Clarke Alternator Controller (CAC marine regulator)

The Clarke Alternator Controller allows fully automatic fast or normal charging of lead-acid batteries via control of an alternator. The batteries may be either engine starting, deep cycle, liquid electrolyte, no maintenance sealed, or gel cell type. While it is not recommended to mix types within the same bank, the Clarke Alternator Controller can be easily adjusted to correctly charge all types of lead-acid batteries. A front panel mode switch is provided to allow either fast or normal charge. In addition, a LED is provided which lights when the batteries have reached their charged state and a relay activates allowing control of an external device (warning buzzer, automatic shut down device, etc). The relay contacts (common, normally open, and normally closed) are completely isolated from the controller's internal circuitry and are available via screw terminals on the front panel. Once energized, the LED and relay remain in their on state until the controller's enable line is switched off.

The Clarke Alternator Controller is protected from damage due to shorted DC inputs or outputs. Care need be taken to avoid shorting any high potential external inputs, AC or DC, to the relay connections, or to the controller's connections. If the alternator's connections are accidentally shorted, no damage will occur to the controller. If the batteries or sense wires are accidentally shorted, again no damage will occur. In essence, the Clarke Alternator Controller is fault tolerant in almost all applications.

The mode switch is provided to allow faster, fully automatic charging while at anchor, yet normal operation while motoring for long periods of time. Both modes provide safe, fully automatic, full charge of lead-acid batteries.

There are three internal adjustments to accommodate different types of lead-acid batteries. The adjustments set maximum field current (2.5 to 5 amps), gassing point voltage (13.8 to 14.6 volts), and float voltage (13.2 to 13.8 volts). In normal mode, A discharged battery is charged with maximum field current applied to the alternator until the battery voltage increases to the set float voltage, typically 13.8 volts. Maintaining the set float voltage, the field current is reduced until only a small current remains. At that point, the LED and relay are energized and only a small current continues to maintain float voltage. The field current will fluctuate to service any loads that may be present and cycling. This provides three steps of charge, bulk charge, absorption, and float. In the fast mode, maximum field current is continued until the battery voltage increases to the set gassing point (bulk charge phase), typically 14.2 volts, then field current decreases, maintaining the gassing point (absorption phase). After the field current reduces to a minimal value, the LED and relay energize, and field current decreases and fluctuates to maintain the set float voltage (float phase), the same as normal mode.

Clarke Alternator Controller Order Form

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To order the Clarke Alternator Controller via regular mail, print and complete this order form, enclose payment in US funds and mail to:

Order from:                    Ship to:
 Cameron Clarke                 _______________________________________
 P.O. Box 1951
 Carmichael, CA 95609           _______________________________________
 
                                _______________________________________


Qty    Description                                   Price      Amount

____   Clarke Alternator Controller at US $149.00 each       $_________


              Postage and handling (anywhere in US or Canada)      6.00


                                          Total amount       $_________


  Enclose total in US funds (Canadian funds gladly accepted, multiply
  total amount by 1.5  i.e. if total is US $155.00, enclose CDN $232.50)
All orders sent via First Class mail. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery

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