CAUTION:
The Balmar Max Charge MC-612-DUAL is designed for use in single engine,
dual alternator applications where both alternators are being used to charge the same large
battery bank. The following instructions are intended for use by experienced marine elec-
trical installers. If you are not experienced at installing electrical system components, we
recommend the use of a qualified marine electrical technician.
Regulator Installation
The following information is intended to provide the installer with the
basic information required to complete installation. This section of the
installation manual will deal with mounting, wiring connections and ba-
sic programming for battery type. Additional information regarding ad-
vanced programming adjustments and troubleshooting are addressed
later in the manual.
Unpacking The Box
Your Max Charge MC-612-DUAL-H regulator kit is packaged with the
following items:
• Max Charge MC-612-DUAL regulator
• (2) 54” wiring harnesses w/ 10A-fused 12 Ga. RED power wires
• Fused (1A) battery sense wire pigtail
• Magnetic programming tool
• Installation and operation manual
If any of the listed items is not included with your regulator kit, call our
customer service department at 360-435-6100. Please note -- if your regulator box is marked Max Charge MC-612, with-
out the “H” designation, your kit will not include the wiring harnesses or fused battery sense pigtail.
Locate And Mount The Regulator
Choosing a mounting location for your voltage regulator should be deter-
mined based on the following factors; distance from alternator, distance 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 for mounting. Ample airflow is essential
for the regulator’s proper operation. Ensure that the regulator is free from
obstructions that restrict air movement around or below the regulator’s alu-
minum heat sink. While the regulator is designed to operate safely in condi-
tions typical of a marine engine compartment, the regulator may be better
protected, and easier to use and monitor if mounted outside of the engine
compartment.
Should it be necessary to install the regulator further than the harness’s 54”
length from the alternator, ensure that any wire extensions are properly con-
nected, as resistance in the harness wiring can affect charging efficiency.
If harness length must reach beyond approximately eight feet, replace the
RED power and BLUE field wires with larger gauge wire that’s sized to
ensure voltage drop < 3%..
Basic Wiring Installation
The regulator’s wiring harness includes six wires required for standard
installation. Four of those wires are connected to the regulator via a
Ford-style plug connector that’s pre-installed on the regulator. These
wires include the Ground (BLACK), Power (RED), Ignition (BROWN)
and Field (BLUE). Plug is shown at right.
In addition, the harness includes a separate Ground (BLACK) and Sta-
tor (WHITE) wire. The proper terminal connection points for these, and
additional wiring connections, are illustrated on the pin location legend
shown and discussed on the following pages.
The MC-612-DUAL is designed with parallel terminal locations for field,
power and ground circuits, so two standard Balmar wiring harnesses
can be used together.
- 2 -
