[Crown Royal]

I just replaced my Deka gel batteries and now my Charles next step regulator on port engine shows a fault code of can’t turn field on. Has anybody found an easy replacement for the regulators. 
Thanks

[jclark003]

Fortunately for me I haven't found the need to replace. Are you sure the regulator is bad? Some tiaras have a field breaker or a fuse. Might be worth checking continuity and or wiring.

Mastervolt and Victron have a good reputation and may be good places to look for replacement regulators.

[Crown Royal]

Thanks for the reply, I am in the process now of checking all the connections and wire continuity. Electrical is not my strong suit so struggling a bit with the schematics and figuring what and how there trying do. I am in Mexico so there’s no go to for help. Was looking for an easy replacement if I end up having to go that way.

[Sans Peur]

If everything was working and all you did was replace the batteries I would look at the connections first. Maybe something didn't get put back right.
If you replaced them because one went bad the bad battery may have taken out the regulator before you replaced it. My cats had the Balmar regulators and as the starboard bank went bad it took it out. I replaced both regulators with the upgraded ones and everything has been great since.

[Crown Royal]

Yes I did have a bad battery l also have the Balmar alternators so maybe that’s the way to go.
Thanks

[RMS]

I had Balmar alternators and regulators on my 31 Open. Call Balmar, they are very helpful over the phone.
Bob

[jclark003]

I believe the Charles regulator has a battery wire (terminal b+ on regulator). This wire is most likely connected directly to the battery and will have a small black fuse case upstream. This wire supplies power to the regulator field circuit. If it is not connected to the battery or the fuse is gone the regulator will not be able to excite the alternator.

On my 43 open I almost missed this wire during battery replacement. In fact the wire was black and took me a while to figure that it should be connected to a positive battery terminal. ( Mind you if in doubt don't start crossing black wires onto positive battery posts unless you like sparks.)

Easiest check is to put a meter on the b+ terminal inside regulator and look for +12vdc. Or look by batteries for wires that may have been missed or for wires with inline fuses that may be blown.

[Crown Royal]

I cleaned the battery + wire and the alternator is now putting out.  14.25 volts up from 12.8 which is battery voltage. Now I need to see if it cuts in and out as its supposed to. Thanks for the info.

Chuck