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VOLTAGE ADJUST

The screwdriver adjustable potentiometer adjusts the generator 

output voltage. Adjustment clockwise increases the generator 

output voltage.

When using a remote voltage adjust rheostat, remove the jumper 

wire across terminals 6 and 7 and install a 2000 ohm 1/2 watt 

(minimum) rheostat. (See Figure 2).  This will give ±10% voltage 

variation from the nominal. (For ±5% voltage variation use a 1000 

ohm 1/2 watt rheostat).

STABILITY ADJUST

System stability is the ability of the generator to respond to load 

transients. Decreasing the stability makes the generator less slug-

gish and faster to respond to load transients. If the stability of the 

regulator is decreased too much, the generator will tend to hunt 

under steady state conditions.

The screwdriver adjustable potentiometer adjusts the system  

stability. Adjustment clockwise increases the stability. In- 

creasing the stability increases the response time of the generator.  

Conversely, decreasing the stability decreases the response time 

of the generator.

Stability Selection (On applicable regualtor models)

When excitation under voltage, it can result in insufficient adjust-

ment range for stability adjustment and when excitation over 

voltage, the response from the AVR becomes sluggish. The AVR 

is equipped with 2 bridging wires J1 and J2 to help improve this 

problem. See Figure 2.

• If the unloaded excitation voltage is less than 7 VDC, please cut 

open the J2 red bridging wires.

• If the unloaded excitation voltage is greater than 25 VDC, 

please cut open the J1 white bridging wires.

V/HZ ROLL-OFF FREQUENCY SELECTION

The roll-off point is the frequency where the generator voltage 

starts to decrease. This reduces the Kilowatt load to the engine, 

which allows the engine to recover in speed under any load tran-

sient condition.

Use jumper to select 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The screwdriver adjustable 

potentiometer sets the roll-off frequency from 54-61 Hz in the 60 

Hz setting or from 45-51 Hz in the 50 Hz setting.

The SE350E has the roll-off point preset to 58 Hz in the 60 Hz 

mode and 48 Hz in the 50 Hz mode. To change the roll-off point, 

adjust engine speed to the desired rated speed. (50 or 60 Hz). 

Set the voltage to the desired setting at rated speed. Adjust en-

gine speed to the desired roll-off point. Turn the potentiometer 

clockwise until the voltage starts to drop off. Then adjust the po-

tentiometer counter-clockwise until the voltage returns to rated. 

Re-adjust engine speed to rated speed.

START-UP PROCEDURE

PRELIMINARY SET-UP

Ensure the voltage regulator is correctly connected to the 
generator. Refer to the specific connection diagram supplied 
with the generator.

Set the regulator voltage adjust to full counter-clockwise 
(minimum voltage level).

Set the remote voltage adjust (if used) to the center position.

Set the stability control full clockwise (maximum stability 
level).

Connect the positive lead of a 100V D.C. voltmeter to F1 and 
the negative lead of the voltmeter to F2 or use an appropri-
ate AC voltmeter on the generator output leads.

SYSTEM START-UP

Start and run the generator at no load and rated speed. The 
generator voltage should build up to a minimum level. (Actual 
level is dependent upon connection). If it does not build up, 
refer to field flashing section in generator manual.

Slowly adjust the voltage control until the generator voltage 
reaches the nominal value. If used, adjust the remote voltage 
rheostat to set the generator voltage to the exact value 
desired.

Turn the stability adjust counter-clockwise until instability is 
shown on either of the voltmeters mentioned in the “PRE-
LIMINARY SET-UP” section. With the system operating in an 
unstable condition, slowly adjust the stability control clock-
wise until generator stability is reached.

Interrupt regulator power for a short time (approximately 1-2 
seconds).

If the generator remains stable, no further adjustment is nec-
essary. If the generator does not remain stable, increase the 
stability slightly and interrupt regulator power again.

This procedure should be repeated until system stability is 
reached and maintained.

MARATHON ELECTRIC SE SERIES

AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR OPERATIONAL TEST

OPERATIONAL TEST PROCEDURE

1.  Connect the test setup as shown in Figure 1. Do not apply power. Insure that the light 

bulbs are 120 volt, and less than 100 Watts.

2.  Adjust the regulator VAR and/or remote VAR and the STABILITY ADJUST to maximum 

CCW.

3.  Apply 240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz power to the regulator. The light bulbs should remain off.
4.  Slowly adjust the regulator VAR clockwise. At the regulation point, the light bulbs should 

illuminate. Small adjustments above and below this level should cause the light bulbs to go 

on and off. Note that the light bulbs go on and off rapidly.

5.  Rotate the STABILITY ADJUST FULLY clockwise. Now adjust the regulator VAR above and 

below the regulation point. The light bulbs should still go on and off, but the transition 

from off to on (and vice versa) should be much slower than in step 4 above.

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