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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Introduction

The Balmar Max Charge MC-614

 is the latest generation of

smart, multi-stage Balmar Max Charge voltage regulators. 

Designed to provide precise voltage control for Balmar’s

high-output 12-volt alternators and other externally regulated P-type 

alternators, the  MC-614 features user selectable programs for the 

following battery types: Deep cycle flooded, standard flooded, gel, 

AGM, spiral wound AGM, and LiFePO

batteries. The regulator 

also features a universal default program that’s designed for use in 

vessels utilizing voltage sensitive halogen equipment.
In addition to the user selectable preset programs, the MC-614 

features a wealth of advanced programming modes which make it 

possible to tailor charging to a wide variety of environments.
When used in conjunction with optional MC-TS-A and

MC-TS-B alternator and battery temperature sensors, the MC-614 

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-614 regulator. If you are unfamiliar 

with marine electrical systems, consult 

with a licensed marine electrician.

MAX CHARGE MC-614

MULTI-STAGE

VOLTAGE REGULATOR

©2017 Balmar LLC SUP-0201 REV.C 12/12/17

Introduction

1

Basic Programming

10

Safety Considerations

1

Adjust For Battery Type

10

Regulator Installation

2

LiFePO

4

11

Unpacking Box

2

Belt Load Manager

12

Locate/Mount Regulator

2

Display Mode

12

Basic Wiring Installation

2

Alt. Failure Advisory

12

Regulator Terminal Layout

3

Programming Flow Chart

13

Installation By Wire

4-6 Adv. Programming

14-15

Initial Start Up

6

Battery Equalization

16

Regulator Operation

7

Default Program Settings

16

Programming Display Modes

8

Add’l. Regulator Features

16

Regulator Programming

10 Troubleshooting

17-18

Using Magnetic Tool

10 Warranty

19

Table of Contents

Summary of Contents for MAX CHARGE MC-614

Page 1: ...thing 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 reg...

Page 2: ...tors 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 providi...

Page 3: ...E 10 DATA TX 11 DATA RX 12 STATOR IN 13 TACHOMETER OUT 14 BAT 2 TEMP 15 BAT 2 TEMP 16 AUX 1 LAMP 17 DASH LAMP MC 614 Regulator Terminal Layout Magnetic Reed Switch 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 1...

Page 4: ...ug or a ring terminal depending on the alternator s field terminal connection Attach the field wire to the alternator s field terminal Install Alternator Temperature Sensor The optional Alternator Tem...

Page 5: ...e alternator stator output it will be necessary to determine the number of poles in the alternator in order to properly adjust your tachometer Most Balmar alternators feature 12 pole rotors and stator...

Page 6: ...gulator s programming tool A small magnet embedded in the top of the screwdriver s handle allows the user to activate the magnetic reed switch By holding the magnet to the RED dot located at the end o...

Page 7: ...ltage for a set time period specified by the battery program selected Factory set values are 13 9 volts for 0 3 hours 18 minutes and are adjustable with Av and A1c respectively See page 14 7 Calculate...

Page 8: ...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 Large Case A...

Page 9: ...ER 55 C FACTORY DEFAULT E21 BATTERY 2 TOO HOT OVER 55 C FACTORY DEFAULT E22 ALTERNATOR TOO HOT OVER 107 C E24 VOLTAGE REGULATOR TOO HOT OVER 90 C E33 BATTERY SENSE DIS CONECTED E41 FIELD VOLTAGE TOO H...

Page 10: ...he reed switch Within the basic and advanced programming instructions activation of the reed switch will be described by the following actions TOUCH RELEASE Indicates the action of contacting and imme...

Page 11: ...cifics Your battery manufacturer may supply you with a C rate for charging and discharging The maximum amount of charging current your battery can safely handle is determined by multiplying the C Rate...

Page 12: ...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 13: ...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 SETTING 3 FIELD REDUCTION 15 b 4 INDICATES BLM SETTING 4 FIELD REDUC...

Page 14: ...croll upward or downward To reverse the direction of scroll 1 REMOVE the magnet from the reed switch 2 Wait for the mode indicator to be displayed 3 TOUCH HOLD when the mode indicator is displayed The...

Page 15: ...it Allows user control of regulator s low voltage limit Spans between 10 volts and Fv Dropping below ALL causes Dash Lamp to turn on Default is 12 7 volts in 1 volt increments FbA Field Threshold Bulk...

Page 16: ...on Low Battery Voltage 12 8V Adjustable with ALL See Page 12 High Battery Voltage 15 5V Adjustable with AHL See Page 11 High Alternator Temperature 225 F Adjustable with AL1 See Page 12 Requires insta...

Page 17: ...An amp meter and a battery hydrometer with a thermometer are also helpful diagnostic tools Voltage Regulator Testing Set your voltmeter to 12VDC and connect the negative lead to the BLACK ground wire...

Page 18: ...t 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...

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: ...he world To Find a CDI distribution partner visit www cdielectronics com Both Balmar and CDI Products are manufactured in our ISO 9000 Certified Factory in Huntsville Alabama Please read carefully All...

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