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Summary of Contents for Balmar Max Charge MC-618
- Page 1 MC-618 Alternator Regulator Installation & Operation Manual 87° C 26° C Open SUP-0283 REV C.
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Regulator Operation Regulator Programming Methods Using the SG200 Color Display Using the Bluetooth Gateway (SG2-0300 optional) and the Balmar App Regulator Display Modes - Short Display / Long Display How the Magnetic Reed Switch Works Basic Programming with Reed Switch... -
Page 3: Introduction
Balmar Max Charge voltage regulators. Designed to provide precise voltage control for Balmar’s high-output 12-volt alternators and other externally regulated P-type alternators, the MC-618 features user selectable programs for the following battery types: Deep cycle flooded, standard flooded, gel, AGM, spiral wound AGM, Carbon Foam and LiFePO batteries. -
Page 4: Regulator Installation
If any of the listed items are not included with your regulator kit, call our customer service department at +1-360-435-6100. Please note - If your regulator box is marked Max Charge MC-618, without the “H” designation your kit will not include the wiring harness but does include the fused battery sense pigtail. - Page 5 MC-618 Regulator Terminal Layout GROUND INPUT 2. POWER INPUT 3. IGNITION INPUT 4. FIELD OUTPUT 5. ALT. TEMP. (-) 6. ALT. TEMP. (+) Magnetic Reed Switch 7. BAT. TEMP. #1 (-) 8. BAT. TEMP. #1 (+) 9. POSITIVE VOLTAGE SENSE 10.
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Page 6: Installation By Wire
Connect the sensor lug to one of the four bolts that hold the alternator’s front and rear cases together. If a Balmar alternator is installed use the predrilled location provided on the rear case. Extend sensor cable to the regulator. The cable can be included within the regulator’s wiring harness, or can be run alongside the harness and attached with cable... - Page 7 Install Aux. 1 Lamp The Max Charge MC-618 regulator’s Aux. #1 (#16) terminal provides the ability to use a visual indicator when the regulator is operating under the following conditions: Full field (the alternator is working at full power) and Small Engine Mode (the regulator is being controlled at 50% field output).
- Page 8 Install Dash Lamp The Max Charge Dash Lamp (#17) terminal provides the ability to activate a visual or audible indicator when the regulator monitors the following conditions: Low system voltage, high system voltage, high alternator temperature, high battery temperature (temperature conditions are only indicated when appropriate temperature sensors are connected) and no voltage on stator, indicating that the alternator has failed.
- Page 9 Initial Preflight Test And Start-Up When the regulator is properly mounted and the regulator wiring is installed, the MC-618 is ready for preflight testing. Before turning on the engine, it’s advisable to check voltages at the following terminal connections to ensure that the wiring is correct. Test #1 verifies proper voltage values with the regulator turned off.
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Page 10: Regulator Operation
Regulator Operation Regulator Operation The MC-618 regulator’s microprocessor controlled charging system uses a sophisticated, multi-stage profile to deliver maximum charging output, while protecting the batteries from overcharging damage. When the regulator is first turned on, the processor performs a quick one-second self diagnostic assessment. Following that diagnostic, the MC-618 initiates the selected battery charge program. -
Page 11: Regulator Programming Methods
MC-618, as the regulator cannot power the Bluetooth® Gateway. The MC-618 must be connected to a SmartLink™ network, typically a SG200 Battery Monitor. NOTE: For more information on using the Balmar App to program and monitor the MC-618, please visit our website. 87° C 26°... - Page 12 Universal Factory Program, Deep Cycle Flooded, Gel Cell, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Spiral Wound Flooded (Optima) Standard Flooded, Halogen Systems, Lithium Carbon Foam AGM Balmar Alternator Models 6-Series Alternators (70A-150A) XT/AT-Series Alternators (165A-250A) 9-Series Large Case Alternators (140A-310A) Multiple Alternator/Engine Configurations...
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Page 13: Regulator Display Modes - Short Display / Long Display
The regulator’s three digit alphanumeric LED display provides a scrolling view of charging status. Under normal operation, the display will indicate the following: BAL Indicates Balmar 618 Indicates Model MC-618 UFP Indicates regulator’s default Universal Factory Program. Display will vary based on program selected. -
Page 14: How The Magnetic Reed Switch Works
A small screwdriver with a magnet embedded in the tip of the handle is included to activate the magnetic reed switch. While any magnetic tip tool can be used, the Balmar programming screwdriver does an excellent job as an interfacing tool. By holding the magnet to the RED dot located at the end of the reed switch, the tool allows the user to scroll through the regulator’s... -
Page 15: Lfp Lifepo 4 Recommendations
It is HIGHLY recommended that the charging system as a whole be installed or inspected by a qualified marine electrical installer that has experience with Balmar charging system products and LFP batteries. The LFP profile is intended to work with the battery manufacturer’s battery management systems (BMS). The LFP profile IS NOT a replacement for a BMS. -
Page 16: Regulator Programming Flow Chart (More Details Can Be Found On Pages 9-14)
Regulator Programming Flow Chart Regulator Programming Flow Chart (More details can be found on pages 9-14) (More details can be found on pages 9-14) “CAr” “LFP” “UFP” “FdC” “AgL” “OPS” “FSB” “HAL” “gEL” “PRO” “bA” Carbon LiFeP0 Univer- Flooded Optima Flooded Halogen Entered... -
Page 17: Programming The Max Field Percentage (Belt Load Manager)
Programming The Max Field Percentage (Belt Load Manager) The MC-618 provides the ability to manage regulator field potential, making it possible to govern the horsepower loads placed on the drive belt(s) by the alternator. Previousy known as the Belt Load Manager, the Max Field % can also be used to protect the alternator from extraordinary load created by a battery load that’s too large for the alternator’s capacity. -
Page 18: Programming The Smartlink Device Id (Dld)
Programming the SmartLink Device ID (dLd) When shipped, the SmartLink Device ID of every MC-618 is set “A”. For single regulators on a SmartLink Network, this value does not need to be changed. If two regulators are installed on a SIngle SmartLink network, for example in a dual-engine con- figuration, then the SmartLink Device ID on one of the regulators MUST be changed to B. -
Page 19: Battery Equalization
(F1c) Float Time. Controls minimum time in Float Mode before entering Calculated Float. Standard value set is .3 hours (18 minutes). Settings are from 6 minutes to 6 hrs. Adjustable in .1 hrs (6 minute) increments. (ALL) Low Voltage Limit. Allows user control of regulator’s low voltage limit. Spans between 10 volts and Fv. Dropping below ALL causes Dash Lamp to turn on. -
Page 20: Additional Regulator Features
Default Program Settings By Battery Type START DELAY (SECS.) HIGH VOLTAGE LIMIT 15.2 15.6 15.1 15.4 15.6 15.4 15.0 14.8 15.4 (VOLTS) COMPENSATION LIMIT 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 14.8 (VOLTS) BULK VOLTAGE 14.1 14.6 14.1 14.4 14.6 14.4 14.0... -
Page 21: Force To Float
Force to Float Magnetic Reed Switch The Force to Float option causes the regulator to jump to the Calculated Float stage. This is accomplished by shorting pin #15, the positive wire of the Battery Two Temp Sensor, to ground. This is most easily accomplished by putting an on/off (SPST) switch in-line between pins #14 and #15. -
Page 22: System Troubleshooting
RED the BROWN and Positive Battery Sense wire, and there is zero, or an unexpected voltage reading at the BLUE wire, contact our technical support staff at +1(360) 435-6100, or e-mail us at balmar@balmar.net. If all voltages at the regulator meet expectations, yet the alternator is not producing charging current, test the alternator. The... -
Page 23: Alternator Testing
DO NOT let the engine run any longer than necessary to detect charging. If the system is not charging, remove the alternator and have it inspected by a qualified alternator shop, or call Balmar for warranty evaluation. - Page 24 NOTES...
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Page 25: Balmar Warranty
Balmar for repair. Balmar’s Warranty is void if a product is returned with removed, damaged or tampered labels or any other alterations (including removal of any component or external cover) to the product. Balmar’s Warranty does not cover labor charges or any direct, consequential, or incidental damages. - Page 26 70 distribution partners around the world. To Find a CDI distribution partner, visit www.cdielectronics.com. Both Balmar and CDI Products are manufactured in our ISO 9000-Certi ed Factory in Huntsville, Alabama. Please read carefully. All policies, procedures and instructions are subject to change.
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