Hello All,
I have posted several times regarding alternator/regulator upgrades for my '83 E38. I am "almost" ready to make a purchase. I say almost because I am also reading Nigel Calders Electrical and Mechanical Manual. This has led to thoughts of converting my E38 to a fully 12volt based system with inverters providing the AC power. These systems are available from Xantrex and others and appear quite nice giving the option of AC power when needed without AC generation and also the optional control of a unit like a Link 2000R which would monitor everything and even has a built in alternator regulator. My AC needs are minimal, electric shaver and maybe a small microware at some point. Since I am on a mooring it would be nice to be able to run the odd AC stuff when needed.
So I guess the question is, is all this complexity really needed? The addition of a battery/energy monitor-controller seems quite worthwhile if total control is wanted but how necessary is this stuff? I was just looking to upgrade the alternator/regulator and be done with it but now I am wondering if it should be taken farther? Appreciate any input on this particularly from people with these types of systems. Thanks! RT
I have posted several times regarding alternator/regulator upgrades for my '83 E38. I am "almost" ready to make a purchase. I say almost because I am also reading Nigel Calders Electrical and Mechanical Manual. This has led to thoughts of converting my E38 to a fully 12volt based system with inverters providing the AC power. These systems are available from Xantrex and others and appear quite nice giving the option of AC power when needed without AC generation and also the optional control of a unit like a Link 2000R which would monitor everything and even has a built in alternator regulator. My AC needs are minimal, electric shaver and maybe a small microware at some point. Since I am on a mooring it would be nice to be able to run the odd AC stuff when needed.
So I guess the question is, is all this complexity really needed? The addition of a battery/energy monitor-controller seems quite worthwhile if total control is wanted but how necessary is this stuff? I was just looking to upgrade the alternator/regulator and be done with it but now I am wondering if it should be taken farther? Appreciate any input on this particularly from people with these types of systems. Thanks! RT