Steve enquired: > So where do these "modern" alternators come from? Mine is theoretically > state of the art and was b***dy expensive, but the output voltage isn't > as high as that.
They're generally automotive based products. If you've bought a high amperage output specialist (maybe a Leece-Neville or something like that) alternator is is probable, but not certain without looking at the specs, that it is still regulated to the older 13.8 (for 12V) standard. On some of the higher spec cars the alternator is even controlled by the engine ECU so that the charging regime is intelligently linked to the car's requirements rather than just generally charging as it thinks necessary. In your case, if you're still concerned that you're not getting as much charge as you think you should then it is almost certain that an alternator controller would benefit you. On my French boat with its Beta BV3300 engine the alternator didn't require the assistance of a charge controller but the Smartgauge/SB/Relay set up certainly helped with battery monitoring and split charge function. Roger
