In a recent thread on "Excessive Alternator Heat" and followup answers regarding alternator output management (see Reply #20 on page 2:
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4454.0.html),
[please read for important background] I noted that alternator output could be controlled two ways through a newer style external regulator: reprogramming ("Amp Manager") or the "Small Engine Mode."
We installed the simpler Small Engine Mode switch on our regulator. We did not purchase an alternator temperature sensor. Jon Schneider noted that he installed the alternator temperature sensor which performs the same function but ONLY when the alternator gets "hot." He ALSO noted he used the amp Manager at 50%, so: he's got his amp output DOWN to 50% and THEN his alternator cuts back to 50% of that! My concept is to get as MUCH out of my alternator as possible, but just lightly load it at first when starting up after draining the house bank down past 85% - like a night on the hook with the fridge running.
Attached are photos showing the toggle switch and wiring to the alternator temperature sensor taps on the regulator.
When the switch is open, the current from the alternator drops to 50% output. When the switch is closed, the current from the alternator is full, based on the demands of the load requirement of the battery bank(s) being charged.
The wiring and discussion is on the other linked thread above, and included in the Balmar Max Charge MC612 alternator installation & instruction manual (which you can also find online through Balmar,
www.Balmar.net).
It works perfectly based on real life measurements with our Link 2000. After a night on the hook with the house bank down, when we first start motoring I switch to 50%. Once the amperage output drops to around 25 to 30 I switch it back to full and the alternator doesn't overheat. More detailed discussion is on the linked previous thread.
