FAQ's
- 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.
- 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.
Yes, ARCO Zeus is compatible and integrations with Victron systems.
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.
Yes, Zeus is agnostic when it comes to which alternator it will work with.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ARCO Zeus can be fully custom programmed for your specific batteries.
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.
Yes, there are two configurations that could come into play. The first is if you have a pre-existing installation, meaning a Cerbo with other devices. The other is if you only have a Cerbo and Zeus.