[Public-List] Alternators -- Try a voltmeter!

[Daniel Sternglass]

Hello A-30 people,

Joining in on the battery charging discussion... I replaced my Antique 
A-30 panel with a new panel 8 years ago, a great investment, though time 
consuming to install and rewire, plus all the engine sensors...

The new instrument panel has a volt meter, as do most cars these days. 
If the alternator is working correctly, and can deliver the rated 
current, the volt meter is a much more useful instrument. The voltage 
that each battery charges to (and reads out) gives you an indication of 
the charge state. It's not perfect, but far simpler and cheaper than a 
true (but expensive) variable rate charger.

There are many articles on this subject in the Practical Sailor 
archives. A small LCD panel-mount DC volt meter is pretty cheap, self 
powered and very easy to install.

JMHO :-),

--Dan S.
Watcher of the Skies, #201, Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY

dans at stmktg.com
office: +1607-257-3431
mobile: +1607-592-8012

Strategic Marketing Associates
403 Highgate Road
Ithaca, NY 14850