T&T: Advice on Equalizing & Tackometer?

[Mark Richter]

<<Second Question: I've read about tacks not registering sometimes
 or starting to register after while. What is the advice as to what is
 happening and how to fix?>>

Ted,
With a "smart" regulator, also called 3-stage, when the bulk charge mode has timed out and the
regulator drops its voltage setting from about 14.3 to 13.4, the batteries will suddenly be
momentarily "overcharged" (holding the higher voltage for a few minutes).  The regulator, sensing
this "overcharge" condition, will turn off the alternator, which means the tachometer output goes
off, too.  This condition may remain for anywhere from a few seconds to an hour or more, depending
on how much current is being drawn from this battery bank, and the size of the bank.

The solution is to turn on a few amps worth of lights or something to rapidly draw this excess
charge from the batteries, so the alternator will again resume putting out a few amps.

Mark Richter, trawler-yacht Winnie the Pooh, Ortona, FL
Mark's Mobile Marine, electrical system design, installation, and repair