Generator controller/regulator

[cschuerm]

Can someone point me at a really good, full featured controller/regulator for DC charging from an alternator please?  I'm looking for a unit which will properly modulate field current for battery charging that fully implements a proper multi-mode charging algorithm, is temperature compensated, and also has the ability to start/stop the generator system.  I'm sure such a thing exists, but I have not run across it yet.
Thanks,
Chris

[admin]

balmar mc612 for 12volt systems, the mc624 for 24volt systems
xantrex also markets similar units, likely rebranded balmar units
sterling makes some interesting units as well
heart interface makes a couple too
Hehr also makes one or two
ample power has some good ones too

all will do what you want and most offer temp sensor options for temp compensation, and also for alternator protection.

bob g

[cschuerm]

Thanks Bob. 
Looks like the Sterling is the most sophisticated of the bunch although the Ample Power has a feature that I like - the ability to limit alternator output to allow the prime mover to handle other loads.  They're obviously all targeted at the marine industry but come pretty close to what one really needs for off-grid charge management.  Doesn't look like anyone quite has my idea of a perfect mouse trap yet :-)

Chris

[squarebob]

I have a Balmar 624 and it also limits output with a feature they call the "amp manager". It will do all you want except start the engine.

Bob

[admin]

its hard to beat the balmar products, they are about as good as it gets in my opinion.

however the sterling, amplepower, xantrex units are also very good.

bob g

[Lloyd]

Can someone point me at a really good, full featured controller/regulator for DC charging from an alternator please?  I'm looking for a unit which will properly modulate field current for battery charging that fully implements a proper multi-mode charging algorithm, is temperature compensated, and also has the ability to start/stop the generator system.  I'm sure such a thing exists, but I have not run across it yet.
Thanks,
Chris

What you want doesn't exist in a built unit.

Mostly they're built to do one thing control an alternator. Now we want a controller built as a stand-alone diesel bat charger.

My money is on the Blamar Controller,  the Deep Sea Gen Start, and the either the Victron  Bat. Monitor, or the Expert pro seen here http://www.microcogen.info/index.php?topic=709.msg12507#msg12507 .

To recombine all needs into one.

Lloyd,


By the way I am going Public with the Perky\Cat/Volvo DC Bat charger. We will be sending this thing to the 2012 Boat Show Circuit, we are in the final stages of having it Caterpillar Certified, and any Marine Cat Dealer, or Cat Dealer will be able to to do factory service warranty work. And the Final will have a stand alone Charge Controller/Gen Start/ battery Monitor.

WaHoooooooo!

[Ronmar]

Well if you are charging batteries, are you using an inverter?  Most installed power systems I have seen, get the generator commands from the inverter controller.  Many have adjustable alarm points for voltage or state of charge that could be used to start/control a generator...