Why do I need an external regulator when modern alternators come with internal regulators?
- Limit of Internal Voltage regulators: Internal regulators are not able to meet the charging profile that is
optimal for lithium batteries. They will consistently undercharge the battery due to only having one voltage
setting.
- Not optimal for Lithium batteries: Many alternators do not have an internal temp sensory. When using lithium
batteries, the battery will demand more power than the alternator can produce over time and then eventually burn the
alternator out.
- Enhanced Charging Performance: Some external regulators are designed with advanced features that can improve
charging performance. They may provide multi-stage charging, which optimizes the charging process by adjusting the
voltage and current levels based on the battery's state of charge. This helps to extend battery life and improve
overall charging efficiency. Internal reg does not have this feature.
- Customization: An external voltage regulator can offer more control and customization options compared to the
internal regulator. It may allow you to adjust charging parameters, such as voltage setpoints, charge profile, and
battery type, to optimize the charging process for your specific battery bank.
- Monitoring and Diagnostics: External regulators may offer additional monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, such
as displaying battery voltage, charging current, and other relevant information. This can help you keep track of
your battery's health and diagnose any potential issues.
What are the kinds of regulators out there and what is so special about your regulator?
- There are internal alternator regulators and external alternator regulators.
- For external voltage regulators there are 3 different external regulators including ARCO Zeus.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator to feature password protected Bluetooth connectivity.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that enables users with installation, real-time configuration, and updates
to your alternator, battery, and engine, without the need to plug into your alternator regulator.
- Generator Mode™, unique to Zeus, enables you to use less fuel when powering your alternator. Your
alternator
will maximize the engine’s output when in neutral and send 100% of the field to your batteries.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that features State-of-Charge capabilities. This mitigates your need for
an
additional state-of-charge product.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that automatically logs records of your systems performance and can be
shared with your technician to trouble shoot your system when remote. You can also import configurations sent
remotely from your technician.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator to come with an alternator harness, battery harness, and 2 thermistors.
Does ARCO Zeus high-energy alternator regulator integrate with Victron systems?
Yes, ARCO Zeus is compatible and integrations with Victron systems.
Is Zeus hard to install?
The installation is simple. Once your wiring is complete, download the ARCO Zeus app, connect to Zeus via secure
Bluetooth and finish the installation process without wires or other tools.
Can I buy the external regulator and use it on my existing alternator?
Yes, Zeus is agnostic when it comes to which alternator it will work with.
Where do I find the information needed to program the regulator?
You will need information on your battery and your alternator. Most batteries have all of the information you need
on
their label. For the required alternator information, you may need to visit the manufacturer’s website,
contact
the manufacturer or your technician.
What is Voltage Sensing and Why do I need it?
When charging there will be voltage loss/drop on the positive and negative wires between the alternator and the
battery. Zeus features positive & negative volt sensing leads, something stock alternators do not have. These
wires directly monitor battery voltage, at the battery terminals, so the regulator can compensate for the voltage
drop
in the output wiring. Volt sensing is a critical component of Zeus.
I noticed when charging at anchor (idle speed) my factory alternator got very hot. Can ARCO Zeus help with this?
ARCO Zeus has an alternator temp sensor that will modify the field current to let the alternator cool and keep it
to
a safe temp. Charging at idle can generate a lot of heat in factory alternators because the alternator is cooled by
a
fan and at low RPM you have low air flow.
I have LiFePo4 batteries and the manufacturer says not to absorb for any more than 20 minutes at 14.2V. Will Zeus work for this?
ARCO Zeus can be fully custom programmed, via an easy to use app on your phone and set to whatever voltage and
duration you need.
How can I find my pulley ratio?
You calculate your pulley ratio by dividing the diameter of your crankshaft pulley by the diameter of the
alternator
pulley. For example, A 4”-inch crank pulley with a 2 inch alternator pulley will yield a 2:1 pulley ratio. (4
divided by 2 = 2:1) This means that the alternator will be spinning 2 times the engine RPM. In other words at 2000
engine RPM your alternator will be spinning at 4000 RPM.
What are the voltage set-points for the different charging stages?
ARCO Zeus can be fully custom programmed for your specific batteries.
Can this regulator be used for LiFePO4?
Absolutely, and every parameter from max alt temp to absorption voltage, float voltage and the duration of each
stage
is fully programmable to your needs.
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