alternator regulators

[tommojill]

Thinking of fitting an alternator regulator and would appreciate some advice which one to go for. We've heard the Adverc is good but would like to no more about the Sterling. Has anyone experienced any problems with either? We will look to buy at the boat show but any advice would be appreciated.

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[Stuart_Wyatt]

I have a Sterling which works perfectly as far as I can tell and has been trouble free for 2 years.

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[tome]

Ditto Sterling, but there have been some posts on this. Try a search

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[MedMan]

I have an Adverc and it works very well. I can certainly recommend it. The company is good to deal with too.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.geocities.com/yachtretreat/>http://www.geocities.com/yachtretreat/</A>

 

[philip_stevens]

I fitted a Driftgate 2000 regulator 5 years ago, and it has worked very well. I had updated software fitted/downloaded 2 years ago to make the "loading ramp" slower. This puts less/slower instant load on the drive belt.

Look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dg2k.co.uk/XALT-INST.htm>http://www.dg2k.co.uk/XALT-INST.htm</A> for more info.

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Philip

 

[roger]

I fitted a Sterling to my Betamarine engine. I checked with Beta who pointed out I invalidated the cuarantee on the alternator by attaching wires to it but that in fact many boat owners had done so already. It is indeed a bit of a pain sorting out which wire to attach to what especially as the penalty for a mistake is instant death -- to the alternator and regulator. I have found the Sterling to work well and to charge up the batteries much faster than before. The Silva gps repeater says that charging voltage is quite high at first - up to 15 volts - but this has not caused ME any problems.
I believe the latest version needs less messing about during installation.
Oh yes, the staff are helpful too.

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger

 

[pvb]

Adverc...

Adverc is probably the one to choose. I've fitted several Advercs, all with good results. The company is particularly good at aftersales service; nothing seems to be too much trouble.

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[longjohnsilver]

I fitted a Sterling a few months ago, have not seen any improvement in charging rate and found the Irish g#t at Sterling particularly rude. Should have gone for the Adverc!

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[Gunfleet]

They're very kind and patient, especially if yr a bit stupid on the electro-mechanical front (who me?)

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[billmacfarlane]

I'm in my second trouble free season with my Sterling but I've heard that the Adverc after-sales support is better. I'm more than happy with the Sterling.

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[John_Walker]

I fitted an Adverc two years ago. Best improvement I ever made to the electrics. Oodles of amps flow into the battery now. The company was very helpful with advice on the model I needed and how to modify the alternator. Most standard (car type) alternators need a modification because the field winding that controls the output voltage is not accessible. If you don't want to get inside and solder an extra wire onto the alternator, Adverc can supply a complete replacement internal module complete with detailed fitting instructions. Fitting it was very easy if you have a modicum of ability at DIY.

John Walker

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[muchy_]

Sterling regulators

I've got a Sterling regulator and I must say that it is one of the best bits of kit that I have bought. The batteries charge much faster, all my lights are brighter, both cabin and nav. Do be prepared for the alternator to get very hot, and I mean very hot. After first fitting mine I could smell the alternator burning for a while (just the oils on it). A quick phone call to Sterling confirmed this should happen. One year on and everything still works fine (touch wood) ;-)

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[Heckler]

sterling

fitted one of the pre digital ones, no probs, my vp2030 puts out 60 amps, alternator gets hot, charles sterling said it would, a season later still chuffed with the results, fridge on from getting on boat till leaving,
stu

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[Aeolus_IV]

Fitted a Stirling Digital regulator earlier this year (was it last last year?). Batteries definitly charging faster and better charged (important as we typically only run engine for short periods in/out of marina). As mentioned elsewhere in thread you need to open up your alternator to get leads directly onto brushes, and when finally installed the alternator does get hot (and smelly for the first few hours) - but both would apply to any external regulator being fitted. Definitly worth doing, happy to recommend the Stirling, no problems installing - just read instructions very carefully, then check everything again before finally connecting the regulator.

Jeff.

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[Chris_Robb]

Adverc

I fitted an Adverc 5 years ago with a 100amph Prestolite alternator supplied by Adverc. Been absolutley brilliant charging 3 x 130 ah batteries.

I have a sterling 4 stage battery charger - which I have had 2 years and has been faultless.

Advercs after sales is absolutley brilliant - they take time to explain the most dumb questions.

You should certainly fit one of them - money far better spent than on wind chargers, solar panels etc. It may be worth changing your alternator if you have a 50 amp one - the Prestolite (US automotive) was quite cheap.

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[Chris_Robb]

Yup - you

Chris

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[paulg]

Do you realise you will have to take your alternator to pieces and solder extra wires onto the brushgear (Sterling) Don't know about Adverc.

<hr width=100% size=1>paul