tamara
Active Member
I'm thinking of installing a sterling Alternator regulator to boost the out put from the engine's alternator, but I have a BEP VSR and isolator switch bank system can I install the sterling without causing damage to the VSR?
Sterling Advanced Alternator Regulator
- Thread starter tamara
- Start date
pvb
Well-Known Member
Yes...
Yes, it won't affect the operation of the VSR. You might also consider the Adverc regulator, which possibly has better customer support should you need it.
Yes, it won't affect the operation of the VSR. You might also consider the Adverc regulator, which possibly has better customer support should you need it.
Sadlermike
Well-Known Member
Re: Yes...
I agree with pvb. The reliability of Sterling Products and the after-sales service is a recurring theme on this forum. There is a lot of support for my experience which is that Adverc is a better choice.
I agree with pvb. The reliability of Sterling Products and the after-sales service is a recurring theme on this forum. There is a lot of support for my experience which is that Adverc is a better choice.
DaveS
Well-Known Member
I've just fitted the Merlin alternator controller (a neat little thing) and the instructions clearly state that it will work OK with a VSR fitted, but that the first application of "boost" mode might be delayed for 1 minute. depending on battery state. How this works out in practice I will discover in a couple of weeks once the boat's back in...
wiggy
Well-Known Member
I fitted Sterling Alternator regulator a year or so ago. Due to a loose earthe on the engine it stopped working, despite sorting earth connection. Phoned sterling and they telked me through two checks, these did not solve problem so sent it back on a thursday. Following tuesday arrived back fixed, no charge and has worked perfectly ever since. How can you beat that sort of service?
SvenglishTommy
Well-Known Member
Yay, Sterling vs Adverc again.
Go Sterling. Go Sterling. Go Sterling!!
Go Sterling. Go Sterling. Go Sterling!!
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Conversely, Adverc is by far the best both in engineering and service!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Heckler
Well-Known Member
Re: Yes...
bit of a sweeping statement that, my recurring theme is that i bought one, asked charles sterling himself for advice, had a good bullshit with him, it does the job as advertised, and three years later is still working fine!
he doesnt suffer fools gladly but then neither do i.
stu
bit of a sweeping statement that, my recurring theme is that i bought one, asked charles sterling himself for advice, had a good bullshit with him, it does the job as advertised, and three years later is still working fine!
he doesnt suffer fools gladly but then neither do i.
stu
DaveS
Well-Known Member
Sterling, Adverc, Merlin, Driftgate: any others?
Not just a 2 horse race! To broaden it slightly...
I chose the Merlin on size and features: it's a good bit smaller than either the Adverc or the Sterling, and has a "ramp up" characteristic that's supposed to be kinder to the drive belt. The Driftgate is similar - the smallest model has an apparently identical case to the Merlin - but lacks some of the features. As to actual performance, reliability and longevity - we'll wait and see!
Not just a 2 horse race! To broaden it slightly...
I chose the Merlin on size and features: it's a good bit smaller than either the Adverc or the Sterling, and has a "ramp up" characteristic that's supposed to be kinder to the drive belt. The Driftgate is similar - the smallest model has an apparently identical case to the Merlin - but lacks some of the features. As to actual performance, reliability and longevity - we'll wait and see!
CSFenwick
Well-Known Member
Re: Sterling, Adverc, Merlin, Driftgate: any others?
Which way do you have your VSR connected? –
Alternator to start battery and VSR switches in the house bank, or
Alternator to house bank and VSR switches in the start battery??
BEP’s advice for their VSR is that you have your alternator hard-wired to the start battery and then the VRS switches in the house bank.
This is relevant because whatever smart regulator you buy, it will need to sense a battery bank and it’s usual to sense the house bank as that’s the one that really needs charging. Trouble is, when you start your engine up the alternator isn’t initially connected to the house bank. With the Merlin AMS the unit has a 60 second lag to wait for the VSR to switch in the house bank. If the VSR hasn’t switched within a minute the AMS shows an alarm. I have a VSR and Merlin AMS (basically because I got a complete electronics package from Merlin) and the VSR always seems to switch pretty much immediately although I do have a small engine start battery that’s always well charged.
The moral of the story is that you should check with Adverc or Sterling that the regulator isn’t going to throw some kind of wobbly because it isn’t initially getting any alternator feedback from its sense wire.
I fitted the VSR and Merlin AMS at the end of last season. It’s too early to comment on long-term reliability but the Merlin system is competitively priced, quite small and neat and so far has done what it says on the box. If I had a criticism it’s that the fitting instructions could be better. Once you’ve done the job they make perfect sense but coming in cold it takes a bit to get your head round which bushes to solder which wire onto! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Good luck!
Which way do you have your VSR connected? –
Alternator to start battery and VSR switches in the house bank, or
Alternator to house bank and VSR switches in the start battery??
BEP’s advice for their VSR is that you have your alternator hard-wired to the start battery and then the VRS switches in the house bank.
This is relevant because whatever smart regulator you buy, it will need to sense a battery bank and it’s usual to sense the house bank as that’s the one that really needs charging. Trouble is, when you start your engine up the alternator isn’t initially connected to the house bank. With the Merlin AMS the unit has a 60 second lag to wait for the VSR to switch in the house bank. If the VSR hasn’t switched within a minute the AMS shows an alarm. I have a VSR and Merlin AMS (basically because I got a complete electronics package from Merlin) and the VSR always seems to switch pretty much immediately although I do have a small engine start battery that’s always well charged.
The moral of the story is that you should check with Adverc or Sterling that the regulator isn’t going to throw some kind of wobbly because it isn’t initially getting any alternator feedback from its sense wire.
I fitted the VSR and Merlin AMS at the end of last season. It’s too early to comment on long-term reliability but the Merlin system is competitively priced, quite small and neat and so far has done what it says on the box. If I had a criticism it’s that the fitting instructions could be better. Once you’ve done the job they make perfect sense but coming in cold it takes a bit to get your head round which bushes to solder which wire onto! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Good luck!
steve_cronin
N/A
Quite agree, the Adverc and the Sterling are not the same device....
This slagging off of Charles Sterling is often from whimps who don't/ can't endure his wit and lively banter. The Adverc is a very basic device which senses battery voltage and regulates accordingly. The Sterling provides an increased output which compensate for the losses in splitter diodes as well as providing a stepped and very closely monitored intelligent battery management system. Although CS is not a fan of VSRs, he does give quite clear instructions on how to wire up your system using one. Incidentally, I have it on record that the boss of Adverc is also not a fan of VSRs used in some marine (& vehicle) applications but unless you use a high demand device such as a big windlass or a bow thruster, soon after engine starting following a night of high drain, these circumstances are unlikely to occur.
Steve Cronin
This slagging off of Charles Sterling is often from whimps who don't/ can't endure his wit and lively banter. The Adverc is a very basic device which senses battery voltage and regulates accordingly. The Sterling provides an increased output which compensate for the losses in splitter diodes as well as providing a stepped and very closely monitored intelligent battery management system. Although CS is not a fan of VSRs, he does give quite clear instructions on how to wire up your system using one. Incidentally, I have it on record that the boss of Adverc is also not a fan of VSRs used in some marine (& vehicle) applications but unless you use a high demand device such as a big windlass or a bow thruster, soon after engine starting following a night of high drain, these circumstances are unlikely to occur.
Steve Cronin
pvb
Well-Known Member
For the sake of accuracy...
[ QUOTE ]
The Adverc is a very basic device which senses battery voltage and regulates accordingly. The Sterling provides an increased output which compensate for the losses in splitter diodes...
[/ QUOTE ] Just for the sake of accuracy, readers should note that the Adverc also compensates for voltage loss in splitter diodes.
The Adverc also incorporates a "soft start" feature in that it won't start boosting the alternator output until the battery voltage has reached about 13.8v.
[ QUOTE ]
The Adverc is a very basic device which senses battery voltage and regulates accordingly. The Sterling provides an increased output which compensate for the losses in splitter diodes...
[/ QUOTE ] Just for the sake of accuracy, readers should note that the Adverc also compensates for voltage loss in splitter diodes.
The Adverc also incorporates a "soft start" feature in that it won't start boosting the alternator output until the battery voltage has reached about 13.8v.
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Re: For the sake of accuracy...
Beat me to it pvb!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Unusual for Steve to make those sort of mistakes!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Better read the Adverc info again Steve!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Beat me to it pvb!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Unusual for Steve to make those sort of mistakes!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Better read the Adverc info again Steve!! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Abraxas33
Active Member
Re: Quite agree, the Adverc and the Sterling are not the same device....
Fitted a new digital Sterling last year - good most of the time but tripped a few times when boosting. All voltages OK checked with multimeter with data-logging facility - Sterling started to support but stopped replying to emails when it looked like their product was faulty and not the intallation; but I do like Charles Sterling's use of language! Now purchased a now Adverc so if anyone wants to purchase a slightly faulty Sterling for half price??
Fitted a new digital Sterling last year - good most of the time but tripped a few times when boosting. All voltages OK checked with multimeter with data-logging facility - Sterling started to support but stopped replying to emails when it looked like their product was faulty and not the intallation; but I do like Charles Sterling's use of language! Now purchased a now Adverc so if anyone wants to purchase a slightly faulty Sterling for half price??
tom52
Well-Known Member
Re: Quite agree, the Adverc and the Sterling are not the same device....
My views on Sterlings are based on £200+ worth of marine charger that failed within a year. I was gleefully informed that as it failed because of "damp" it was not covered by their warranty. However they would sell me another at a 30% discount.
Its not about "suffering fools gladly", its about treating customers like fools.
Try Adverc
My views on Sterlings are based on £200+ worth of marine charger that failed within a year. I was gleefully informed that as it failed because of "damp" it was not covered by their warranty. However they would sell me another at a 30% discount.
Its not about "suffering fools gladly", its about treating customers like fools.
Try Adverc
BlueChip
Well-Known Member
Re: Quite agree, the Adverc and the Sterling are not the same device....
I unfortunately I bought a 50 Amp Sterling smart charger. The single sheet of installation instructions looked like a schoolboy’s first attempt at DTP and contained several serious factual errors and ambiguities. When I called them they claimed that their manuals were deliberately poor to save money and effectively called me an idiot.
Well I must be - I bought a Sterling charger. I won't make that mistake again!
I unfortunately I bought a 50 Amp Sterling smart charger. The single sheet of installation instructions looked like a schoolboy’s first attempt at DTP and contained several serious factual errors and ambiguities. When I called them they claimed that their manuals were deliberately poor to save money and effectively called me an idiot.
Well I must be - I bought a Sterling charger. I won't make that mistake again!
steve_cronin
N/A
Re: For the sake of accuracy...
If you sense battery voltage this implies compensating for diode voltage loss. I see the ambiguity in my statement though. However, the Sterling is able to deliver up to 16.2 volts to charge quicker but whilst doing so it monitors battery & alternator temperature to ensure that the boosting is done safely. If anything gets too hot it reverts to standard regulation until things have cooled. With the remote monitor it gives an indication too of how long you're going to need to keep the engine running to achieve full charge which is a boon to those with heavy power demands.
Steve Cronin
If you sense battery voltage this implies compensating for diode voltage loss. I see the ambiguity in my statement though. However, the Sterling is able to deliver up to 16.2 volts to charge quicker but whilst doing so it monitors battery & alternator temperature to ensure that the boosting is done safely. If anything gets too hot it reverts to standard regulation until things have cooled. With the remote monitor it gives an indication too of how long you're going to need to keep the engine running to achieve full charge which is a boon to those with heavy power demands.
Steve Cronin
steve_cronin
N/A
Re: Quite agree, the Adverc and the Sterling are not the same device....
I also avoided buying my second Sterling battery charger but in my case for the spurious RF interference and the poor output terminals experienced on the 20amp model on the previous boat 11 years ago. The choice of charger this time was a Dolphin 30amp which has sufficient output for all our needs and just sits there doing it's job. Only gripe there is (& probably unavoidable) that it reverts to the initial high voltage "Boost" phase whenever the mains is restored after one of Gouvia marina's too frequent power cuts.
Steve Cronin
I also avoided buying my second Sterling battery charger but in my case for the spurious RF interference and the poor output terminals experienced on the 20amp model on the previous boat 11 years ago. The choice of charger this time was a Dolphin 30amp which has sufficient output for all our needs and just sits there doing it's job. Only gripe there is (& probably unavoidable) that it reverts to the initial high voltage "Boost" phase whenever the mains is restored after one of Gouvia marina's too frequent power cuts.
Steve Cronin
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Re: For the sake of accuracy...
""However, the Sterling is able to deliver up to 16.2 volts to charge quicker but whilst doing so it monitors battery & alternator temperature to ensure that the boosting is done safely. If anything gets too hot it reverts to standard regulation until things have cooled.""
Hate to point out another error Steve, but my Adverc will wack the voltage up to 15.5v at times and the heat sensor lead that comes as part of the wiring loom ensures that the battery/battery compartment temperature can tolerate it. If things get too warm, it throttles back the charge.
Touch more reading needed? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
""However, the Sterling is able to deliver up to 16.2 volts to charge quicker but whilst doing so it monitors battery & alternator temperature to ensure that the boosting is done safely. If anything gets too hot it reverts to standard regulation until things have cooled.""
Hate to point out another error Steve, but my Adverc will wack the voltage up to 15.5v at times and the heat sensor lead that comes as part of the wiring loom ensures that the battery/battery compartment temperature can tolerate it. If things get too warm, it throttles back the charge.
Touch more reading needed? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
tamara
Active Member
Re: Yes...
thanks every one for your inputs, all read and understood, hope to fit mine this week end if it stops raining. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
thanks every one for your inputs, all read and understood, hope to fit mine this week end if it stops raining. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
