Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

[robavery]

Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Has anyone any comment on the merits and/or performance of either of these systems.

 

[pvb]

They both do the job...

They both do the job, and will enhance charging efficiency. I've used Advercs on a number of boats without problems. Aftersales service from Adverc is superb; reports suggest Sterling's aftersales service is a bit more patchy. You might also consider the Merlin AMS regulator.

All these require an extra wire to be connected inside the alternator - if you don't want to do this, Sterling make an electronic "Alternator to Battery charger" which boosts the charging voltage without requiring any modification to the alternator.

Before you spend money on a regulator, is your battery bank big enough? Probably the most cost-effective improvement you can make to your battery system is to add one or more batteries.

 

[morgandlm]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

I installed a Sterling advanced digital regulator earlier this year. Had no problem in adding the additional connection to the alternator and have been pleased with the improved charge rate. I connected it up with an optional switch and you can hear the engine note change when it operates as it makes the alternator work harder. No experience with Adverc.
Morgan

 

[Richard10002]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

[ QUOTE ]
I installed a Sterling advanced digital regulator earlier this year.

[/ QUOTE ]

This?

http://www.sterling-power.com/products-altreg.htm

 

[Richard10002]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

or this?

http://www.sterling-power.com/products-altbatt.htm

 

[robavery]

Re: They both do the job...

[ QUOTE ]
They both do the job, and will enhance charging efficiency. I've used Advercs on a number of boats without problems. Aftersales service from Adverc is superb; reports suggest Sterling's aftersales service is a bit more patchy. You might also consider the Merlin AMS regulator.

All these require an extra wire to be connected inside the alternator - if you don't want to do this, Sterling make an electronic "Alternator to Battery charger" which boosts the charging voltage without requiring any modification to the alternator.

Before you spend money on a regulator, is your battery bank big enough? Probably the most cost-effective improvement you can make to your battery system is to add one or more batteries.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sterling have suggested the Alternator to Battery System as they feel with an engine still under warranty one should not start soldering bits to it.

I cannot add much to my battery bank as am already up to some 450ah with a 115Ah alternator.That may sound plenty but one battery (100ah) is dedicated to the bow thruster and is not linked to my service bank.

 

[orizaba]

Re: They both do the job...

good advice from stirling i would have thought

 

[pvb]

Alternator to Battery system...

I confess I'm not normally a fan of Mr Sterling's stuff, but the Alternator to Battery charger system seems an innovative solution which certainly avoids any warranty issues with tinkering with the alternator. It's still relatively new technology, so it might be worth overspecifying it if you decide to go that route.

 

[cliff]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Sterling every time for me.
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[morgandlm]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Yes, this...
http://www.sterling-power.com/products-altreg.htm
Morgan

 

[jerryat]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Adverc for me every time!!! Had 'em on my boats for many, many years (including almost ten years full time cruising) without a single problem.

As others have said, the after sales service is simply unbeatable. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Everybody so far has talked about alternator controllers, I thought he was asking about battery management systems?

Anyway, I have the sterling battery management system, which works a treat, dont know how I managed without it, tells me how much AH I've used, how much AH and amps I'm putting back into my domestic batteries, plus the volatges and charging currents in/out of my genny and engine batteries. Also what is coming in from my solars. It has one channel left for another battery bank. (four total) Can also be different voltages, ie 24 for domestic and engine 12 for genny start.

Excellent when as a liveaboard you need to know when you need to recharge etc.

I also have an adverc alternator controller, which has been faultless in 8 years.

 

[cagey]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Have a talk with Brian aka Halcyon a regular poster on this site his company makes cool battery control systems.

 

[Sadlermike]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

I used a Sterling. After a few months all my instruments (gps, log, depth, engine rev counter, etc) all 'blew'. The Norwegian electronics engineer I consulted, suggested that a very fast spike had beaten the fuses and blown the instruments. He blamed the Sterling equipment. On return to the UK, an electonics engineer and a surveyor both investigated and agreed with the Norwegian. All three said that the equipment had been properly installed. I wrote to Sterling and returned the equipment. Sterling replied saying that there was no fault with their equipment which must have been installed wrongly. Sterling would return my equipment on payment of an inspection fee.

I subsequently fitted an Adverc and have been delighted with it.

My experience of Sterling's customer service is consistent with other people's.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Re: They both do the job...

[ QUOTE ]
They both do the job, and will enhance charging efficiency. I've used Advercs on a number of boats without problems. Aftersales service from Adverc is superb; reports suggest Sterling's aftersales service is a bit more patchy. You might also consider the Merlin AMS regulator.


[/ QUOTE ] Agree completely - after 15 years experience of both systems - including AH meters. Sterling offer slightly more bells and whistles and pretty lights. Adverc offer excellent support and slightly simpler systems.

 

[jonic]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Glad you posted this Rob, as am thinking of adding one, probably an adverc on the basis of this thread. (Still in Mahon) /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[michael_w]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Another vote for Adverc.

 

[Richard10002]

Re: Battery management Systems - Adverc versus Sterling

Which particular Adverc product do you all have - the web site confuses me