Weems & Plath autoMAC

[Wahoo Sails]

OK boys & girls ... a Weems & Plath autoMAC (some sorta alterntor contoller) .... anybody know anything about this gizmo? If not it will probably get dumpsterized
Bob

[GordMay]

Weems & Plath
214 Eastern Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21403-3318 . USA
Tel: 410.263.6700
Fax: 410.268.8713
Email: info@weems-plath.com

AutoMac: Weems and Plath - Customer Service

[seaclusion]

Bob,

The Automac is an alternator controller that allows the user to bypass the the built-in regulator in the alternator and set the charge rate to a higher rate than the internal regulator would allow thus charging the batteries in a shorter length of time. I believe the Automac has an automatic shudown so as not to completely cook your batts.

In the absense of a smart regulator, this is not a bad device to have. You do need to monitor what is happening, like alternator overheating and battery gassing, but if you are sitting around doing nothing while charging your batts why not.

Don't trash the device untill you upgrade to a smart charger because it doesn't interfere with anything unless you turn it on and set the charge rate. When the Automac is not on the internal regulator performs as normal.

Richard

[Euro Cruiser]

Bob, we used one of those in concert with 6V golf cart batteries and it was very effective. As Richard notes, it isn't a 'smart charger' and so it lacks the 3 stage charging regimen and also can not equalize a bank...but it's a better option than simply relying on the standard alternator that engine mfgrs. continue - inexplicably - to keep installing on their engines.

To use, you will need to do two basic things:
1. crack the alternator case and wire in the Automac's control wire (in lieu of the installed internal regulator); this allows you via the rheostat to control the amount of excitation of the field, thus controlling the amperage output of the alternator.
2. sort out what amount of charging current is suitable for the capacity of your bank.

Jack

[Wahoo Sails]

Thanks to both Richard & Jack. The autoMAC isn't currently hooked up ... and I'm hoping I won't need it, but based on the info provided, it will be spared the dumpster, instead it will be stashed away to be drug out if needed.
Bob