Balmar CFII-12/24

Balmar Centerfielder II User Manual

Model: CFII-12/24

Product Overview

The Balmar Centerfielder II is a dual alternator charge balancer designed to optimize the charging performance of marine electrical systems with two alternators and one battery bank. It ensures balanced charging and efficient power distribution. This unit is specifically designed for use with Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 Voltage Regulators.

Balmar Centerfielder II Dual Alternator Charge Balancer with red wiring harness

Figure 1: Balmar Centerfielder II Dual Alternator Charge Balancer. The image shows the blue rectangular unit labeled "CenterFielder II Dual Alternator Charge Balancer" with "BALMAR" branding, connected to a red wiring harness with various terminals and a fuse holder.

Specifications

Model Name	CFII-12/24
Part Number	BAL.CFII-1224
UPC	676205600279
Voltage Compatibility	12V / 24V Systems
Wattage	2 KW
Phase Type	Three Phase
Amperage	15 Amps
Material	Plastic
Item Dimensions (LxWxH)	9.45 x 6.69 x 6.69 inches
Item Weight	0.9 Kilograms (1.98 lbs)
Package Dimensions (LxWxH)	7 x 6 x 4 inches
Package Weight	1.2 Pounds (0.54 kg)
Compatibility	Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 Voltage Regulators ONLY

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the safe and effective operation of the Centerfielder II. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified marine electrician.

Safety Precautions

Disconnect all power to the vessel's electrical system before beginning installation.
Ensure all connections are clean, tight, and properly insulated.
Verify correct polarity before applying power.
This device is designed for 12V or 24V DC systems only.

Installation Steps

Mounting: Select a dry, protected location near the alternators and voltage regulators. Ensure adequate ventilation. Secure the Centerfielder II unit using appropriate fasteners.
Wiring Connections:
- Connect the designated wires from the Centerfielder II to the respective terminals on your Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 Voltage Regulators. Refer to the wiring diagram provided with your voltage regulator for specific terminal assignments.
- Connect the battery sense wires from the Centerfielder II to the positive terminal of the battery bank being charged.
- Ensure all ground connections are secure and free of corrosion.
Fuse Installation: Install the appropriate fuse (as specified in your voltage regulator manual) into the inline fuse holder provided with the Centerfielder II.
Final Check: Double-check all wiring connections for correctness and security before restoring power.

Note: Detailed wiring diagrams are typically provided with the Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 Voltage Regulators, which are required for use with this product. Consult those manuals for precise connection points.

Operating Instructions

The Balmar Centerfielder II operates automatically in conjunction with your Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 Voltage Regulators. Once properly installed, it will manage the output of two alternators to efficiently charge a single battery bank.

Normal Operation

When the engine(s) are running and the alternators are producing power, the Centerfielder II will balance the charge output between the two alternators.
It ensures that both alternators contribute optimally to the charging process, preventing one alternator from being overloaded while the other is underutilized.
The voltage regulators will continue to control the charging stages (bulk, absorption, float) based on battery state of charge and temperature.

Indicators

The Centerfielder II unit itself does not typically have user-facing indicators. Monitoring of the charging system's performance should be done via the Balmar voltage regulator's display or external battery monitors.

Maintenance

The Balmar Centerfielder II is designed for minimal maintenance. Regular checks of your overall electrical system are recommended.

Periodic Inspection: Annually inspect all wiring connections to the Centerfielder II for tightness and corrosion. Clean any corroded terminals.
Fuse Check: If the charging system is not performing as expected, check the inline fuse connected to the Centerfielder II. Replace with a fuse of the same type and rating if blown.
Environmental Conditions: Ensure the mounting location remains dry and free from excessive heat or vibration.

Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your charging system after installing the Centerfielder II, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No Charge from One or Both Alternators	Blown fuse in Centerfielder II circuit. Loose or corroded wiring connections. Faulty alternator. Issue with voltage regulator.	Check and replace fuse if necessary. Inspect and secure all connections. Test alternators independently. Consult Balmar voltage regulator manual for troubleshooting.
Unbalanced Charging	Incorrect wiring to voltage regulators. One alternator performing poorly.	Verify all wiring against the installation diagram. Have alternators tested by a professional.
Overcharging/Undercharging	This is typically a voltage regulator issue.	Consult the Balmar MC-614 or MC-624 manual for troubleshooting voltage regulator settings and performance.

If problems persist after following these steps, contact Balmar technical support or a certified marine electrician.

Warranty Information

The Balmar Centerfielder II is covered by a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding warranty duration, coverage, and claims procedures, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Balmar website.

Support and Contact

For technical assistance, product inquiries, or support, please contact Balmar directly:

Phone: 360-435-6100
Fax: 360-435-3210
Website: www.balmar.net
Address: Arlington, WA 98223 USA

When contacting support, please have your product model (CFII-12/24) and any relevant purchase information ready.