[alctel]

Wasn't sure whether to put this in the engine, diesel or electrical sub-forum, so it goes in here.

Now, I am trying to run all charging sources directly to my house bank, as I have an echo charger.

I've run into a bit of a situation here though - according to this diagram 4A-5 on page three of this PDF http://homepage.ntlworld.com/topcatsail/Temp/yanmar_35A_Alternator.PDF the charge lead goes to the battery via the starter, meaning that its only the starter battery that would get charged.

Now, I am wondering if I could replace that lead with another cable that runs right to the house battery, but I'm worried that the original run to the starter seems to go via the switch for some reason (maybe to make sure the charge lamp lights up)

Can I just disconnect the B (alt) to B (starter) cable and run it from B (alt) straight to the house bank? Or should I run that cable from the starter switch to the house bank?

I just don't want to blow any diodes.

 

[alctel]

I'd rather not add a third switch in. I'm trying to set it up so it starts using the starter battery, but then charges the house bank (I have an echo charger) without need for manual intervention.

I'm wired up as this diagram (courtesy of Maine Sail)

so I already have a 1/2/OFF switch (the two position only being used in an emergency) and an ON/OFF switch for the starter

 

[alctel]

The B terminal on the starter and the B terminal on the alternator do not need to run to the same battery.

Perfect!

 

[alctel]

I think the only thing I need to figure out now is what wire the alternator as the voltage regulator 'battery sense' wire, as I'm guessing that if that was not on the house bank as well as the actual charge wire, Bad Things would happen.

Thanks for help all