Which Alternator Regulator

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gorgonshead
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Joined: 4/27/12
Posts: 60
Which Alternator Regulator

Hello all --

I am looking to install an external regulator for my alternator. I have a Prestolyte 90 A alternator. I was initially looking at the Balmar MC 614 but surfing around I found the Sterling Power ProReg-D which is a good deal cheaper. I have a new Sterling battery charger that I am very happy with. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks,

Peter L

Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA

BudStreet
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Joined: 9/4/09
Posts: 1127

At the risk of sounding snotty (not my intent) did you search the forum for Sterling? There are quite a few threads with references to Sterling products by the look of it, I just don't have time right now to read them.

Aside from that, I seem to recall Maine Sail mentioned Sterling products and I gather he generally likes their stuff. Given his attention to detail and knowledge, I would take that as a good recommendation if he says their stuff is good.

I have a Xantrex XAR, which is kind of comparable to some of the the Balmars (one company makes the others, never can remember who makes whose), it's been fine, does it's job quite well though if you need other than a standard profile it can be finicky to set. I'm sure there's better newer ones, hopefully cheaper.

Alex
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Joined: 2/20/12
Posts: 38

I installed a Pro-Reg D a few weeks ago. I haven't actually started the boat, (exhaust is almost put back together) so all I can comment on is the installation itself.

I found the manual hard quite hard to follow, the information didn't seem to flow logically, I found that creating a sketch, and noting things as I went through the manual was key (the information is really scattered, and there are a lot of possibilities for the connections). In the end i was ok with that because I have a much better understanding of what the connections actually do. I had a few questions for Sterling and they were answered by Charles Sterling himself within 24 hours.

The unit has limited programmability, but I have 4 golf cart batteries, so I'm not overly concerned about that.

The wiring harness is a little short, we ended up mounting it under the sink behind the tall skinny door. The wires were about 1 foot too short, we extended them, but the manual does warn you to keep extensions to a minimum. I emailed the company about this, and got the impression that it might be a bigger issue with certain alternators, so you might want to email the company about yours (we have a Leece Neville, and he said it would be ok).

So now that it's installed, we're happy with it, the price was good, and it included the temperature sensors. Only time will tell how well it works, but when I was researching it I couldn't find too many complaints, so I took that as a good sign.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Alex & Caitlin
S/V Windswept
Vancouver, BC
1985 C-36
SR/FK M25

 

gorgonshead
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Joined: 4/27/12
Posts: 60

Thanks guys —

I did search through the forum re Sterling. Also checked Musings with MainSail and he indicated that he prefers the Balmer to the Sterling because it is more customizable / adjustable.

At this point I am not entirely sure I need an external regulator at all. I am going to be installing a solar panel system. I am on a mooring, and hope to charge to 80% SOC with the alternator, and bring up to 100% when possible over the course of my work-week.

I am thinking about holding off on getting the external regulator and seeing how things go with the "dumb regulator" for bulk charging and the solar for absorption and float.

Does that make sense?

Peter L

Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA

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deising
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Joined: 11/3/08
Posts: 1351

Make sure you have a controller (preferably an MPPT) for your solar panels. Depending upon the size of your bank, the state of charge, and the output potential of your solar panels, you can still overcharge. They are not that expensive and well worth it to baby your batteries and give you longer life.

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

gorgonshead
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Joined: 4/27/12
Posts: 60

Yes, I am planning to install a Solbian panel on the Bimini. Will be getting MPPT controller.

PL

Peter Lundquist
s/v Rafael
1998 Catalina 36
Hull #1669
Salem, MA

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