--- In [email protected], dave hearnden <moose_d...@...> wrote: > > > > > Hi All, > > > > Here is a question for the Elelctrical people, how can I tell if an Adverc is > working? and is there any need for a splitting Diode? > > > > Someone in the yard has above and is not sure if it is working? >
Hi Moose A splitting diode & Adverc do two different things. A Splitting diode allows one alternator to charge two battery banks but prevents one bank discharging into the other. Personally I would avoid them like the plague because they introduce up to 0.7v voltdrop on the charging leads and that will massively extend the charging time or prevent the batteries becoming fully charged. When the Adverc is "Advercing" it will mitigate the problem but the way it works means it only does it partially. A far better way round the problem is either to change to a DECENT split charge relay or a battery sensing alternator. In the latter case the alternator, trying to charge at (say) 14.2 volts) will only see 13.5 volts at the batter so it increases its output to 14.9 volts at its terminal leaving 14.2 at the battery terminal. The Adverc seeks to increase the charging current during the second stage of charging - that is once any ammeter fitted starts to fall due to the batteries state of charge (not alternator temperature). It also converts the alternator to battery sensing to a degree. It does this by increasing the charging voltage to about 14.5 volts for 15 to 20 minutes and then letting the alternator's regulator take over for a similar time until it "decides" the battery is getting on for full. The pulsing minimisses the gassing where electricity simply splits water into gasses. If there is a fault in the batteries, alternator or wiring you may well never get to the second stage of charging so the Adverc will sit there doing nothing. The way to test it is to put a voltmeter across the batteries and watch it whilst you run the engine at a good charging speed. From a cold starts with a typical overnight battery load the charging voltage will be something above 13 volts at the starts and gradually rising over a long period until you reach the regulated voltage which could be anything between 13.8 (very old alternators) and 14.5+ on very modern ones. Typically a little over 14 volts. If its 14.5 volts + the Adverc may appear not to work. Assuming the just over 14 volts - after a time you will suddenly see the voltmeter jump up by about half a volt and sit there for 15 to 20 minutes, then it will jump back down and repeat itself for a number of cycles.That proves the Adverc is working. Why do I get the feeling you may be chasing another problem? Tony Brooks
