Next Step Alternator Regulator

Installation and Operating Instructions

Ample Power Models NEXT-32N July 25, 2000

Mounting the Regulator NOTE: On gasoline engines DO NOT connect at the

The regulator is protected against ambient humidity, but must be spark coil . . . connect at the ignition switch.
mounted in a dry location free of moisture, dust and other environ-
mental insults. The regulator will operate in temperatures to 70 C GROUND, (required – connect this wire first) . . . the refer-
(158 F). ence ground for the regulator. All battery voltages are refer-
enced to this wire.
Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram above is the only way to wire the Next Step B , (required) . . . the return line for the field current. Am-
Regulator. Do not wire in any other way, such as combining ground perage draw on this wire is rated at 15 Amps maximum.
wires or battery positive wires. Use fuses where shown. Failure to
do so may result in fire. FIELD, (required) . . . the wire driven to ground by the reg-
ulator to make the alternator charge. Voltage at this point
Signal Names and Functions depends on how much current is being produced by the al-
Battery voltage set-points are specified for a 32 volt system.
ternator, and varies from zero to battery voltage.
PARALLEL, (optional) . . . a grounding signal that is asserted NEG.DIST., (required) . . . the ground line for the field current.
after 30 seconds and when the regulator detects that the WARNING: Do NOT jumper this wire to the GROUND
house battery is being charged.. Maximum load is 0.75 tab. Absence or loss of this connection will damage the
Amps. regulator.

ON / OFF, (required) . . . a positive voltage that turns on the LOCK, (optional) . . . if connected to battery voltage, the reg-
regulator. Typically it is connected to the ignition switch or ulator is locked at battery gassing voltage, typically 36.8
oil pressure switch. Typical draw is 0.03 Amps. V. Used to prevent higher voltages when halogen lights are
1
 used. The first activation and then removal of the LOCK sig- Absorption voltage can be adjusted by turning the small screw on
nal causes the regulator to go to the float set-point. The sec- the potentiometer behind the hole in the cover marked ABSORP-
ond cycle causes the regulator to go to the absorption set- TION VOLTAGE. The potentiometer is 20 turns. Turn in small incre-
point. This cyclic behavior repeats. ments and wait at least 3 seconds for the adjustment to take effect.
Do not adjust the potentiometer unless the green LED is on
BAT.VOLTS, (required) . . . the sense wire for battery voltage. continuously.
Any erroneous voltage drop in this wire from the battery can
cause overcharge. Absorption Time Adjustment
How long the regulator stays in absorption state is factory set at
T- (BLK),(optional) . . . ground side of the temperature sensor one hour. It can be changed from 0 to 255 minutes by turning the
which is supplied with the regulator. potentiometer behind the hole in the cover labeled TIME. To make
this adjustment convenient, a multi-meter can be used. Place the
T+ (RED), (optional) . . . positive side of the temperature sen- positive lead in the TIME TEST POINT located within the regulator
sor. Voltage at T+ (RED) is 2.98V at @ 25 C (77 F), and cover, and the negative lead on ground. Time is read on the multi-
varies plus and minus with temperature at the rate of 0.01V meter voltage scale where every 0.02 Volts is equal to 1 minute of
per degree C. absorption time. Factory setting is 1.18 Volts.
ABS, (optional) . . . a positive voltage at ABS will lock the reg- What You Should See
ulator at the absorption set-point. Typically used with the When the regulator is first turned on, the red LED will glow for 5
Ample Power Energy Monitor/Controller. to 8 seconds before extinguishing. The alternator should start to
charge after the red LED goes off. Then the green LED will start
LAMP, (optional) . . . a ground going signal that provides to flash status information. For example: 2 seconds on, 1 second
troubleshooting information identical to the Red Error LED off, (bulk charge).
. . . see the Error Indicator section. Maximum current permitted
Alternator Requirements
from this output is 0.75 Amps.
The alternator must be an externally regulated model with one
brush connected to battery positive and the other brush fitted with
State Indicator a connection to make the field connection, (N-type). Be advised
The green LED shows at which set-point the regulator is presently that alternators not hot rated for continuous operation at high
operating. Status is shown by flashing the green LED with On and current and temperature may fail when driven by the regula-
Off time in seconds as shown below. tor.

Table 1. Green Status LED

Troubleshooting
Status On Off First, look at the Signal Names and Functions section above and make
Bulk Charge 2 1 sure that all required wires are in place and properly connected.
Absorption Charge 1 1 We have found that moving a wire such as BAT.VOLTS or GROUND
Absorption Charge & OK to Adjust continuous N/A a few feet away from a good Battery Positive or Negative Distri-
Step to Float 3 3
bution could result in undesirable regulation due to voltage spikes
Float Charge 2 2
Gas Lock 3 1 in the system. To help diagnose voltage set-points, remove the T+
ABS Hold 1 3 (RED) connection to prevent a faulty temperature sensor from af-
fecting the system.
Second, if the problem still exists, obtain a copy of the Next
Error Indicator
Step Troubleshooting Guide which is available from the following
Abnormal conditions are reported with the Red LED, and the ex-
sources:
ternal lamp/alarm, if wired. Errors are identified by On and Off
Regulator Service Center
times of the Red LED as shown below.
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Table 2. Red Error LED
Error On Off E-mail: [email protected]
Can’t turn field off 1 1
Can’t turn field on 1 3 Phone: (206) 789-4743 or Fax: (206) 789-9003
Bat. Volts disconnected 3 1
Over Temperature 3 3
Voltage Runaway 6 3
The troubleshooting guide was designed to help isolate a majority
Bad Temperature Sensor 6 6 of the installation problems. Fill out the Troubleshooting Guide to
determine if all measurements meet the specified requirements.
Voltage Adjustment
The factory setting is 38.4 Volts. The float voltage is 2.7 Volts less Finally, if you are unable to remedy the problem, contact the reg-
than the absorption set-point. Before adjusting absorption voltage ulator service center with the Next Step Troubleshooting Guide
disconnect the T+ (RED) connection from the regulator. completed for referencing.

Ample Power products are manufactured by Ample Technology, 2442 NW Market St., #43, Seattle, WA 98107 – USA
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