14
How the Magnetic Reed Switch Works
Looking much like a small thermometer atop the regulator’s circuit board, the magnetic reed
switch provides a durable, sealed interface that enables the user to set basic and advanced
regulator programming features. Included with the regulator is a small screwdriver that dou-
bles as the regulator’s programming tool. A small magnet embedded in the top of the screw
-
driver’s handle allows the user to activate the magnetic reed switch. Control of the MC-618
regulator’s basic and advanced programming modes can be accessed by using this switch.
The reed switch provides selectable control of the regulator’s programming without creating
an intrusion point as is common on many other adjustable voltage regulators currently on the
market.
A small screwdriver with a magnet embedded in the tip of the handle is included to
activate
the magnetic reed switch. While any magnetic tip tool can be used, the Balmar programming
screwdriver does an excellent job as an interfacing tool. By holding the magnet to the RED dot
located at the end of the reed switch, the tool allows the user to scroll through the regulator’s
various program modes and individual program selections.
Programming is accomplished by contacting and removing the magnet from the RED
dot affixed to the regulator’s epoxy
potting. If the magnet has difficulty activating the reed switch at that position, try moving it up and down along the length of the
reed switch until the RED light is illuminated at the top of the LED display, between the second and third display digits. The
RED light indicated activation of the reed switch.
Within the basic and advanced programming instructions, activation of the reed switch will be described by the following ac-
tions:
TOUCH/RELEASE - Indicates the action of contacting and immediately removing the magnet from the reed switch
TOUCH/HOLD - Indicates the action of contacting and holding the magnet to the reed switch
Basic Programming with Reed Switch
Basic Programming with Reed Switch
Programming For Battery Type
The MC-618 features selectable programs for the following battery technologies; Standard Flooded (FSb), Deep Cycle Flooded
(FdC), Gel (gEL), AGM (AgL), Optima (OPS), a factory default program (UFP), a program for systems with voltage sensitive
halogen equipment (HAL), and LiFePO
4
(LFP).
When activating the programming mode, keep in mind that the regulator will scroll through the basic programming mode three
times before saving and returning to the operational mode. To adjust the regulator for your battery type:
1.
Turn on the regulator. This may be accomplished by turning the ignition switch at the panel to the ON position. If the
regulator’s BROWN ignition wire is connected to an oil pressure switch, it may be necessary to start the engine to activate
the regulator.
2.
Once the regulator is on and the display is scrolling, TOUCH/HOLD the magnetic end of the programming screwdriver to
the RED dot on the regulator as described above.
3.
Continue to hold the magnet to the RED dot. The letters PRO will appear on the LED.
4.
Continue to hold the magnet to the RED dot. The letters BA will appear on the LED.
5.
Continue to hold the magnet to the RED dot. The LED display will begin to scroll through the various battery codes.
6.
When the desired battery code is displayed, RELEASE the magnet from the RED dot.
7.
The Display will indicate BA once again. At this point, you have the option to re-enter the battery type mode by re-applying
the magnet to the RED dot. Otherwise, the display will cycle to bEL, indicating entry into the Belt Load Manager mode.
Pro
INDICATES ENTRY INTO BASIC
PROGRAMMING MODE
bA
INDICATES ENTRY INTO
BATTERY TYPE PROGRAM MODE
UFP
INDICATES FACTORY DEFAULT
UNIVERSAL FACTORY MODE
Fdc
INDICATES PROGRAM FOR
DEEP CYCLE FLOODED BATTERIES
gEL
INDICATES PROGRAM FOR
DEEP CYCLE GEL BATTERIES
AgL
INDICATES PROGRAM FOR
ABSORBED GLASS MAT BATTERIES
OPS
INDICATES PROGRAM FOR
SPIRAL WOUND (OPTIMA)
FSb
INDICATES PROGRAM FOR
STANDARD FLOODED BATTERIES
HAL
INDICATES PROGRAM
FOR HALOGEN SYSTEMS
LFP
INDICATES PROGRAM
FOR LiFePO
4
CAR
INDICATES PROGRAM
FOR Carbon Foam AGM
