Defending the Alternator with an APD | SV Ramble On
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- A quick project this week - we install an alternator protection device (APD). We bought it from MarineHowTo.com (shop.marinehow.... It's made by Sterling Power - here's what they say about it.
"The APD works when the spike back voltage to the alternator shoots above 16.5V to infinity (potentially) as the current has gone to 0A (to conserve P = I x V).
The APD turns on with a small resistive load of mA to reduce this escalation of voltage as a result of the break of cable that has led to 0A and V goes up up up.
If the spike is excessively rough, it can lead to APD damage (which can’t be fixed) but, your alternator / regulator has been protected."
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Great work on a beautifully clean boat!
-B
Look how clean that engine is LOL I covet the amazing engine access on your boat. I have to do contortions to get to mine.
Good job Rich and Jeni.....stay safe
Great video Rich- I shared it with a few friends on FB Perkins owner group... 🙏🙏. Keep on putting out those super informative vids- definitely valuable!!
Awesome, thank you for sharing! We always appreciate it when our viewers spread the word. Guess I need to join the Perkins group now. I have some serious questions.
SV Ramble On -- it’s the “Perkins 4-107 / 4-108” group...
Diodes typically create a voltage drop (0.7 VDC for silicone). Looks like this might drop the voltage to the batteries by that much.
My dude! Thanks for the informative video! We are converting to Lithium and it's so nice to see someone in the real world using one of these devices. Really takes away some of the mystery concerning the lithium upgrade.... how has your upgrade been working out for you? Anything you would do differently? We are looking at the exact same setup as you- Balmar alternator/MC-614 Regulator with battleborn Lithium batteries. Cheers from the PNW.
We love it! We've been very happy with our lithium setup and electric galley. We are going to add a wind generator since we only have two 175w solar panels. I don't think there's anything we could have done differently with the layout of our boat. Good luck and thanks for watching!
That is a cool addition. I blew up 2 alternators messing with a Balmar setup like yours.. I am going to buy it for my current boat. It doesn't have a Balmar set but it does have expensive alternators. Thanks for the video. Where are you guys? Area is fine.
Thanks for watching, glad you found something useful. We're parked up in the Sacramento Delta off the San Joaquin River right now, but we're planning on heading south here in the near future.
Wonder if Li batts are potentially more 'exciting' than Pb batts in boats enjoying a lightening strike?
You give the impression that the ADP is a sacrificial diode and will need to be replaced if the alt is cut out at high amps. I think that you are incorrect in that the ADP just absorbes the load and can continue to do it's job even after the overload and does not need to be replaced. Can you clarify if this is correct?
Derek
Hi Derek - Yes, that is our understanding of the device. We've also seen this info in the description of the device here baymarinesupply.com/sterling-power-pro-protect-12v-alternator-protection-device.html
@@svrambleon thank you for the response.
I sent sterling a message as well and just got this back from them.
(A)The ADP is not designed to be sacrificial- however,
There are a number of places professing the ADP to be the only item needed to make lithium/alternator charge suitable
(B]) The ADP is not invincible, a sustained dangerous voltage may put the device at risk, though I am not aware currently (no pun intended) of any units that have failed
Sterling Power
Nice upgrade. Keep safe.
Thanks, will do!
Hi Rich, Thanks for another informative video. I am also considering upgrading to 3 Battle Born and a high amp Balmar with the 614 regulator. Do you still have a starter battery ? I understand that a traditional starter battery will absorb the surge so I would not need a device such as the one you have installed. However if Battle Born batteries can function as a starter battery then , for simplicity sake , I would eliminate the current starter battery. I would also add the Sterling APD as you have. Cheers Kevin
Hi Kevin - We do not have a separate starter battery. Everything runs through the LiFePO4 battery bank.
really enjoy your videos, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
i noticed that your wiring the smaller gauge wires on the alt first instead of the large cable. For the "best" connection, its best practice to wire largest terminal(wire) first, then stack on the smaller ones. This will reduce resistance in the system, but honestly i'm not sure if it really matters. Maybe when the terminals start to show age?
Funny, cos Balmar say APM outside battery cabies but Sterling say *inside*!
This thing has got to be the most expensive way possible of buying a TVS protection diode ($6). Just wire a Littelfuse 15KPA18A in series with a10A fuse across the alternator terminals.
Hi, what is that corrosion inhibitor paste there?
Hey John, it's a 2oz tub of "NO-OX-ID A-Special" and you can find it on Amazon
@@svrambleon Thanks for the info