Power regulator will more than pay for itself by charging faster.