NS2 Manual View this as PDF |
Next Step 2 Regulator
A Fast Full Charge A fast full charge is the name of the game, and the Next Step Regulator, Version 2, makes it a reality through the use of the latest microcomputer technology. With all of its features the NS2 is the choice for most systems.
Features at a Glance
Improved Performance
The NS2 improves on earlier design performance with these
important improvements:
Most Cost Effective Regulator/Combiner The NS2 is the most cost effective of any performance regulator offered on the market. Bulk, absorption, and float charges are done automatically. Absorption time is adjustable as are the absorption and float voltages. Part of the NS2 circuits stay alive at all times to allow the NS2 to function as a battery combiner, maintaining the starter battery from all charge sources. (Requires addtional parallel solendoid) One Regulator for 12 or 24 Volts The same NS2 can be used in either 12 or 24 Volts systems. Just hook it up and adjust it to the desired setpoints! There is no longer a cost penalty for 24V systems. Setpoint adjustments can be made without waiting for the regulator to charge the batteries. Test points are provided to measure the setpoint potentiometer. For 12/24 Volt units, battery voltage is exactly 10 times the voltage measured on the test point. Smart Overload Detection What if the regulator is in float, and the alternator can't keep up with demand? The NS2 is smart enough to sense this condition and go into the absorption state so that a full charge will be returned when the load demand lessens and the alternator can once again keep up with the load. Charge State Indicator An LED keeps the user informed about the progress of charging. The green LED flashes on/off codes indicating the charge step at the moment. Error Indicator A red LED only flashes when faults are detected, such as loss of sense input, or overvoltage on the battery. Errors are identified by the duration of on and off times for the red LED. This mechanism permits rapid troubleshooting of the charging system.
An error indicator can be remotely mounted if the second plug-in terminal block is ordered.
Order Accessory: #NS2-TBL
Parallel Solenoid Indicator An amber LED illuminates anytime the parallel output signal is active, signalling that the battery combiner solenoid should be closed. Field Output Indicator A green LED indicates when the field output is being driven positive, making it easy to see when the alternator should be producing. Simple Adjustments The NS2 is very easy to adjust, and adjustments can be made without the engine running. Absorption voltage and time can be set, and there is an independent adjustment for float voltage. The adjustment procedure has been greatly simplified. Test points are provided which measure exactly 1/10 of the desired battery voltage. For instance a voltage of 1.35 Volts on the float test point will yield 13.50 Volts at the battery. To make absorption time easy to adjust, a test point is provided that indicates the time setpoint. Just measure the test point with a meter, and convert the voltage to time by multiplying the voltage by 100 to arrive at minutes. For instance, a 1 Volt reading indicates absorption time of 100 minutes. This exclusive Ample Power feature means that the NS2 can be installed and adjusted without waiting for the unit to trip to float. This can save you an hour or two of labor charges if you have the unit professionally installed! Temperature Sensing
To provide an ideal charge regimen, the NS2 senses battery temperature and
compensates the various setpoints. Temperature compensation corrects the output
voltages from -4 to 140 The NS2 now includes a #2018 temperature sensor. Order accessory #2018-WIRE for twisted pair temperature sensor wiring. What you won't see You won't see the NS2 overshoot the absorption setpoint by several hundred milli-Volts, as done by one highly advertised regulator. They use this technique in an attempt to prevent current tapering as battery voltage approaches the absorption setpoint. Your batteries pay the price for their overshoots. We also sense battery voltage rather than the power feed to the regulator. Yes, they save a wire in the harness, but a regulator which doesn't sense battery voltage using a dedicated wire for that purpose can not charge batteries properly. Factory Installed Options
Battery Combiner Feature The NS2 has also been designed to provide a new level of system integration. The unit drives a parallel solenoid to charge a starter battery at the same time a house battery is charged. This feature is active 24/7 ...whether the engine is running or not. Thus it works with any other charge sources such as AC powered battery chargers, as well as the alternator.
With the parallel solenoid driver, the NS2 is ideal for
vessels, motorhomes and fifth-wheel homes. The loads which are normally
drawn from the starter battery can stay connected as wired.
The same
parallel solenoid can even be used with a manual parallel switch to
connect the house and starter batteries.
Serial Port/Equalization Option
The serial port/equalization option provides a standard serial port interface
which works with any computer with a serial port and terminal program.
For example: the NS2 can be programmed via a computer to equalize
batteries, setpoints can be programmed, and duty cycle current limit can
be specified.
Dimensions and Mounting The unit is approximately 2.7 inches (68mm) long, 5.5 inches (138mm) wide, and 1.9 inches (48mm) high. The NS2 can be mounted in any orientation. The housing is marine grade aluminum which has been clear anodized and silkscreened. Ordering Information
NS2 Regulators
Factory Installed Options
NS2 ...Pricing Information
Regulator Accessories ...Pricing Information
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