10
Regulator Operation
Regulator Operation
The MC-618 regulator’s microprocessor controlled charging system uses a sophisticated, multi-stage profile to
deliver maximum
charging output, while protecting the batteries from overcharging damage. When the regulator is first turned on, the processor
performs a quick one-second self diagnostic assessment. Following that diagnostic, the MC-618 initiates the selected battery
charge program. Note that the Factory-set default values mentioned below correspond to the UFP battery program which is
enabled by default. The battery program is as follows.
1.
Start Delay.
Controls time between regulator activation and the start of charging. Factory set at one second. User
adjustable with dLc (See page 14).
2.
Soft Ramp.
Gently increases target voltage from current battery resting voltage to the Bulk Charge stage target at a fixed
rate of 0.04 volts per second. This stage typically takes 1-2 minutes to complete.
3.
Bulk Charge.
The most aggressive of the charging stages. Target voltage is held to a preset level for a set time period, both
of which are defined by the battery program selected. As the battery charges, the voltage rises to meet and hold the Target
Voltage. Factory-set values are 14.1 Volts for 0.3 hours (18 minutes), and are adjustable with bv and b1c, respectively (See
page 14).
4.
Calculated Bulk Charge.
Target voltage is maintained at Bulk level. The regulator calculates battery condition by constantly
monitoring field duty cycle, battery sense voltage, and an internal timer. Depending on these conditions, the regulator
will stay in Calculated Bulk stage between 2 seconds and a fixed 6 hour time limit. If the 6 hour limit is exceeded it will
automatically transition to the following stage. The field duty cycle target (FBA) is user adjustable. Factory set default is 65%
(See page 15).
5.
Ramp to Absorption.
Gradually changes the target voltage from the current battery sense voltage to the Absorption
Charge
stage target at a fixed rate of 0.02 volts per 7 seconds. This stage typically takes 1 minute to complete.
6.
Absorption Charge.
The alternator output is held at a set voltage 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.
Calculated Absorption Charge.
Target voltage is maintained at the Absorption Charge level. The regulator calculates
battery condition by constantly monitoring field duty cycle, battery sense voltage, and an internal timer. Once all conditions
are met, the regulator will transition to the next stage. The time duration of this stage is between 2 seconds and 6 hours,
depending upon battery condition. If the 6 hour limit is exceeded the regulator will automatically transition to the following
stage. The field duty cycle target (FBA) is user adjustable. Factory set default is 65% (See page 15).
8.
Ramp to Float.
Gradually changes the target voltage from the current battery sense voltage to the Float Charge stage
target at a fixed rate of 0.02 volts per 3 seconds. This stage typically takes about 1 minute to complete.
9.
Float Charge.
The alternator output is held at a preset voltage for a set time period, again, specified by
the battery program
selected. Factory-set defaults are 13.4 volts for 0.3 hours (18 minutes), adjustable with Fv and F1c, respectively (See page
14 & 15).
10.
Calculated Float Charge.
Target voltage is maintained at the Float level. The regulator can respond to an increased
charge demand by reverting to the Absorption Charge stage if the conditions warrant. The battery condition is judged by
constantly monitoring field duty cycle, battery sense voltage, and an internal timer. The regulator will stay in the Calculated
Float charge stage a minimum of 2 seconds and up to 6 hours. If the 6 hour limit is exceeded the regulator will automatically
revert to the absorption charge stage. The field duty cycle threshold (FFL) is user adjustable. Factory set default is 65%
(See page 15).
1 sec. 60 sec.
18 min.
Up to 6 hrs. 18 min.
Up to 6 hrs.
18 min.
Up to 6 hrs.
18 min.
Up to 6 hrs.
18 min.
Up to 6 hrs.
ST
AR
T
DE
LAY
SO
FT
R
AM
P
BU
LK
CA
LC
UL
AT
ED
B
UL
K
RA
M
P
TO
A
BS
O
RP
TI
O
N
AB
SO
RP
TI
O
N
CA
LC
UL
AT
ED
A
BS
O
RP
TI
O
N
RA
M
P
TO
FL
O
AT
FL
O
AT
CA
LC
UL
AT
ED
FL
O
AT
RA
M
P
TO
A
BS
O
RP
TI
O
N
CA
LC
UL
AT
ED
A
BS
O
RP
TI
O
N
RA
M
P
TO
FL
O
AT
FL
O
AT
CA
LC
UL
AT
ED
FL
O
AT
AB
SO
RP
TI
O
N
