Hi All,

If you are looking at installing a "Smart" regulator
on an existing alternator,
BE WARNED...
DO NOT BUY a Mastervolt Alpha Pro.

They produce high levels (S7 to S9) of wide-band Radio Frequency (RF) noise.
This causes so much radio interference that it prevents reception
of most HF radio signals such as weather fax, airmail etc while
the engine is running.

So far, the dealer has suggested fixing the problem by
1: "Put the regulator in an aluminium box"
2: "cover all the leads to the alternator in alfoil"
How about that for great service ?
A better suggestion would be to drop it overboard...

When I return from cruising this season,
I'll be removing it from the boat,
and replacing it with something that works properly and doesn't
produce RF noise.

Any suggestions which SMART REGULATOR is better ?

David

(Other Keywords for searching...
MARINE RADIO NOISE,
HF NOISE,
ALTERNATOR SMART REGULATOR,
MARINE RADIO NOISE)

We have exactly the same problems on aircraft...
Go here
http://www.bandcspecialty.com
for solutions... Clic on regulator.. The over voltage protection module also
highly recommended...

Denny
"Jim Spriggs" wrote in message
u...
Hi All,

If you are looking at installing a "Smart" regulator
on an existing alternator,
BE WARNED...
DO NOT BUY a Mastervolt Alpha Pro.

They produce high levels (S7 to S9) of wide-band Radio Frequency (RF)
noise.
This causes so much radio interference that it prevents reception
of most HF radio signals such as weather fax, airmail etc while
the engine is running.

So far, the dealer has suggested fixing the problem by
1: "Put the regulator in an aluminium box"
2: "cover all the leads to the alternator in alfoil"
How about that for great service ?
A better suggestion would be to drop it overboard...

When I return from cruising this season,
I'll be removing it from the boat,
and replacing it with something that works properly and doesn't
produce RF noise.

Any suggestions which SMART REGULATOR is better ?

David

(Other Keywords for searching...
MARINE RADIO NOISE,
HF NOISE,
ALTERNATOR SMART REGULATOR,
MARINE RADIO NOISE)

I believe "unintentional radiator" marine electronics are exempted from some of the (Section 16?) regulations, similarly to
automotive electronics. I think the idea is that such equipment is considered a sub-system and it is the responsibility of the
system designer/installer to contain & exclude interference at the system level. In other words, marine and automotive electronics
are not considered consumer products, so the purchaser has to take more responsibility for selecting and installing them, than say a
clock radio. Of course, if the manufacturers don't provide noise radiation data, it can be impossible to properly design your
system except by trial & error.

On Fri, 29 Aug 2003 08:23:58 -0400 (EDT), (Ron Thornton) wrote:

Larry,

Is boat equipment exempt from the radiation requirements placed on other
consumer products.

Ron


--
Chuck Cox
SynchroSystems Motorsport Computers
Hopped/Up Racing Team

http://www.synchro.com

On Fri, 29 Aug 2003 08:23:58 -0400 (EDT), (Ron
Thornton) wrote:

Larry,

Is boat equipment exempt from the radiation requirements placed on other
consumer products.

Ron

The way boat crap is built, it's exempt from everything, I'm
sure!.....(c;



Larry W4CSC

Isn't it becoming more practical by the day to make
Iraq's desert the new World Nuclear Waste Disposal Site?

Charles Cox wrote:

I believe "unintentional radiator" marine electronics are exempted from some of the (Section 16?) regulations, ...

Yes, provided they do not interfere with any licensed radio service. FCC
regularly cites owners of everything from electric fences to public
power companies for interference. These typically inform the owner that
he must fix the device, shut it off, or face $1000+ per incident fines.
Of course if y'all own the interfering device ... (c:

"Ron Thornton" wrote in message

Is boat equipment exempt from the radiation requirements
placed on other consumer products.

I don't think so. I intend to lodge a complaint with the
Australian Communications Authority (Aussie FCC type body)
and will advise how it proceeds...

David - VK4GL