Smart Alternator Regulator$^{tm}$ V3
Installation and Operating Instructions

Ample Power Models SARV3-12P and SARV3-24P June 11, 2006
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Mounting the Regulator
The regulator is protected against ambient humidity, but must be mounted in a dry location free of moisture, dust, and other environmental insults. The regulator will operate in temperatures to 60$^\circ $C (140$^\circ $F).


Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram above is the only way to wire the Smart Regulator. Do not wire it in any other way, such as combining ground wires or battery positive wires. For safety purposes, always use fuses where shown.


NOTE: For those familiar with earlier regulators such as the SAR-V2 or Next Step Regulators, note that all inputs and outputs on the SAR-V3 are active on a positive signal. That means the PARALLEL solenoid, the ERROR LAMP and the STATUS LAMP are wired to their respective devices with the other end of the device returned to Negative Distribution. All inputs at the terminal block are activated when they are connected to battery voltage. Leave unused optional terminals unconnected.


Signal Names and Functions
Battery voltage set-points are specified for each voltage system, 12 or 24 volts, as 12 / 24 volts, respectively.

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Figure 2. Internal Settings Locations


Status Indicator
The green Status Indicator and the external STATUS LAMP, if wired, shows the charging state of the regulator. Status is shown by flashing the green Status Indicator with On and Off times in seconds as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Green Status Indicator
Status On Off
ON/OFF Input Off 3 3
Bulk Charge 2 1
Gas Charge 6 1
Absorption Charge 1 1
Step to Float 1 6
Float Charge 2 2
Gas Lock 3 1
ABS Hold 1 3
Equalization Charge 6 6


Error Indicator
The red Error Indicator and the external ERROR LAMP, if wired, reports abnormal conditions. Errors are identified by On and Off times of the red Error Indicator as shown in Table 2 below. They are listed in the order that errors are displayed if there are multiple errors. All errors, except the last one, attempt to shut off the field drivers until the error condition subsides.
Note: The last error can also be a warning that voltage getting to the regulator on the B$^{+}$ input is insufficient to fully drive the field output.

Table 2. Red Error Indicator
Error On Off
Voltage Runaway 6 3
Field Short Circuit 3 6
Bat. Volts disconnected 3 1
Can't turn field off 1 1
Bad Temperature Sensor 6 6
Over Temperature 3 3
Can't turn field on 1 3
Missing GROUND connection 6 0.5






Voltage and Absorption Time Set-points
The voltage and the time of the absorption cycle are controlled by the internal dip-switch, S1. Refer to Figure 2 for the location of S1. Select a charge profile by setting the battery type switches on S1 according to the following table.

Table 3. Battery Type Selection
Battery Type Sw 1 Sw 2 Sw 3
Thick Plate Liquid Off Off Off
Medium Plate Liquid On Off Off
East Penn Gel Off On Off
Concorde AGM On On Off
Optima Off Off On
Exide Gel On Off On
Johnson Control Gel Off On On
Ample Power Gel On On On


What You Should See
The regulator is on whenever power is present at B$^{+}$. Without voltage at the ON / OFF input, the regulator is simply controlling the parallel solenoid, and will close the solenoid whenever the voltage on BAT.VOLTS indicates that the main battery is being charged.


When the regulator is first turned on via B$^{+}$, the red Error Indicator will glow for 5 - 8 seconds before extinguishing. Then the green Status Indicator will then start to flash the charge status.

If there is a positive voltage on the ON / OFF input, then the alternator should start to charge after the red Error Indicator goes off. Thus, alternator charging can be controlled via the ON / OFF input.


ABS Input
When battery voltage is applied to this input, the regulator is held at the absorption set-point. Removal of the input signal causes the regulator to begin stepping toward the float voltage. Step-to-float is an intermediate mode where the float set-point is approached in small steps over time. This is done in an attempt to maintain some alternator output and thus keep the tachometer alive.


LOCK Input
This input locks the regulator at the gassing set-point, which is half-way between the absorption and float set-points.

Removal of the signal toggles between stepping to float, or going to the absorption set-point. The first activation and then removal of the LOCK signal causes the regulator to step float. The next activation and then removal of the LOCK signal causes the regulator go to the absorption set-point, initializing the absorption timer. This cyclic behavior repeats. Thus, the LOCK input can be used to completely control the charge state at float, gas or absorption.


Input Priorities
The EQL signal overrides the LIMIT signal. The EQL overrides the ABS and LOCK signals. On the current release, the LOCK signal overrides the ABS signal. The LIMIT signal will limit current with either LOCK or ABS.


Current Limiting
Two 20-turn potentiometers with two input signals permit duty cycle current limiting at two independent set-points. Duty cycle current limiting is a mode where the percentage-of-time that the regulator is driving the field is set by the potentiometer. Current limiting is useful to reduce alternator output, and thus reduce horsepower requirements from the engine.


Two settings are available. The control inputs are LIMIT, and EQL. Note that the EQL input serves a dual function depending on whether an internal jumper, P1, is in place. See the Equalization section for more information.


For normal limiting on a small engine, assert the LIMIT input. The EQL input can be connected to the same switch that enables another load on the engine. For example, a clutch driven pump may require a further reduction in current, so wire the EQL input to the switch that activates the clutch for the water pump. The potentiometer for LIMIT is R11. R12 sets the current limit for the EQL input. Refer to Figure 2 for R11 and R12 locations.


NOTE: The EQL input is used here as a second current limit set-point. See the following section below for information to do equalization.


Equalization
Equalization is a process where the voltage on the battery is allowed to rise to a higher voltage, typically 16.2 / 32.4 Volts for most batteries, where the applied current is limited to 3 - 7% of the Ah capacity of the battery. The applied current must be set using R12.


The EQL input is used for a second current limit whenever the input signal is activated. To enter the actual equalization mode, the two pins of P1 must be first shorted with a jumper terminal or a switch connected to the two pins, refer to Figure 2. This changes the mode of the EQL input signal to regulate at the equalization voltage set-points as well as current limit. Then the EQL input should be momentarily activated for at least two seconds and then released. A second momentary action will terminate the equalization process. Equalization will terminate automatically whenever the ending voltage or time is achieved.


CAUTION: Equalization produces a higher voltage than some normal equipment can tolerate. Turn off equipment that will not tolerate an input of 17 / 34 Volts or more.


NOTE: The Smart Regulator does not permit equalization for the gel batteries but does permit equalization of absorbed glass matte batteries at an appropriate voltage.


Alternator Requirements
The alternator must be an externally regulated model with one brush connected to ground and the other brush fitted with a connection to make the field connection, (P-type).
NOTE: Alternators not rated for continuous operation at high current and temperature may fail when driven by the regulator unless current is limited to a safe value.


Troubleshooting
First, look at the Signal Names and Functions section above and make sure that all required wires are in place and properly connected. We have found that moving a wire such as BAT.VOLTS or GROUND a few feet away from a good Battery Positive or Negative Distribution could result in undesirable regulation due to voltage spikes in the system. To help diagnose voltage set-points, remove the T+ (RED) connection to disable temperature compensation and prevent a faulty temperature sensor from affecting the system.
NOTE: With temperature sensing, a higher battery temperature will result in a lower battery voltage. Likewise, a lower battery temperature will result in a higher battery voltage.


Second, if the problem still exists, obtain a copy of the SAR V3 Troubleshooting Guide which is available from the following sources:
Regulator Service Center






The troubleshooting guide was designed to help isolate a majority of the installation problems. Fill out the Troubleshooting Guide to determine if all measurements meet the specified requirements.


Finally, if you are unable to remedy the problem, contact the regulator service center with the SAR V3 Troubleshooting Guide completed for referencing.





Supplement: Using the SARV3 with Two Engines and Two Alternators Using the Dual Alternator Controller

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Figure 3. Modifications to the Basic Wiring Diagram for a Two-engine, Two-alternator System

Ample Power products are manufactured by Ample Technology, 2442 NW Market St., #43, Seattle, WA 98107 - USA

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