Balmar MC614 and generic alternator

[Thomasx]

Thanks for the info everyone, now I know a bit better how things work

[marty9876]

Originally Posted by rgleason

Is there an output curve for your CMI alternator somewhere? Or can you give me a couple of points at low rpms?

I have the original new unused hitachi 80a alternator that came with the 3ym30 engine (2013), I wonder if it would be worthwhile changing it to external regulation? I think your CMI has better windings, diodes, brushes and bearings though.

Thanks very much.

Below are my instal notes. This was at idle into a pretty charged bank so it’s likely hard to interpret the results. Into a deeper discharge bank at cruising rpm is where the 66amps comes from, degulated per below. I’m overly conservative in the setup because I can be.

- upon initial testing with a bank voltage starting at ~ 13.1 (solar on the boat too, bank is likely 80-90% charged) I'm getting 14.11v off the back of the alternator and 13.92v on the batteries with 28amps flowing in per BEP DC/TLM meter.

For reference, I had the hitichi stock 60amp alternator in there, most it really ever did was 10-15 amps. It’d peak perhaps in the mid 20’s on startup but taper down fast and deep.

I need to tweak the config but below is what is in there

Agm program
Belt Manager = 3
dLc/Start Delay = 45 Seconds
AHL/ High Voltage Regulator Limit = 15.0V
CL/Temp Compensation Limit = 15.0V
bv/Bulk Voltage = 14.6V
b1c/Bulk Time = 1 Hour
Av/Absorption Voltage = 14.4V
A1c/Absorption Time = 4 Hours
Fv/Float Voltage = 13.6V
F1C/Float Time = 12 Hours
AL1/Alt Temp Compensation = 220F

[rgleason]

Marty, Thanks.


bank voltage starting at ~ 13.1, bank is likely 80-90% charged
hitichi stock 60amp alt, most did 10-15 amps. peak mid 20’s on startup fast taper


14.11v off alt and 13.92v at batt with 28amps per meter. What RPM?

Would be interested in bulk mode performance at 800rmp, 1000rmp, 1200rpm, if you have a chance sometime.
Thanks this is helpful.

[Nicholson58]

I have generic alts run by 624 Balmar. My alternators are heavy duty truck units. You can get these where they sell new and rebuilt truck alternators.

[smac999]

I have installed balmar regs on many different factory alts. just turn the belt setting down a bit so they keep a bit cooler and never run max amps for hours at a time.