SARV3 Manual View this as PDF |
Smart Alternator Regulator
V3...
We hate to disappoint the thousands of users who think the Ample Power Smart Alternator Regulator, V2, is the best way to charge batteries, however, there is now a better way ...the V3. Combining the best features of the V2, with the best features of the Next Step Regulator, and adding a few new wrinkles to the art of battery charging, the V3 is the culmination of years of engineering. Using a microcomputer with twice the memory of the V2 and the Next Step, the V3 is packed with features you'd expect from Ample Power. You certainly don't want to try this with the competition, but you can short the field output of the V3 and it will live to tell you about it ...even if you forgot to fuse the B+ line! In fact it tells you immediately by flashing its red LED 3 seconds on, and 6 seconds off. What's New? The SAR-V3 has all the features that have made the SAR-V2 so popular, and incorporates the following new features.
Smart Discharge Detection What if the regulator is in float, and the alternator can't keep up with demand? The SAR-V3 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 continue charging. 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. A terminal is provided that can drive a remote indicator. Error Indicator A red LED only flashes when faults are detected, such as loss of sense input, or over-voltage on the battery. Other faults such as shorted field driver or shorted field are reported. Errors are identified by the duration of on and off times for the red LED. This mechanism permits rapid troubleshooting of the charging system. Easy to Adjust The SAR-V3 has no set-point adjustments ...just choose your battery type on the dip-switches. There are two current limit potentiometers corresponding to two input signals that activate current limiting. Performance Enhancements The SAR-V3 improves on earlier design performance with these important additions:
The SAR-V3 has also been designed to provide a new level of system integration. The unit drives a parallel solenoid to simplify charging a starter battery at the same time a house battery is charged. This parallel signal is active even when the engine isn't running. With the parallel solenoid driver, the SAR-V3 is ideal for motorhomes and fifth-wheel homes. The loads which are normally drawn from the starter battery can stay connected as wired ...the standard solenoid will supply 85 Amps continuously, (400 A intermittent). The same parallel solenoid can even be used with a manual parallel switch to connect the house and starter batteries. Temperature Sensing
To provide
an ideal charge regimen, the SAR-V3 senses battery temperature
and compensates the various set-points.
Temperature compensation corrects the output voltages from -4 to 140 Absorption Hold The SAR-V3 interfaces to the Energy Monitor II and will stay in the absorption voltage until the Monitor releases it to float. The interface can also be used with a switch to hold the regulator in the absorption state or force it into the float state. Halogen Lamp Protection While batteries need a voltage higher than 13.8 to charge fully, the higher voltage will take its toll on halogen lights, reducing their life considerably. The SAR-V3 includes an input that locks the set-point to 13.8 Volts when desired. This naturally slows the charge process but the locking feature can be used when long hours of motoring at night are expected. On motorhomes, the LOCK input can be connected to the headlights so that the regulator is locked out of high voltages whenever the headlights are on. Dual Alternator Rated The SAR-V3 Regulator is rated to drive the fields of two alternators in parallel. No additional circuitry is required if both alternators are mounted on the same engine. When the alternators are mounted on separate engines, a Dual Alternator Controller, DAC, is available which permits either or both engines to be run without applying field power to an alternator that isn't rotating.
Dimensions and Mounting The SAR-V3 Regulator is 5.8 inches, (148 mm) long by 6.7 inches, (171 mm) wide. It stands 1.65 inches, (42 mm) off its mounting surface. It can be mounted in any orientation. The housing is marine grade aluminum which has been clear anodized.
Ordering Information
SAR-V3, 12-Volt, P-type #SAR-V3-12P
Regulator Accessories ...Pricing Information
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