Powermaster Alternators

[BlackMagic]

Has anyone used or is using one of these alternators???I am looking at the XS Volt one wire 50 amp for the race car and would like some feedback on the products.

http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/pwm-8168_w.jpg

-RT

[gregc]

After fighting for a couple years with a one wire unit, I can say with confidence, stay away! Go with a simple three wire and you won't regret it.

The difference being: a one wire excites from a certain RPM and puts out ~14.4 volts to the post.

A three wire allows you to have the excite wire switched to your ignition. That is, you flip the switch, the alternator is no longer drawing power. Also, the sense wire can be wired to your highest priority electrical device, the ignition. In this case the alternator will put out 14.4 volts to the ignition itself. Measured voltage at the post of the alt is about 15.5-16V. With a one wire, voltage at the ignition is closer to 12V.

FWIW

-Greg

[TurboNuts]

I ordered one for a customer from summit and it worked awesome..Wired it to the factory charge harness(vw) and never had a problem..Just my 2cts

[BlackMagic]

After fighting for a couple years with a one wire unit, I can say with confidence, stay away! Go with a simple three wire and you won't regret it.

The difference being: a one wire excites from a certain RPM and puts out ~14.4 volts to the post.

A three wire allows you to have the excite wire switched to your ignition. That is, you flip the switch, the alternator is no longer drawing power. Also, the sense wire can be wired to your highest priority electrical device, the ignition. In this case the alternator will put out 14.4 volts to the ignition itself. Measured voltage at the post of the alt is about 15.5-16V. With a one wire, voltage at the ignition is closer to 12V.

FWIW

-Greg


Have any recommendations? I am looking for something VERY small (the powermaster is 3.75 in in diameter) and low amperage. One thing I really like about the powermaster is the adjustable voltage so that I can use either the 16v or 12v if I choose to go back.

[gregc]

If it is adjustable voltage and is the size you need, then it probably would work well. Just get out your DVM and set it up to be the voltage you want at the ignition.

Reason it didn't work for me is I have 8 gauge going to the trunk (battery in the trunk) from the alternator, 0 going from the trunk to the firewall, then branching out from there. With ~30 amps going to the fuel pump, ~40 going to the fan, along with water pump, lights, ignition, etc, the stock 14.4-15V output at the post of a single wire alternator was not nearly enough to work out.

[TurboNuts]

Thats why we used it because with the new turbo set up there was NO room for an alt..It was very small and worked awesome!

[Bad Bug Two]

…Reason it didn't work for me is I have 8 gauge going to the trunk (battery in the trunk) from the alternator, 0 going from the trunk to the firewall, then branching out from there….
I just happened to be looking through some old posts….
An 8 gauge wire is way too small for that current and distance.**If I understand your arrangement, you would be better off having the alt wire running to the 0 gauge at the firewall, even if left at 8 gauge size.
:cool: