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I.

INTRODUCTION

The microprocessor-controlled Max
Charge MC-612 is the most advanced
regulator available. Designed to continu-
ally monitor battery voltage and auto-
matically optimize charging, the MC-612
uses up to 12 time and voltage increments
to ensure your batteries receive a full charge quickly and
safely.

The MC-612 lets you choose from a variety of selectable
preset programs to best suit your charging needs. IItts

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x.. Six additional preset pro-

grams support most popular battery types, including standard and deep-cycle flooded
batteries, AGM, gel, and Optima (spiral wound) technologies. An easy-to-use magnetic reed switch delivers quick, precise regu-
lator adjustment. Should your charging system require individualized adjustment, the MC-612 provides additional user-defined
programming options. 

When used with optional alternator and battery temperature sensors, the MC-612 automatically monitors ambient tempera-
tures and compensates for over-temperature conditions by reducing field output.
Alarm outputs connect to audible or visual alarms to warn of dangerous system con-
ditions. 

II. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Before  installing  your  MC-612  marine  regulator,  please  take  a  moment  to  consider
these guidelines for safe regulator installation. Failure to work safely could result in per-
sonal injury or damage to your electrical system.

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.

3.

Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses. 

4.

DO NOT attempt to modify the regulator. Alterations could result in damage to your
charging system, and will void your warranty.

5.

Do not attempt installation if tired or fatigued.

6.

Ensure the engine has cooled before initiating installation.

7.

Do not attempt installation while using alcohol or any medication that could impair your
judgment or reaction time.

8.

Always use the right tool for the job. Improper tool use may damage the regulator or
your boat, 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 regulator.
If you are unfamiliar with marine electrical systems, consult with a licensed marine
electrician.

CAUTION

The  following  instructions  are
intended  for  use  by  experienced
marine electrical installers. If you
are  not  experienced  at  installing
electrical  system  components,
we recommend the use of a qual-
ified marine electrical technician.

19009 61st Ave. NE, Arlington, WA 98223

PHONE: (360) 435-6100

FAX: (360) 435-3210

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEB: WWW.BALMAR.NET

Max Charge MC-612 Regulator

Installation and Operator’s Manual

III. BASIC INSTALLATION

The  MC-612  can  be  purchased  with  or  without  a  standard  54"  harness.  When
installing without the harness, or if the wiring needs to be extended beyond the length
of the harness, marine grade 12AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire should be used. 

©Copyright 2001  Ballard Commercial Industries, Inc. Revised 3/15/2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

Introduction

II.

Safety Considerations

III.

Basic Installation

IV.

Alarm and Sensor Installation

V.

Short Display

VI.

Preset Battery Programming

VII.

Long Display

VIII.

Advanced Programming

Amp Manager

Equalization

System Diagnostics

IX.

Troubleshooting

Warranty

Sample System Wiring

Single Output Alternator

Dual Output Alternator

Express Installation Instructions

Summary of Contents for Max Charge MC-612

Page 1: ...ome entangled in your motor or other machinery 3 Wear ANSI approved safety glasses 4 DO NOT attempt to modify the regulator Alterations could result in damage to your charging system and will void you...

Page 2: ...ulator see illustration The sec ond BLACK ground wire in the harness attaches to the Negative Battery Sense Terminal Both BLACK wires attach to preferred ground terminal on the alternator A user suppl...

Page 3: ...perature compensation and activating warning alarm Battery 2 terminal activates the warning alarm only The upper volt age limit for battery compensation is 14 8 volts If higher voltage limits are desi...

Page 4: ...aled Gel Cell GEL For sealed gel batteries Absorbed Glass Mat AGL For AGM batteries Optima OPS For Optima spiral wound batteries Flooded Standard FSB For standard lead acid batteries Halogen HAL For v...

Page 5: ...s LD Mode 11 Factory use only LD Mode 12 Factory use only LD Mode 13 Run time Hr code is followed by a numeric readout in 1 10 hr increments LD Mode 14 Tach reading Activate and adjust for alternator...

Page 6: ...12 2 1 ACTIVATE RELEASE PrA display cycles to ALC followed by OFF code 2 ACTIVATE HOLD OFF display cycles to numeric calibration values When the proper calibration value is reached RELEASE Compensatio...

Page 7: ...tor brushes and rotor are likely to be working properly If the system is not charging remove the alternator and have it inspected by a qualified alternator shop T Te es st t B B If there is little or...

Page 8: ...ine if your alternator may be the source of charging difficulties If the pre ceding tests do not prove the existence of a failure within the regulator or alternator we recommend you contact a licensed...

Page 9: ...9 Suggested Wiring Options for Single Output Alternators...

Page 10: ...10 Suggested Wiring Options for Dual Output Alternators...

Page 11: ...arged This occurs as a result of the regulator s effort to provide a blip of volt age to the alternator to keep the tachometer feed activated This voltage creep can usually be reduced or eliminated by...

Page 12: ...gnition switch or an independent ungrounded oil pressure switch are both acceptable connection points A toggle switch may be added to this circuit to shut down the alternator load in cases where maxim...

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