An explanation of isolated ground vs case ground alternators

An explanation of isolated ground vs case ground 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

Leopard 50 Catamaran Energy Upgrade: ARCO Zeus & Victron Integration

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.
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Special K6 pulley for Volvo Penta engines with a Mitsubishi alternator

Special K6 pulley for Volvo Penta engines with a Mitsubishi alternator

Volvo Penta use an unusual pulley on their Mitsubishi alternators. Read up on how to install a replacement alternator for these engines.
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Balmar to discontinue certain pulley kits and alternators

Balmar to discontinue certain pulley kits and 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
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ARCO Zeus Alternator Regulator Wins IBEX Innovation Award

ARCO Zeus Alternator Regulator Wins IBEX Innovation Award

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.
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Programming your Balmar alternator regulator for Lithium Ion batteries

Programming your Balmar alternator regulator for Lithium Ion batteries


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
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What case size is my alternator

What case size is my alternator

We finally got around to taking pictures of a small and large case alternator side by side.
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How to change a pulley on an alternator

How to change a pulley on an alternator

To change an alternator pulley you need the right tool, this short video shows you how.
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Alternator Charging Lithium

Alternator Charging Lithium

 


           How to not blow up your alternator
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Mounting procedure for dual foot alternators

Mounting procedure for dual foot alternators

When you have a dual foot alternator it is important to mount it correctly to avoid bending or breaking the mounting feet.
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Installing a High Power marine alternator on your boat.

Installing a High Power marine alternator on your boat.

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. 
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A key to identifying your alternator terminals

A key to identifying your alternator terminals

This key might be helpful to identify the output terminals on your alternator
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Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4E

Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4E

Read about this Balmar Altmount Serpentine Kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4E
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Troubleshooting your Alternator

Troubleshooting your Alternator

Troubleshooting your alternator

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
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Wondering how much further forward the Balmar Serpentine Kit will be on your engine?

Wondering how much further forward the Balmar Serpentine Kit will be on your engine?

Wondering how much further forward the Balmar Serpentine Kit will be on your engine? We took a photo to explain it. Click for more.......
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Adding an alternator to your lithium battery setup

Adding an alternator to your lithium battery setup

A discussion on the best way to incorporate an alternator into a Lithium-Ion battery setup
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Altmount installation on a Universal M35

Altmount installation on a Universal M35

Here is a photo and description of the installation of an Altmount kit on a Universal M35 on a Nonsuch 30
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Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4-HTE

Serpentine kit installation on a Yanmar 4JH4-HTE

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.........
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What does an alternator regulator do and how does it work?

What does an alternator regulator do and how does it work?

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
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What is the alternator field disconnect terminal on a battery switch for?

What is the alternator field disconnect terminal on a battery switch for?

AFD Terminals 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.........
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Installing a Balmar alternator on a Yanmar 3JH3E

Installing a Balmar alternator on a Yanmar 3JH3E

Yanmar 3JH3E
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.
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