Alternator switch?

[C&C32]

Hi
This boat is fairly new to me. Atomic4 runs well. But a question I have is this alternator controller? Anyone know how it works? Why you would have one?
I have not touched it since owning the boat. Just trying to figure out all of this wiring as I do some maintenance.
Thanks
Stephen

[romantic comedy]

I have the same thing laying around. It is an Auto Mac.
I never used the one I inherited. You run the engine and turn the knob to full field the alternator. The knob is a timer and stops the full field when it is done.

I assume that the alternator will then function normally and use the normal regulator. Full field means that the alternator is at maximum output. This was an old way to charge batteries as quickly as possible with the alternator. There are problems doing this and that is why electronic and 3 and 4 step regulators are made.

[C&C32]

Thanks for the reply. Was wondering what it was for. So I may just remove it to clean up the wiring.
Cheers
Stephen

I have the same thing laying around. It is an Auto Mac.
I never used the one I inherited. You run the engine and turn the knob to full field the alternator. The knob is a timer and stops the full field when it is done.

I assume that the alternator will then function normally and use the normal regulator. Full field means that the alternator is at maximum output. This was an old way to charge batteries as quickly as possible with the alternator. There are problems doing this and that is why electronic and 3 and 4 step regulators are made.

[ndutton]

Was wondering what it was for

It's the battery destruction switch, popular in the 1980's.

[Al Schober]

Yep, an AutoMac. No, the knob is not a timer. It's a control on the current output to the field windings. More current gives more output voltage. When the voltage gets up to a limit (adjustable I think), the AutoMac kicks out. If you want more charge you have to back off on the output current and then restart it. Used one for years until I upgraded to a Balmar ARS-? whatever.

[romantic comedy]

Yep, an AutoMac. No, the knob is not a timer. It's a control on the current output to the field windings. More current gives more output voltage. When the voltage gets up to a limit (adjustable I think), the AutoMac kicks out. If you want more charge you have to back off on the output current and then restart it. Used one for years until I upgraded to a Balmar ARS-? whatever.

Thanks for the correction Al. That makes more sense then it being a timer.