Control alternator

[Jmez36hz]

I've been doing a bit of poking around researching the use of either a variable resistor or a potentiometer in the sensor line of an alternator to give a degree of manual voltage output control. My theory is, If you trick the alternator into thinking there is less voltage in the system it will increase its output. I do realize there are potential problems to this, such as overheating the alternator or overcharging the system. I've always liked experimenting with things like this though and am pretty determined to play with it a bit. I think as long as you used such a modification reasonably IE not keeping it cranked all out all the time it might just work out. Does anyone have any experience with trickery like this? Any ideas or input is greatly appreciated. If it helps, my testing vehicle will be a 95 Mazda Mx3 with an internally regulated 140amp alternator and a Kinetik hc800 battery. I have also considered moving the alternator to a different location, currently it is mounted up behind the engine in what i consider a heat pocket, I however have removed most of my ac components and am waiting on a friend to help me make a custom bracket to move it to the front bottom of the engine compartment (Where AC compressor is now) where I think it will get much much better airflow and not be trapped in the heat of the engine. This will put it on the other crank pulley, so I know I have to do some calculation to make sure the different pulley isn't going to be a problem, and I may have to consider a custom pulley.

I haven't decided on a particular potentiometer or variable resistor yet. I was thinking about doing a whole new run from the battery through a fuse, up to the cabin of the vehicle to the device i decide on, and from there running to the alternator sense lead. This way say for example if the alternator is set to 14.2 volts and the electrical system is at 14.2 volts I can decrease the voltage to the sense lead manually to trick the alternator into thinking there is only 13 volts in the system therefore tricking it into increasing its output.

I also realize there are probably other options out there to accomplish the same or similar ends, which I am welcome to hearing about. But I would like to experiment with this anyway. Are there any immediate hurtles anyone can foresee to this? Safety considerations I need to take? Anything stupid I missed?

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[Jmez36hz]

Hmm thinking about it, I also need to figure out if I want to go from a switched or constant power source. I may even run from battery through a manual switch. I've also read that running the sensor lead from you power hungry device, amplifier in this case, can have advantages. Not sure of the legitimacy of this claim though.

 

[vibe]

bump for some in depth ****

 

[Jmez36hz]

Bump, Either its a great idea and no one has anything to add, or its a terrible idea and people don't know where to start tearing it apart? I'll eventually update and tell how it goes when I get around to it //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

pretty sure that's how the MLA and VCM work...

 

[tenbux1970 10+ year member]

pretty sure that's how the MLA and VCM work...

Here is the Missing Link Audio site.Think this might be what you are looking for. I have been using the Pro Series for about 3 years or so.Good stuff...

Missing Link Audio

If you already pulled the A/C off why not just put in a one wire alternator in that location? You could run the "exciter" wire in the cab by the drivers seat.Then you could turn the extra alt off or on when you want to.Leave the stock where it is at,or upgrade it if you can find a replacement for that model.

 

[Jmez36hz]

That is very much like what I'm going for. I just enjoy working with electrical projects so I was thinking i could probably buy the components and basically build my own version of something very much like that. My electrical system is pretty solid as it is. But the solider the better. If I could get a good constant 15 volts when I want to I would be happy. I have 2 alternators already, and have a friend that will help me make a bracket for 2nd. I was thinking about running a switch for the second alternator as well. Just trying to figure out exactly what electrical components will work best to adjust the voltage in the sense lead.