The VSR knows nothing about the alternator, it senses battery voltage. But i very much doubt this engine has a smart alternator, give the importer a call to double check if you want T4.200 | A R Peachment
Yes but the 'smart' alternator varies its output according to the state of the battery which can confuse the issue. If you read the installation notes for a VSR you will find it is not recommended for use with a 'smart' alternator!
Link to those installation notes ?
For anyone else with the same question the T4.200 does NOT have a smart alternator
Surely almost any boat battery system has some kind of charge controller such as a Balmar Max Charge 614 (or whatever).
Most boats rely on the alternator regulator.
If you are still unsure about 'smart' alternators and how they work, google it. You will get plenty of information.
That still does not answer my question.
The word "smart" can mean many things. It may mean the alternator changes its output similar to a multi-stage mains charger. In this case the voltage will probably always be above the VSR switching threshold so will work fine. An alternator that is managed by the engine management system, as in many modern road vehicles, may also be referred to as "smart" but in this case, to get the optimum performance, economy, emissions the onboard computer will, under certain conditions, deactivate the alternator output completely. This will instantly cause the VSR to open then maybe rapidly open and close as the computer is fooled by a bigger fluctuation in battery state of chage than it is programmed to expect. This mostly affects campervans when someone fits a VSR. Not heard of it happening on a Marine engine.