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Old 04-09-2022, 23:27   #1
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How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

I want to be able to disable charging for a cool-down period before turning off my engine.

If I've been charging at full alternator output and shut the engine down, even after idling for a few minutes, the alternator temperature climbs dangerously when it's cooling fan action is lost. If I could turn off charging, run the engine for five minutes or so for a cool down, then turn off the engine, I think it would alleviate the problem and maybe increase the life of the alternator.

Question: Can I just put a switch in the ignition wire going to the Balmar MC-614 regulator? Will that safely turn off the field current? I might consider a mechanical timer switch so I don't need to remember to turn the switch back on.

I know there's a small-engine mode but that only reduces output to 50%. I'd like no output.
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Old 05-09-2022, 00:41   #2
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

Don't know about your Balmar but some alternators only need the excitation via the ignition and warning light to start generation. After the alternator starts generating a supply via an internal connection supplies power to the regulator.
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Old 05-09-2022, 00:49   #3
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

What about a switch in the field wire.

Another different example -
Some 1/2/both master switches have a field disconnect switch that is operated when the master switch is turned off.

Example master switch


From link:
Models with an Alternator Field Disconnect feature offer protection for Non-Unitized Alternators should the switch accidentally be turned to the OFF position with the engine running.
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Old 05-09-2022, 02:40   #4
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

Cut off the ign wire. That is the proper way. Not the feild.
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Old 05-09-2022, 02:40   #5
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

Quote:
Originally Posted by richwest3 View Post
.......

Question: Can I just put a switch in the ignition wire going to the Balmar MC-614 regulator? Will that safely turn off the field current? I might consider a mechanical timer switch so I don't need to remember to turn the switch back on.

........
Yes. See page 4 of the MC 614 manual. The switch goes in the brown wire (terminal 3).
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Old 05-09-2022, 09:11   #6
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

Such a switch should be wired at the helm in the first place, for situations requiring all motor power for propulsion
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Old 05-09-2022, 12:10   #7
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

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Originally Posted by smac999 View Post
Cut off the ign wire. That is the proper way. Not the feild.


No you must disable the fiejd. Most alternators don’t need the ignition circuit to work and even the self excite current feed is only needed briefly.

The field current controls an alternator. Control it and you control the output.
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Old 05-09-2022, 12:24   #8
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

If you switch off ignition power to the MC614, it will turn off current to the field wire. Balmar says this is the right way to do it with their regulator.
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Old 05-09-2022, 13:26   #9
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

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Originally Posted by Wotname View Post
Yes. See page 4 of the MC 614 manual. The switch goes in the brown wire (terminal 3).
This is absolutely the correct way to stop an alternator controlled by a Balmar 614.

Another way, I don't know if it is a recommended way, is to turn off the ignition to the diesel engine. Most, with solenoid activated fuel shut off, will continue to run but the regulator will turn off and the alternator will stop charging. However you will have to turn the ignition back on to energize the shut off solenoid when you actually want to stop the engine.

No, I think a switch on the brown wire is better. Maybe a momentary switch with a hold open, self energized, relay using power from the ignition switch would be good. Once you press the momentary the relay holds itself open as long as the ignition power is still present. Once you turn off the engine the relay releases and next time you start the engine the alternator is running again.
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Old 05-09-2022, 13:41   #10
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

I don't have the Balmar unit and use a switch for the field.
But I have to remember to turn the switch off when I shut down the engine, as the field control is separately activated, (not thru the ignition).
My solution to this, (it's on the list,) is to use an oil pressure switch in series with the manual switch.
That way the field will always be off with a stopped engine, but still allow the manual switch to control the field with engine running.
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Old 05-09-2022, 14:53   #11
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

A double pole, double throw relay can be configured to latch, Google "latching relay circuits", and use a push button to switch off. Wire the alternator brown through one set of normally closed terminals and when you press the button the terminals will open and the relay shut down alternator charge. If you wire the latching circuit through the ignition the relay will reset to normally closed when you turn the ignition off ready to charge at the next engine start up.
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Old 05-09-2022, 18:08   #12
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

Per Balmar, to turn off the MC61X series, open the brown switched B+. Not the field wire.

Call Balmar.
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Old 30-12-2023, 16:16   #13
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

ChatGPT
I apologize for reviving this discussion. I also own the MC-614 and have implemented some modifications to my setup. I installed two switches, one in accordance with the Balmar manual for the ignition wire, and another to manually adjust the alternator output to 50% via the MC-614.

Recently, I have further improved my setup by designing a custom circuit that incorporates relays and LEDs. Although I am currently away from my boat until April, I have a high degree of confidence that this new design will perform effectively.

Additionally, in the event that the Battery Management System (BMS) is activated, the ignition path is automatically interrupted. To address this, I have included an override switch for emergency situations.

If anyone is interested, I am willing to share the design file, but it should be noted that some level of electronic expertise will be required to fully understand and implement it.
I am attaching an overview of the design,
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Old 11-10-2024, 10:25   #14
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

How can I turn of the balmar to stop it from charging the batteries? It is overcharging my batteries if I run engine over 3 knots.
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Old 11-10-2024, 11:03   #15
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Re: How to Shut Off Charging with Balmar MC-614?

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Originally Posted by Sailingbluew View Post
How can I turn of the balmar to stop it from charging the batteries? It is overcharging my batteries if I run engine over 3 knots.
I did disconnect the ignition (brown wire) and power. But then I get a constant alarm instead
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