[C320-list] Balmar MC-614 question

[danny jensen]

Here is SME from the 614 manual.

  Additional Regulator Features Small Engine Mode In situations where
additional power is needed for propulsion, the MC-614 provides the option
to manually reduce regulator field output by approximately one half. This
option, called Small Engine Mode, can be accessed by shorting the positive
and negative Alternator #1 Temperature Sensor terminals. This can be done
by splicing into the positive and negative wires of the Alternator
Temperature Sensor cable (MC-TS-A) with a switched wire. With the switch in
the OFF position, the Alternator #1 Temperature Sensor will work normally.
With the switch in the ON position, the regulator will reduce field output
by approximately 50%. To enable the Small Engine Mode: 1. If the Alternator
Temperature Sensor cable is being used, replace the female terminal
connectors on the cable with Multi-Stack Connectors (Ancor Part # 230612).
2. Install a standard ON/OFF switch in a location that’s easily reached
from the helm. 3. Run wires from the switch back to the positive and
negative terminals of the Alternator #1 Temperature Sensor terminals ( #5
and #6). 4. Add appropriate connectors to the switched wires and connect to
the positive and negative terminal connections.

On Tue, 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
> >
> >
>
>