[C320-list] Balmar MC-614 question

[Danny Jensen]

The SME switch gets installed With a special Bridge connector along with the temperature sensor as shown in the 614 manual. When the switch is open is the temperature sensors perform as planned. By switching the switch to closed you effectively cause the temperature sensor Input to the 614 To be in a over Temp state By forcing these sensors to be over temp. In this overtemperature state, your 614 will I’ll output about 50%.  As you can see since the sensor Is forced into over a temp state By activating the switch, you don’t need the temperature values to be online. Also, it is likely that your alternator will Be kinder to your batteries and engine while in this Closed state with this switch closed.  If my battery is Low and I am powering home to a charger in flat water, it makes no sense to me why I need to cause my Alternator and water pump pulley to work extra hard with a alternator load. I would rather have the extra engine horsepower And let my alternator run cool. Cumulative Heat kills alternators. Plug a hairdryer into your system using an inverter and see how long your alternator will take to activate the heat sensor And start running at 50%. It does not take long. Your new alternator is mainly limited by heat. 50% Low output causes the heat problem to be minimized. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 26, 2019, at 3:32 AM, Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Good Stuff.
> I "might" install a switch for that (SME).  Doesn't hurt to install one.  With that switch closed, however, the Alternator Temp sensor is bypassed/disabled).  If I do install the switch I plan to not use it for long periods.  I want the sensors on line.  Personal preference.
> The only time I think it would make sense (to me- other thoughts/preferences may vary) is if  you need the extra engine power against a strong current and wind??  I will probably let the regulator do its job most of the time.
> You risk not being able to sense Alt temp though....
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C (919)-618-7185
> 
> 
>    On Sunday, February 24, 2019, 10:13:38 AM EST, danny jensen <danny at jensenshouse.com> wrote:  
> 
> Scott,
> What a big project. Congratulations.
> 
> RE the Balmar 614
> 
>   1. I used the BSS 12v leds.  I'm running Aux1 pin 16 and Dash 17 to the
>   panel. Here is a picture
>   https://c320.org/mediagallery/popup.php?s=20131126200212892&sort=0
>   2. I ended disabling the buzzer. I would highly recommend you wire a
>   switch between pin 5 and pin 6. This is small engine mode (SME)and will
>   reduce alternator output to about 30-40amp. If your not in a hurry to
>   charge your thirsty depleted batteries, this setting is good. In fact, I
>   just leave SME on unless I'm at anchor and need a fast charge. Mostly my
>   lead acid batteries are charging about 30A anyway. My next project is
>   adding a 180ah bank of LifePO4 batteries I'm working on now. It is a fun
>   project but a bit dangerous! LFP batteries will burn out an 100A alternator
>   so the SME mode will be a good thing. I'm going to charge the LFP
>   3. Reminder ! make sure your run a wire from pin 9 Pos sense directly to
>   your battery terminal. I didn't do this and I'm needed to do this.
> 
> Danny
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Feb 22, 2019 at 5:27 PM Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> 500ma is the max current draw on that signal.  I'd just use a 12v
>> indicator LED that you can get anywhere.  Blue Sea sells panel mount LEDs
>> that are easy to install and draw about 1.5ma when they're on.
>> 
>> https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/36/23/LED_Indicator_Lights
>> 
>> -Jeff
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
>> Scott Westwood
>> Sent: Friday, February 22, 2019 7:07 PM
>> To: Catalina List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>> Subject: [C320-list] Balmar MC-614 question
>> 
>> For those of you that may have a Balmar MC-614 regulator on your
>> alternator, I am looking to find the lamps and/or alarm for the Aux1 and/or
>> Dash lamp outputs.
>> I would like to install them but  thought I would ask what/where anybody
>> found 500 ma lamps to use.  Maybe even an audible alarm for the Dash lamp??
>> I have just started looking and thought I might cheat and ask here first.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C
>> (919)-618-7185
>> 
>> 
>