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I seldom disagree with Brent, and this probably doesn't qualify as a big
disagreement, however (there's always a "however"), there is a big caveat if
you set your charge voltage at the battery terminals, e.g., do this only
when the battery is fully charged (drawing near zero charge current) or, if
both regulator sensing leads are connected directly at the battery terminals
(or at least, right after the battery contactor for the positive sense).

The reason logic tells one to make the measurement at the battery terminals
is to account for the voltage drop in the cables from the alternator to the
battery. Sounds sensible at first glance but as the battery comes up to full
charge and the charging current decreases, the drop in the cables also
decreases in proportion to the decreased current. Eventually, as the battery
attains full charge and the current drops to near zero, so will the cable
voltage drop and the battery will see whatever voltage the alternator
regulator is set for.

So, set your voltage when charge current is close to zero or move the
regulator sense leads to the point you want an accurate and stable voltage
(at the battery) and let the voltage drop in the cable take care of itself.

Dan Schaefer


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