Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > Technical > General Q & A
what is this amplifier/rectifier looking thing? >

what is this amplifier/rectifier looking thing?

Notices

what is this amplifier/rectifier looking thing?

Old 06-28-2013, 02:15 AM
  #1  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default what is this amplifier/rectifier looking thing?

So I got the boat end of last year and only used it a handful of times before it was time to put away. The boat had two batteries with a switch but it and the batteries went bad so I just had one battery in it last year. It's finned aluminum like a car amplifier but small. It has 3 posts, the alternator goes to the center and it's got Two white leads that go to the batteries. I'm thinking they each go to a battery positive.


But what does it do?

It's not letting me post a pic so you can see it, I'll work on that.

Thanks
PowerAddict is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 04:53 AM
  #2  
Registered
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bay City, MI
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

That sounds like an external voltage regulator.
Fischan is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 05:30 AM
  #3  
Registered
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Md
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

It's a battery isolator. It keeps the two batteries from discharging one another while allowing the alternator to charge both batteries at the same time.

With one of those you do not need to use the battery switch to select which battery to charge.

They work well and are dependable but they have the disadvantage of requiring slightly longer charge times because of the voltage drop across the isolator.

Last edited by NightHawk; 06-28-2013 at 05:33 AM.
NightHawk is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 08:27 AM
  #4  
Registered
 
28Eliminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rapid City SD
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by NightHawk
It's a battery isolator. It keeps the two batteries from discharging one another while allowing the alternator to charge both batteries at the same time.

With one of those you do not need to use the battery switch to select which battery to charge.

They work well and are dependable but they have the disadvantage of requiring slightly longer charge times because of the voltage drop across the isolator.
Yep, battery isolator. They are used all the time for campers and trucks with dual batteries.
28Eliminator is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 09:17 AM
  #5  
Registered
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Great information guys. Thanks! So, am I right that one lead goes to each battery's positive then ? I guessing has to.
PowerAddict is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 09:20 AM
  #6  
Registered
 
28Eliminator's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rapid City SD
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by PowerAddict
Great information guys. Thanks! So, am I right that one lead goes to each battery's positive then ? I guessing has to.
I would say that is correct, but I would pull the model number off it and google search to look at an online manual.
28Eliminator is offline  
Old 06-28-2013, 11:12 AM
  #7  
Registered
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Md
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by PowerAddict
Great information guys. Thanks! So, am I right that one lead goes to each battery's positive then ? I guessing has to.
yep. The offset terminal goes to the alternator.
NightHawk is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.