2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

[salty87]

almost like 2 turn-tables and a microphone<br /><br />anyway, i started a thread a few weeks ago (http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=005231) about upgrading an alternator. i found a nice 1 wire alternator, 100 amp at a pretty good price. i slapped it on the engine, bolted right up, but am stuck on the wiring.<br /><br />my question: how do i wire the new alternator with the battery isolator? i emailed the company that made the isolator but haven't gotten a reply.<br /><br />i understand that 2 of the 3 wires that used to connect to the alternator don't anymore. there's just the output connection on the alternator. where does this go? i've seen diagrams that say it should go directly to the isolator. i've seen diagrams that say to connect it to the starter and i've also seen ones that say to go to the starting battery positive terminal.<br /><br />the isolator has 4 contacts....ground, hot batt.#1, hot batt.#2, and a switched ignition lead. with the old alternator, i used one of the extra wires for the switched source...that's gone now. do i need to find another source for this? install diagram for the isolator- (http://www.stingerelectronics.com/tech_department/sr200_sr80 diagram.pdf)<br /><br />i guess that's 2 questions:<br />- where does the output from the alt. go?<br />- where can i get another ignition source to activate the isolator?<br /><br />thanks a bunch, i'd like to fire her up this weekend.

 

[Trent]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

 

[salty87]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

bump

 

[salty87]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

anyone, bueller, bueller.....

 

[18rabbit]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

Salty - you might try posting this down in the Electronics forum.

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

Your single post on the alternator should connect to the B+ post of your starter motor. You shouldnt have to alter any of the connections on your master switch. <br /><br />The spare pair of wires would have been used for a warning lamp on the panel which will not work now. Just tie them out of the way.<br /><br />EDIT!!!!<br /><br />Ive just had a look at the circuit drawing for that Stinger switch. It appears to be suitable only for use as a paralleling switch to enable charging of the second battery only.<br /><br />Be careful if you wish to use it for emergency starting.<br /><br />You will still need to have separate battery master switches for both batteries to totally isolate everything.<br /><br />Have a look at these products from BEP Marine that are in use here in New Zealand BEP Products pdf <br /><br />You will be able to source similar products to these in the US. In particular refer to the 716-50/90 products. These are designed for single engine / dual battery installation. It is what I have installed in my own boat.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter<br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[salty87]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

thanks, peter. that's the way i'm leaning. i finally got someone on the phone from the manufacturer of the isolator and they said the same....run the output to the starter.<br /><br />now i just have to find another activator wire from the ignition circuit for the isolator.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

hello<br /> the 1 wire altenator was a self exciting type altenator that uses a built-in regulator. the isolator should not need an ignition source. is this a solid state isolator or a battery switch?<br /> the solid-state isolator allows charging of multiple batteries while not allowing the batteries to drain back to any others. that is why you have to take the feed wire back to the starter. what make Isolator is this? you may end up wiring an exiter circuit. the single wire output should be self exiteing by residual magnitism and internal circuitry but some require 12v on the output line to generate a field current..<br /> good luck and try to email or contact the makers of the isolator or the makers of the altenator for their reccomendation. best would be both

 

[salty87]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

thanks, rodbolt. this is a stinger isolator (www.stingerelectronics.com) and is solid state. they say it works just like a solenoid and also said i would need the ignition source. but, they didn't really care to get into 1 wire vs 3 wire alternators. <br /><br />i'll update this post once i get it wired, should be soon.<br /><br />thanks

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

I just had another look at that Stinger page. That switch smells like a mechanical solenoid only as they say the battery(s) can be connected to either large post on the switch. Also the pull in ciruit can be wired either way round.<br /><br />If it is solid state then you would expect to have no sound from it when it it energised. Clicking noises when power is applied would indicate mechanical action. Solid state also usually requires specific polarity for the connections.<br /><br />All single post alternators are self exciting. The other two wires on the harness are now spare, you just won't have an ign warning light on the panel. If you have a voltmeter installed the loss of the w/lamp won't affect the charging system at all.<br /><br />Put some heat shrink over the spare plug and secure it back on the harness. Don't cut it off in case you wish to re install your old alt in the future.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Peter

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2 new batteries, an isolator, and a 1 wire alt.

hello<br /> I have never seen a solid state Isolator that needed a trigger or pulldown voltage.<br /> buy the electrical book from ARCO. it may help. some self exiteing had to have a voltage on the output line to generate a field current and some did not. dont know which was which. so I cant tell you how to go. the isolators I use are usually less than 70 amp rated and are solid state. BIG diodes.<br /> good luck and keep posting