Balmar MC-612

[Oceansailor]

I have the older Balmar MC-612. It behaves a little bit funny.

After a minute when the regulator starts the voltage and current starts cycling for a couple of minutes. (117-90-81-61-118-92-79- this is Amps. ) Voltage also cycle 13.7-13.4.....

After some minutes the regulator stabilize and it puts out a steady
Output. Let’s say 13.7V and 118 A.

Do not pay attention to the numbers. That varies with SOC.

This cycling can come back with some regularity.

My spare one do exactly the same thing. So I guess it is standard behavior? Or do I have some settings wrong?

[GordMay]

The MC-612 regulator’s microprocessor controlled charging system uses a sophisticated, multi-stage profile to deliver maximum charging output, while protecting the batteries from overcharging damage. When the regulator is first turned on, the processor performs a quick one-second self diagnostic assessment. Following that diagnostic, the MC-612 initiates a charge program as follows:
1. Start Delay - Factory set at one second. Can be user-adjusted to a maximum of 200 seconds in the regulator’s advanced programming mode. See Advanced Programming section for adjustment instructions.
2. Soft Ramp - Slowly increases voltage to bulk preset levels based on battery program selected...
Etc.
Per Manual ☞ http://www.balmar.net/wp-content/upl...-2005-2009.pdf

[Oceansailor]

Thanks for the info. I guess what I see is the “soft ramp” sequence, and then ramp to absorbtion?

[HankOnthewater]

Although I have a 512 and a 614 model, they do something similar like you said in your opening posts. I always took it that the regulator checks the SoC (state of charge) of the battery and finally settles on the correct rate for that SoC. I have a copy of the manuals on the boat and could post it here (just ask), but I am sure they are on the net as well.

[sanibel sailor]

You can send it to Balmar and they will test it for free.

[smac999]

the ramping at start up is a liner ramp up. for the first min. ie 0 amps, 10 amps, 30 amps, 60amps, 100a. it doesn' wonder up and down, and doesn't head downwards. what you are seeing is not normal

do you have an ACR between different banks? when those cycle on and off, similar things will happen with alt current.

[NYSail]

If this is happening with two 612s and it’s not normal do you think it might be the alt?? Next time take a video of it happening and send it to dale over at balmar..... he may be able to desipher its behavior.

Good luck
Greg

[smac999]

a big load cycling on and off will also cause the alt amps to go up and down like that.

[Oceansailor]

Have two alternators and one regulator. Both alternators are doing the same thing at the same time. So I’m pretty sure it is the normal ramp to bulk and ramp to absorbtion.

[Stu Jackson]

There's the ramping and there's also the internal checking. RTFM. There's a great section on how they do their charge algorithm.


Where's is your battery sense? Back of alternator or to the house bank?


I have an MC-612, too.

[Oceansailor]

Hi Stu, Battery sense is reading on the battery terminal. But only the positive. Will do the negative as well as Mainsail suggests.

[Oceansailor]

Well I did change regulator. Have 3 older MC-612. Two are O.K. They do the ramp to bulk sequence . Takes about 2 minutes. After that the output is steady until the ramp to absorbtion take place.

The third one that is a newer model. Has the “field % settings” never stop cycling.
(Never touch the field % settings) Output never stabilize.