Smart Alternator Regulator

[farkle48]

Hi All - 2wks ago my boat got a bit of a lightning hit during a thunderstorm. Among the things that got fried was my Ample Power brand SARV3. Engine wasn't running at the time, but as I was checking to see what all was damaged I noticed the aluminum circuit box was mighty warm. I pulled the 15A AGC fuse out of the hot line (temp resolved) and checked all the wiring (haven't reconnected yet), but there's still some fear about turning it back on lest any damage that a malfunction could've done had I not disconnected it might continue to manifest once I do turn the engine on.


At this point I'm more inclined to replace than pray. The Ample Power brand SARV3 that was already on the boat when I bought her has a solenoid wired in as part of the paralleling circuit so that both banks are charged. Ample Power is no longer in business. I need some guidance as to a suitable smart alternator regulator choice that can charge bothe banks. Alternator is rated at 100A output, all batteries are AGM.


Wisdom is appreciated.
Mark, s/v Sparkle Plenty
Titusville, FL

[tkeithlu]

I've had wonderful service from a Balmar combination alternator and smart voltage regulator. The regulator took some programming to match its charging profile to my house bank, and was not wonderfully user friendly, but once done it has taken very good care of my batteries.

[Sailmonkey]

I’ve got an ample power sar V3 with a failed parallel solenoid circuit that you can have if you’d like.

Other than not disengaging the parallel solenoid the regulator works fine.

I replaced it with a balmar regulator and a cyrix ct ACR. So far so good.

[farkle48]

Thank you SO very much. How can I get it from you? You can pm me if you like. My email is: windketch48@gmail.com. Of course, I'll very gladly pay the freight.


Let me know.

[patprice]

Can anyone give some advice please concerning my SAR V3 regulator. I think it is faulty, nearly 20 years old.

Symptoms are:
The green Status Indicator light does not blink at all.
No charge at all into the batteries.
The tachometer does not work.

I feel if the alternator had an issue the green light would still blink?
Any thoughts please.
Pat

[GordMay]

Ample Power Smart Alternator Regulator V3
➥ https://manualzz.com/doc/7449313/view-manual-as-pdf

[CrispyCringle]

Originally Posted by patprice

Can anyone give some advice please concerning my SAR V3 regulator. I think it is faulty, nearly 20 years old.

Symptoms are:
The green Status Indicator light does not blink at all.
No charge at all into the batteries.
The tachometer does not work.

I feel if the alternator had an issue the green light would still blink?
Any thoughts please.
Pat

One quick check would be to measure the voltage at the battery when the engine is running. Voltage is normally around 13.5-14.5 V at the battery when charging. If the voltage is the same as when the engine is off, not charging. If voltage is higher or lower than above, regulator may not be outputting correctly.

[patprice]

Originally Posted by CrispyCringle

One quick check would be to measure the voltage at the battery when the engine is running. Voltage is normally around 13.5-14.5 V at the battery when charging. If the voltage is the same as when the engine is off, not charging. If voltage is higher or lower than above, regulator may not be outputting correctly.

Hi CC. and thanks.
My system has a Battery Monitor that shows either battery voltage or current in/out of the battery depending on the setting. There is no change when the engine is started!