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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction

The Balmar ARS-5

 provides precise voltage control for Balmar 

high-output 12-volt alternators and other externally regulated 

P-type (positive field) alternators, the ARS-5 features user

selectable programs for the following battery types: Deep cycle

flooded, gel, AGM and spiral wound (Optima) batteries.

In addition, the regulator features a universal default (UFP)

program that’s safe for most battery types.
In addition to the user selectable preset programs, the 

ARS-5 features a wealth of advanced programming modes 

which make it possible to tailor charging to a wide variety of 

environments and battery types
When used in conjunction with optional MC-TS-A and MCTS-B 

alternator and battery temperature sensors, the ARS-5 features 

the ability to monitor and respond to a range of ambient 

temperature conditions, including reduction or discontinuation 

of charging voltages, should a catastrophic over-temperature 

condition occur at the alternator or the batteries.

Safety Considerations

1.

Always disconnect your battery banks and

ensure that switches are “OFF” prior to

installing your regulator.

2.

Remove loose-fitting clothing or jewelry,

which could become entangled in your

motor or other machinery prior to installing

regulator.

3.

Wear ANSI-approved safety eye-wear and

protective gear.

4.

DO NOT attempt to modify the regulator.

Modifications could result in damage to

your charging system, and will void your

warranty.

5.

DO NOT attempt installation if you are tired

or fatigued.

6.

Ensure that the engine has cooled before

initiating installation.

7.

DO NOT attempt regulator installation while

using alcohol or medication that could

impair your judgment or reaction time.

8.

Always use the right tool for the job.

Improper tool use may damage regulator

or your vessel, and could result in personal

injury.

9.

Take time to read the manual. Equipment

damage and possible injuries may result

from an incomplete understanding of the

installation and operation of the MC-612-

DUAL regulator. If you are unfamiliar with

marine electrical systems, consult with a

licensed marine electrician.

©201

9

 Balmar LLC SUP-0203 REV.

C

 

11/6/19

Introduction

1 Regulator Programming

11

Safety Considerations

1 Basic Programming

12

Regulator Installation

2 Adjust For Battery Type

12

Unpacking Box

2 Belt Load Manager

13

Locate/Mount Regulator

2 Dash Lamp Source

10

Basic Wiring Installation

2 Advanced Programming

14

LiFePO

4

3 Unlock Adv. Programming

14

Regulator Terminal Layout

4 Adjust Adv. Programming 11-12

Installation By Wire

5-7 Default Program Settings

12

Initial Start Up

7 Battery Equalization

12

Regulator Operation

8 Add’l. Regulator Features

16

Regulator Display Modes

9 Troubleshooting

13-15

Using Magnetic Tool

12 Warranty

16

Table of Contents

ARS-5

MULTI-STAGE

VOLTAGE REGULATOR

Summary of Contents for ARS-5-H

Page 1: ...machinery prior to installing regulator 3 Wear ANSI approved safety eye wear and protective gear 4 DO NOT attempt to modify the regulator Modifications could result in damage to your charging system...

Page 2: ...tance from inverters transmitters and other sources of RF noise convenient access and readability of the display The regulator wiring harness is 54 inches long providing a three to four foot radius fo...

Page 3: ...NITION INPUT 4 FIELD OUTPUT 5 BAT TEMP 6 BAT TEMP 7 STATOR IN 8 TACHOMETER OUT 9 ALT TEMP 10 ALT TEMP 11 DASH LAMP Magnetic Reed Switch 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 7 Positive Battery Sense Required for Inte...

Page 4: ...ire The BLUE Field Wire 1 in diagram at right provides regulated current to control alternator output The wire is included in the wiring harness Ford style plug and is pre connected at the regulator A...

Page 5: ...regulator start up to indicate active status Magnetic Reed Switch Looking much like a small thermometer atop the regulator s circuit board the magnetic reed switch provides a durable sealed interface...

Page 6: ...met 5 Ramps down to Absorption voltage 6 Absorption Charge Regulator continues to control the alternator s output voltage for an additional 18 minutes at approximately 2 10 volts below bulk charging...

Page 7: ...30 BATTERY VOLTAGE BELOW 12 5 VOLTS E34 BATTERY VOLTAGE BELOW 10 5 VOLTS E40 BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO HIGH OVER 16 VOLTS E41 FIELD VOLTAGE TOO HIGH E42 STATOR VOLTAGE TOO HIGH E51 SMALL ENGINE MODE IS IN O...

Page 8: ...es Standard Flooded Halogen Systems Lithium Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Balmar Alternator Models 6 Series Alternators 70A 150A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes AT Series Alternator 165A 200A Yes Yes Yes Yes 9 Series L...

Page 9: ...ion of contacting and immediately removing the magnet from the reed switch TOUCH HOLD Indicates the action of contacting and holding the magnet to the reed switch TOUCH HOLD RELEASE Indicates the acti...

Page 10: ...ort or long display bEL INDICATES ENTRY INTO BELT LOAD MANAGER MODE b 0 INDICATES BLM OFF b 1 INDICATES BLM SETTING 1 FIELD REDUCTION 5 b 2 INDICATES BLM SETTING 2 FIELD REDUCTION 10 b 3 INDICATES BLM...

Page 11: ...ax b 2 90 Field Max b 3 85 Field Max b 4 80 Field Max b 5 75 Field Max b 6 70 Field Max b 7 65 Field Max b 8 60 Field Max b 9 55 Field Max AL2 2nd Alternator Sensor Mode b2 2nd Battery Sensor Mode Sd...

Page 12: ...l in the opposite direction Continue to HOLD until the desired value is displayed 4 REMOVE the magnet from the RED dot The mode indicator will be displayed again followed by the indicator for the next...

Page 13: ...s 18 minutes Settings are from 1 hrs 6 minutes to 6 hours To reverse direction of scroll release magnet and wait for LED to display F1c code Re activate switch with magnet and release when desired val...

Page 14: ...ature Sensor terminals 4 Add appropriate connectors to the switched wires and connect to the positive and negative terminal connections Dash Lamp The ARS 5 provides a Dash Lamp circuit that s capable...

Page 15: ...ly a digital type In an emergency a 12V light bulb or test light can be used to help determine if power or working grounds exist An amp meter and a battery hydrometer with a thermometer are also helpf...

Page 16: ...test Testing the actual output of the alternator is known as Full Field Testing This can be accomplished by jumping a positive 12VDC current to the field terminal at the rear of the alternator This t...

Page 17: ...17 www balmar net Customer Service 1 360 435 6100 x1 Technical Support 1 360 435 6100 x3 Tech Service is available Monday Friday 8 30am 7 30pm EST NOTES...

Page 18: ...18 www balmar net Customer Service 1 360 435 6100 x1 Technical Support 1 360 435 6100 x3 Tech Service is available Monday Friday 8 30am 7 30pm EST NOTES...

Page 19: ...plication maintenance or modification or b any misuse contrary to the instructions provided with the product or c loss or d malfunctions caused by other equipment or e acts of God Examples of conditio...

Page 20: ...6 772 3829 www cdielectronics com CDI Electronics designs and manufactures ignition components for outboard motors and diagnostic software for most Marine Engines CDI enjoys relationships with 70 dist...

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