Sterling smart regulator

[Guest]

I am considering fitting one of these smart regulator to a boat that has Yanmar 20Hp engine with the standard fitted alternator (are they always Hitachi or how can I tell). Two battery banks, 100 Ah and 200 Ah. Can anyone advise whether it is necessary to modify the alternator and if so how easy it is to do? Will the split diode charging system currently in place to charge the two banks be completely replaced by the smart charger? Finally the negative side of the batteries appear to be connected to the shore power ground. Is this as it should be or will the smart charger object in any way?

 

[philip_stevens]

Send this same message to info@dg2k.com.

They make Driftgate2000 charging booster and splitter units, and are very helpful. I have a DG2K charge booster and splitter on my boat, and have had good service from the units, and good advice from the makers.



regards,
Philip

 

[bedouin]

Whether the alternator needs modifying depends on what type of alternator you've got. On mine there was no change, it was just a case of connecting it to an existing terminal. In other cases the instructions say you have to solder an additional wire onto one of the coils.

Normally you would leave the split diodes in place - and connect the voltage sense wire to the battery side of the diode.

The connection between the -ve and ground won't be a problem.

 

[salamicollie]

Not sure what you have to do with a Sterling box but the Adverc unit requires a lead soldered on to the Hitachi's internal regulator - if you talk to Adverc they are v helpful even if their unit is a bit more.

As far as I am aware all Yanmar 2GM20 come with the Hitachi as standard

 

[JerryHawkins]

I have a Yanmar 3GM30, again with Hitachi alternator. I fitted a Sterling Universal alternator regulator and have been very pleased with it. You will need to remove the alternator and take it apart. It is very easy and the instructions supplied with the regulator and reasonably clear on what's needed. Basically it involves soldering two wires inside the alternator and leading them outside through the ventilation slots. You only need both wires until you have sorted out later which one is needed. This can only be discovered later with the engine running and measuring what voltage you get where. Sounds a bit complicated but its not really. If you know how to use a spanner and a multimeter then you should have no problems!

Cheers,

Jerry

 

[jfkal]

No problems. Did mine ages ago. Very pleased. Alternator modifications are simple and you can keep your splitting diodes. Only drawback (not a fault though) with an old weak engine its is a bit more difficult to start since the moment the charger kicks in it loads the engine. This problem can be bypassed though by disconnecting one of the cables (the manual says which) to disable the Sterling (normal alternator regulator takes over) until the engine has warmed up.
Go for it.

 

[pvb]

Starting loads...

The Adverc smart regulator automatically allows a delay of a last 5 minutes after starting before it begins to increase the charging voltage.