Balmar Regulator Voltage Sense Location

[Rusty123]

I've read that one of the differences between the ARS-5 and the MC-614 regulators is that the former senses battery voltage at the alternator output, while the latter senses at the battery positive. Makes sense, but in reading the manuals for both, it appears that the ARS-5 voltage sense wire can be connected to the battery if desired (actually required if a battery isolator is used).

Given this, is sensing location really a distinguishing feature?

[colemj]

I don't know about the ARS-5, but on the MC-614 the sense wire is just that - a wire. You can connect it anywhere that makes sense to you (pun intended!). I don't really know of any regulators that require the sense wire to connect directly to the alternator output terminal.

Mark

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Rusty123

I've read that one of the differences between the ARS-5 and the MC-614 regulators is that the former senses battery voltage at the alternator output, while the latter senses at the battery positive. Makes sense, but in reading the manuals for both, it appears that the ARS-5 voltage sense wire can be connected to the battery if desired (actually required if a battery isolator is used).

Given this, is sensing location really a distinguishing feature?

On the ARS-5 the regulator power and sense are the same wire, red. The brown is simply ignition/on....

On the MC-614 the sense wire has zero current on it so it is a pure voltage sensing wire. It does not power the regulator AND sense voltage at the same time like the ARS-5....

For the best charging performance sensing the bank is paramount. However, if sensing the actual battery bank the charge current MUST also feed directly to that bank. You can't sense a bank if alt current passes through a battery switch than can "charge direct" or switch which bank gets charged........

[Rusty123]

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

On the ARS-5 the regulator power and sense are the same wire, red. The brown is simply ignition/on....

On the MC-614 the sense wire has zero current on it so it is a pure voltage sensing wire. It does not power the regulator AND sense voltage at the same time like the ARS-5....

For the best charging performance sensing the bank is paramount. However, if sensing the actual battery bank the charge current MUST also feed directly to that bank. You can't sense a bank if alt current passes through a battery switch than can "charge direct" or switch which bank gets charged........

Ah, I see that distinction now in the manual. Thank you.