Three-Stage Regulators

[motion30]

What are the best smart 12 volt regulators? I have heard xantrex units have had problems and.... can a any alt be converted to work with these smart regs?

[s/v Jedi]

Ample Power (I guess you mean alternator regulators).

cheers,
Nick.

[Cheechako]

I like the Ample power units also. although I dont know if they sell a "Rugulator" :>)

[barnakiel]

On this side of the pond they (we) use Sterling, Marlin (or Merlin), Heart, all have good name. Merlin claims it will work with any alt. Sterling and Heart have nice external panels and all the toys and whistles.

Everybody who uses this of my friends have nothing but words of praise. I have seen an installation with a 60A alt, 240 Ah (brand new AGMs) batteries and one of those new regulators that could pack it from half empty to full (120 A) in just below 3 hours. Probably the best result I have ever seen except with a shore power charger.

b.

[btrayfors]

Balmar MaxCharge MC-612. Hands down. Programmable, reliable.

While Balmar now supplies regulators to Xantrex, I'd steer clear of them due to poor support and policies (Xantrex). JMO.

Yes, alternators can be converted to work with an external regulator.

Bill