Mastervolt Alpha Pro Alternator Regulator without Masterbus usb interface

[Fuss]

Is anyone using the alpha pro regulator without the masterbus usb interface?
I imagine that these days with the complexity of the alpha pro that very few are using it.

[noelex 77]

Yes, we use one, but the USB interface is needed for any detailed programming. A display is also a significant help.

With these accessories, you can create functions for many desired tasks (although the programming is complicated and not very user-friendly). For example, I have separate buttons to force the regulator into bulk, absorption of float. Very useful if solar has already charged the batteries to 100%.

Ours has been 100% reliable without the software glitches that are sometimes seen with other alternator regulators.

[GreenHeaven]

The masterbus to computer interface is only really needed to set a custom charge profile.

The unit comes with a factory profile (M position on the rotary switch) that is 14.4v for lead acid batteries and will then drop to 13.2v after about 4hours i think

Its perfectly fine for LiPo4 banks AS LONG AS YOU TURN OFF ALL CHARGING ONCE THEY ARE FULL - To do this you simply add a switch in the voltate sensing wire (brown I think)

I borrowed the adaptor to program the unit when switched to the 12v position on the rotary switch.

The MASTERVOLT software is available online. You can use any rs 232 -> USB adaptor that supports 5v TTL I believe.

After that I returned the Mastervolt adaptor (crazy price to buy) and just switch between the two settings with the rotary switch as needed.

In summerIt mostly sits on the 12v position which is my USER map with charging at no more than 13.2v so as not to overcharge the LiPos yet provide power for all the electronics and Anchor winch etc. It can run for days on end there

In Winter I run the engine very little, really only to chage the LiPo pack so I want the 14v map to push as much as possible from my alternator.

One day I will get around to hooking up the adaptor I bought for $6 from Digikey. This would allow me to switch maps with the software instead of the rotary switch.

That will probably happen when I can be bothered o install their mastershunt and put both on their masterbus.

The Alpha pro 2 has proved quite robust and it manages a Big Body Leece Neville 160A alt very well.

Therer are several threads on this forum

[Fuss]

Thanks greenheaven for the informative post.
The problem for the alphapro is that if you do not have the rest of the mastervolt ecosystem, that you have to buy the masterbus usb interface to program it.
One of its most important parameters , alternator temp monitoring is switched off until programmed.
This then means also the purchase of 2 terminators and finding/buying an ethernet patch cable.
Mastervolt has probably lost many sales through not having the configuration possible using bluetooth and a phone app like everyone else.

[noelex 77]

You do need a USB interface for this regulator. Without it, you are missing out on most of its features. It is only a device that you will use infrequently, but it is essential.

The interface retails for around $170, but there are loads of bargains if you shop around. A second hand unit should be fine; there is nothing to wear out and they have not changed the design over the years of production. I saw this one new for only $30, but I have no idea if the company is genuine. The alternative, if you are good with electronics, is to make your own. The software is free.

[Fuss]

Thanks for this website, its actually extremely interesting as they have so many used marine electrical parts for very reasonable prices..I wonder where they get all these from. When I have more time to check them out, I might buy a few spares.

[Fuss]

Hmmm… im not too sure about website Heraldjuction… it looks a bit suspect to me.

Does the masterbus usb also allow programming of the 12v and 24v dial options or only the middle masterbus settings?

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Fuss

Hmmm… im not too sure about website Heraldjuction… it looks a bit suspect to me.

It does seem a suspiciously low price.

Originally Posted by Fuss

Does the masterbus usb also allow programming of the 12v and 24v dial options or only the middle masterbus settings?

I am not sure exactly what you are asking, but almost anything that you could possibly think of wanting to adjust can be adjusted using the Mastervolt software.

This is one of the advantages of this regulator. Everything is user-adjustable.

For example:
The maximum percentage of alternator output, enabling output can be derated.
Alternator temperature control, including separate settings for the temperature where the output starts to be reduced as well as the temperature where charging is stopped completely.
The time delay after the engine is started before the alternator starts output.
The RPMs where the alternator output is limited to only 20%.
The RPMs where full alternator output is produced.
This is an addition to usual control of bulk absorption and float voltage set points as well as maximum and minimum bulk and absorption time as well as the return voltage and time.

It is a very versatile regulator, but it needs the USB interface; otherwise, you are limited to the defaults, which is wasting most of its capabilities. There are cheaper regulators which would be a better choice if you don’t want to fine-tune your alternator performance and battery charging.

[GreenHeaven]

I have a big body alt that can run at its rated output all day long without overheating.

[Fuss]

that right Greenheaven, you have a real one that runs full output all day long.

Now, if you didn’t have a real one Greenheaven , you would have a plastic one like most on here have and then you would be ringing the praises of the famous for all the wrong reasons, victron dc to dc charger.

[Fuss]

and another thing that annoys me about an alternator alpha pro regulator is that the multiplugs on the wiring seem to have no standardisation.
one minute they are a two wire flat design connector to the alternator and the next minute a triangular 3 wire designed multiplug.
where is the consistency here… and if there is none then at least document this change for future users.
there is no documentation or images of this at all!!