[C320-list] Voltage Regulators- New thread away from batteries

[Jeff Hare]

Troy, 

The only reason I didn't specifically recommend the smartguage was Simply because I haven't looked up in the past few years to see what the state of the art is!  Probably deserves a good look!  It doesn't appear to use a Shunt, so it won't be capable of displaying real time current readings, like charge current or what your loads are drawing.  Those are very useful readings IMHO.  Voltage is nice for getting an idea of your state of charge (if the display has enough decimal places), but doesn't tell the whole story.

-Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Troy Dunn
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2018 9:30 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Voltage Regulators- New thread away from batteries

Jeff

At the risk of hijacking Scott's thread.   First of all...serious
electrical system envy here...your setup is pretty darn close to perfect IMHO.

Any reason you aren't reccomending the smartgauge?   It seems like this is
the one I will end up going with...curious your thoughts.

Scott-

Attempting to separate one part of your electrical system trade from another is really difficult.  The interdependencies are pretty intricate, and also...how you use the system is an extremely important part of that equation as is...how deep is your wallet.  If cost is not a consideration, what Jeff described is really close to what I’m planning to do, unfortunately I’m a bit frugal and FLAs keep creeping into the picture
because they really are the better value from what I can tell.   How you
end up going battery wise will have a significant impact on these other
system trades.   Good luck and keep us all posted on your final decisions.

FWIW-

Troy Dunn
S/V Wonky Dog
Hull #514

On Thu, Jul 12, 2018 at 7:42 PM Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:

> Hi Scott,
>
> I used to have the Ample Power NextStep regulator in the past. (High 
> End to the point of geek level).  Don't recommend them really unless 
> you have the urge to diddle a lot of settings that make virtually no 
> difference and like a ton of precision wiring.
>
> Today I use the Balmar MaxCharge external regulator driving an AmpTech 
> 125se (125Amp alternator) which is charging a pair of Lifeline 4D AGM 
> batteries which are hardwired in parallel and indirectly charges an 
> AGM Automotive starting battery through a Xantrex Echo Charge.
>
> AmpTech (in Texas) makes a great alternator that's a less expensive 
> than Balmar's alternators with (I think) higher output and better 
> thermal performance.
>
> For Shore power, I use a Charles 60a charger.
>
> For linking all this together, I ditched the stock 1-2-both and house 
> panel and installed a Blue Sea panel similar to the 8080 which has an 
> Engine On/Off switch for the Starting battery, A House On/Off which 
> powers the house from the 4D's and an emergency Parallel switch that 
> switches all your batteries in parallels in case you need to also use 
> your house batteries to help start the engine.
>
> I still have my Ample Power E-Mon II (energy monitor/controller) that 
> lets me see all the currents, voltages and discharge rates.  (There 
> are better units out today from other sources like Victron that aren't 
> such a pain in the butt to install).
>
> -Jeff Hare
> 2001 #809 Woodbine II
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of 
> Scott Westwood
> Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2018 8:11 AM
> To: Catalina List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Subject: [C320-list] Voltage Regulators- New thread away from 
> batteries
>
> My search for battery replacement takes me to the next phase of my
> education: Regulators.
> What regulators have people used?  High end and mid range.  I try to 
> NOT use low end anything unless.....
> Every answer breeds new questions.....  I thought I was too old for 
> school..
> Never stop learning...I know.  Love it.  Just wish I was retired and 
> could focus full time on this.  Coming soon.
> Where can I educate myself on regulators? Thanks, Scott Westwood
> scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185
>
>