After getting under way under sail yesterday, I switched from "BOTH" to "1". The VHF radio beeped and the GPS powered off. So either the switch on our 32-year-old boat is not a make-before-break switch or it's just plain gotten old. Either way: Time for a new switch.
Assuming our A4 has the original Motorola 35A alternator on it: Can I use the field disconnect protection "OFF/1/BOTH/2" switches that are so-equipped offer? I believe the original had an external regulator, and, if I understand correctly, that's what's needed to use this feature.
Secondly: Would a switch rated at 250 amps continuous, 360 amps momentary be sufficient for an A-4?
Heck while I'm at it: Wrenched on engines a lot in the past, but never had cause to do more than occasionally just out and replace alternators whole-sale. So how do I tell the difference between the original 35A Motorola and an upgrade? Between an alternator with an external regulator (as I understand the original would be?) and one with an internal regulator?
Thanks,
Jim
Assuming our A4 has the original Motorola 35A alternator on it: Can I use the field disconnect protection "OFF/1/BOTH/2" switches that are so-equipped offer? I believe the original had an external regulator, and, if I understand correctly, that's what's needed to use this feature.
Secondly: Would a switch rated at 250 amps continuous, 360 amps momentary be sufficient for an A-4?
Heck while I'm at it: Wrenched on engines a lot in the past, but never had cause to do more than occasionally just out and replace alternators whole-sale. So how do I tell the difference between the original 35A Motorola and an upgrade? Between an alternator with an external regulator (as I understand the original would be?) and one with an internal regulator?
Thanks,
Jim
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