An explanation of isolated ground vs case ground alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/12/2025 to
Alternators
Isolated ground alternators do not have any electrical connection to the engine block and the case of the alternator is not part of the current path. They will have a dedicated negative output terminal that is isolated from the case.
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Leopard 50 Catamaran Energy Upgrade: ARCO Zeus & Victron Integration
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/28/2025 to
Alternators
This article is reproduced from the Arco Zeus Blog with permission from Arco. The Leopard 50’s dual alternators required two Zeus regulators—one for the port alternator and one for the starboard alternator. These regulators were integrated into the Victron system using waterproof NMEA cables and configured through the Zeus app, making setup intuitive and efficient.
Special K6 pulley for Volvo Penta engines with a Mitsubishi alternator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/26/2024 to
Alternators
Volvo Penta use an unusual pulley on their Mitsubishi alternators. Read up on how to install a replacement alternator for these engines.
Balmar to discontinue certain pulley kits and alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/19/2024 to
Alternators
Balmar intend to discontinue production of certain alternators and pulley kits. This article lists the affected items and gives the remaining stock levels as of March 19th 2024
ARCO Zeus Alternator Regulator Wins IBEX Innovation Award
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/5/2023 to
Alternators
PKYS will be stocking this Arco regulator once it is available for retail sale , probably some time in November 2023. I had a demonstration of its abilities at the IBEX show where it won an innovation award.
Programming your Balmar alternator regulator for Lithium Ion batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/19/2022 to
Alternators
The Balmar MC-618-H alternator regulator comes with a built-in program for Lithium Ion batteries but it needs to be adjusted to suit your manufacturers specifications
What case size is my alternator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 9/27/2021 to
Alternators
We finally got around to taking pictures of a small and large case alternator side by side. 
How to change a pulley on an alternator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/22/2019 to
Alternators
To change an alternator pulley you need the right tool, this short video shows you how. 
Alternator Charging Lithium
Posted by George Kaye on 10/7/2019 to
Alternators
How to not blow up your alternator
Mounting procedure for dual foot alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/21/2019 to
Alternators
When you have a dual foot alternator it is important to mount it correctly to avoid bending or breaking the mounting feet.
Installing a High Power marine alternator on your boat.
Posted by Liam Kennedy on 1/21/2019 to
Alternators
Arguably, there is no more worthwhile electrical project you can undertake on your boat to improve comfort and convenience than the installation of a high power alternator. Having a high power alternator will provide you with a substantial improvement in the availability of electrical power on board.
A key to identifying your alternator terminals
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/13/2018 to
Alternators
Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4E
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/11/2018 to
Alternators
Read about this Balmar Altmount Serpentine Kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4E
Troubleshooting your Alternator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/13/2018 to
Alternators
Has your alternator stopped working? Often the tachometer will stop too. First check the drive belt to see that the alternator is turning. Here are some other troubleshooting tips
Wondering how much further forward the Balmar Serpentine Kit will be on your engine?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/25/2018 to
Alternators
Wondering how much further forward the Balmar Serpentine Kit will be on your engine? We took a photo to explain it. Click for more.......
Adding an alternator to your lithium battery setup
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/19/2017 to
Alternators
A discussion on the best way to incorporate an alternator into a Lithium-Ion battery setup
Altmount installation on a Universal M35
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/1/2016 to
Alternators
Here is a photo and description of the installation of an Altmount kit on a Universal M35 on a Nonsuch 30
Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4-HTE
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/13/2015 to
Alternators
This was my first time installing one of the Balmar Serpentine kits and I was a bit apprehensive. Although I had read the instructions several times it still isn't quite the same as actually doing it. Read how it all turned out.........
What does an alternator regulator do and how does it work?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/1/2014 to
Alternators
What does an alternator regulator do and how does it work? An alternator regulator supplies current to the rotating part of the alternator. The rotating part is called the rotor, and when current is applied to it it becomes an electromagnet. Its rotation generates an alternating current in the fixed windings of the alternator, called the stator. The regulator acts as a control mechanism for this process
What is the alternator field disconnect terminal on a battery switch for?
Posted by Administrator on 12/12/2013 to
Alternators
Many battery switches come with a pair of small terminals labelled "Alternator Field Disconnect" or AFD. Of all my years working on marine electrical systems I have never once seen these terminals hooked up correctly. What are they for and how should they be wired.........
Installing a Balmar alternator on a Yanmar 3JH3E
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/21/2013 to
Alternators
Here is a short video clip, some photos and a description of a project to replace the standard alternator on a Yanmar 3JH3E with a Balmar 60-100-SR-IG alternator. The boat is a Dehler 38 Sailboat and as it is going on the Annapolis to Bermuda race next summer the owner wanted to have plenty of power available for the trip.
Peter Kennedy has been in business since 1991 designing, installing and servicing marine electrical systems. The purpose of this blog is to offer support to both professional installers and do-it-yourself boat owners who wish to undertake this work themselves.
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