X-ALT APPLICATION No.1

This application shows an  "Buccaneer"  and an X-SPLIT  charging a 2 battery installation. The output of the alternator is split by the X-SPLIT to charge the 2 batteries. The "Buccaneer"  battery sense lead is connected to the domestic/auxiliary battery as this is normally the battery which gets depleted. When the ignition is first switched on the "Buccaneer"  measures the battery voltage and determines if boost charge is required. If the battery is depleted i.e. the battery voltage is less than 12.6 (25.2) volts the "Buccaneer"  will go into boost mode increasing the alternator output to approximately 14.8 (29.6) volts, this recharges the batteries faster and to a higher level than a stand alone alternator. Though the "Buccaneer"' will also work with the normal diode splitters precautions must be taken so that any voltage drop caused by the diode splitter and cabling is not in excess of 1.2/1.5 volts. As the "Buccaneer"  will attempt to compensate for the voltage drop it will increase the output of the alternator to over come the voltage drop and if the voltage drop is too high it may cause the "Buccaneer"  to go into an high alternator output alarm condition which is set at a nominal 16.3 volts. Under these conditions the "Buccaneer " will switch off and the charging system will remain in float control only. When in float mode and a diode splitter is being used instead of the X-SPLIT the batteries may only see a charging voltage of 13/ 13.4 volts instead of 14/14.2 volts.
As the "Buccaneer"  relies on being able to continuously monitor the alternator output the use of 1/2/both switch is not recommended as a means of charge splitting as incorrect switch selection could mean a high output from the alternator and a safety alarm condition. Mechanical relays could also cause a problem especially where the split charge relay has an in built delay.
The system can be increased to a 3 or 4 battery system if required by using additional X-SPLITS or a multiple output X-SPLIT to split charge the charging source, but as the "Buccaneer" can only sense a single battery a choice will need to be made as to the selected battery. If sensing of more than battery is required then consider using the either the "Skipper"  or if the application has twin alternators, the top of the range "Captain" which can sense up to 3 batteries with single temperature compensated control plus as an option dual alternator temperature protection. Click on hyper link alternators for a list of known alternator configurations, if your alternator is not listed go to the installation page for further assistance or contact technical support at address below.
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