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Additional Regulator Features

Small Engine Mode

In situations where additional power is needed for propulsion, the MC-612-DUAL provides the option to manually reduce 

regulator field output by approximately one half. This option, called Small Engine Mode, can be accessed by creating a 

direct pathway between the positive and negative Alternator #1 Temperature Sensor ter-

minals. This can be done by splicing into the positive and negative wires of the Alternator 

Temperature Sensor cable (MC-TS-A) with a switched wire. With the switch in the OFF 

position, the Alternator #1 Temperature Sensor will work normally. With the switch in the 

ON position, the regulator will reduce field output by approximately 50%.  
To enable the Small Engine Mode:
1.  If the Alternator Temperature Sensor cable is being used, replace the female termi-

nal connectors on the cable with Multi-Stack Connectors (Ancor Part # 230612). 

2.  Install a standard ON/OFF switch in a location that’s easily reached from the helm.
3.  Run wires from the switch back to the positive and negative terminals of the Alterna-

tor #1 Temperature Sensor terminals.

4.  Add appropriate connectors to the switched wires and connect to the positive and 

negative terminal connections.

Dash Lamp

The MC-612-DUAL provides a Dash Lamp circuit that’s capable of providing a signal to a user supplied and installed au-

dible or visual alert if the following issues were to occur while the regulator is in operation;
•  Low Battery Voltage <12.5V
•  High Battery Voltage >15.9V
•  High Alternator Temp. >225

˚

F/107

˚

C (Requires installation of MC-TS-A sensor cable.) Temperature adjustable.

•  High Battery Temp. >125

˚

F/52

˚

C (Requires installation of MC-TS-B sensor cable.)

Follow the instructions provided on Page 6 of this manual when installing.

Aux #1 Lamp

The MC-612-DUAL provides an Auxiliary Lamp circuit that’s capable of providing a signal to a user supplied and installed 

audible or visual alert to indicate the following while the regulator is in operation:
•  Small Engine Mode is activated,
•  Regulator is at full field.
Follow the instructions provided on Page 6 of this manual when installing.

System Troubleshooting

Regulator Troubleshooting

The majority of charging difficulties can be attributed to damage, corrosion or wear at wiring, fusing or wiring connec-

tions. Before attempting to troubleshoot alternator or regulator issues, be sure to address the following:
1.  Remove and clean all charging system electrical connections (positive and negative). Check the voltage regulator’s 

harness for resistance. Wires and terminals can and will become corroded, and need to be cleaned or replaced. 

Ensure that the regulator’s ground wires are provided with a clean connection to system ground.

2.  Inspect and replace 10A and 1A  ATC type fuses in the regulator wiring harness if fuses appear to be damaged or 

corroded. Ensure that the fuse holder is also free of corrosion.

3.  Charge all batteries to their proper fully charged state, and determine if they are serviceable. If your batteries are 

flooded-type, use your hydrometer to determine their condition.

4.  Check and tighten alternator belt. If the belt show signs of wear or damage, replace it. Always replace existing belts 

with the finest quality replacements available. 

If batteries and wiring are in suitable condition, use the tests on the following page to determine if charging problems are 

a result of a faulty alternator or regulator. These tests provide an opportunity to isolate the alternator, regulator and wir-

ing harness in order to determine the problem sourrce. In order to perform these tests, you will need an independent DC 

meter (preferably 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 helpful diagnostic tools.

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Summary of Contents for MAX CHARGE MC-612-DUAL

Page 1: ...ternators are being used to charge the same large battery bank The MC 612 DUAL provides two field output connectors two power input connectors and two system ground connections making it pos sible to...

Page 2: ...rom 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 for mount...

Page 3: ...BATTERY Temperature Sensor MC TS A Sensor lug connects to negative battery post enabling regula tor to monitor and respond to battery temperature condition USE CARE TO ENSURE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE WI...

Page 4: ...switch or to the wire in the existing engine wiring loom that delivers switched voltage from the ignition switch In some cases an oil pressure switch may be used to activate the regulator In either ca...

Page 5: ...e 1 4 spade terminal from the terminal 12 pin Crimp the spade terminal to the sense wire and reconnect the spade to the 12 terminal pin Data TX and RX Terminals 13 and 14 Are currently for factory use...

Page 6: ...gramming features Included with the regulator is a small screwdriver that doubles as the regulator s programming tool A small magnet embedded in the tip of the screwdriver s handle allows the user to...

Page 7: ...ds the bulk charge time by an additional six minutes and compares real time to target values This will re occur until all values are met 5 Ramps down to Absorption voltage 6 Absorption Charge Regulato...

Page 8: ...code Indicates temperature setpoint for ambient alternator and battery temperatures Followed by degrees celsius Indicates in millivolts the voltage value used to control voltage compensation for batt...

Page 9: ...AgL Optima OPS as well as a factory default program UFP and a program for systems with voltage sensitive halogen equipment HAL Programming can be accomplished whenever the regulator is activated Syste...

Page 10: ...16 and 17 Programming For Secondary Alternator OR Regulator Temperature Sensor The regulator allows the user to select between the use or a second battery temperature sensor or a second alternator tem...

Page 11: ...ues for that mode will begin to scroll 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 f...

Page 12: ...indicated Field Threshold Bulk To Absorption Controls the criteria the regulator uses to determine how hard the alternator has to be working to stay in calculated bulk charging mode Factory set at 67...

Page 13: ...at s capable of providing a signal to a user supplied and installed audible or visual alert to indicate the following while the regulator is in operation Small Engine Mode is activated Regulator is at...

Page 14: ...tery Sense wire and there is zero or an unexpected voltage reading at the BLUE wire contact our technical support staff at 360 435 6100 or e mail us at balmar balmar net If all voltages at the regulat...

Page 15: ...tery side of the isolator if an isolator is in use Use a SHIELDED alligator clip for post attachment Unintentional contact between the alligator clip and the alternator case could result in damage to...

Page 16: ...eplacement In order to expedite warranty claims more efficiently BALMAR asks that prior to returning a defective product for repair you call their customer service department for a warranty return aut...

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