Next Step Alternator Regulator
Installation and Operating Instructions
Ample Power Models NEXT-32N
Mounting the Regulator
The regulator is protected against ambient humidity, but must be
mounted in a dry location free of moisture, dust and other environ-
mental insults. The regulator will operate in temperatures to 70 C
(158 F).
Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram above is the only way to wire the Next Step
Regulator. Do not wire in any other way, such as combining ground
wires or battery positive wires. Use fuses where shown. Failure to
do so may result in fire.
Signal Names and Functions
Battery voltage set-points are specified for a 32 volt system.
PARALLEL, (optional) . . . a grounding signal that is asserted
after 30 seconds and when the regulator detects that the
house battery is being charged.. Maximum load is 0.75
Amps.
ON / OFF, (required) . . . a positive voltage that turns on the
regulator. Typically it is connected to the ignition switch or
oil pressure switch. Typical draw is 0.03 Amps.
1
July 25, 2000
NOTE: On gasoline engines DO NOT connect at the
spark coil . . . connect at the ignition switch.
GROUND, (required – connect this wire first) . . . the refer-
ence ground for the regulator. All battery voltages are refer-
enced to this wire.
B , (required) . . . the return line for the field current. Am-
perage draw on this wire is rated at 15 Amps maximum.
FIELD, (required) . . . the wire driven to ground by the reg-
ulator to make the alternator charge. Voltage at this point
depends on how much current is being produced by the al-
ternator, and varies from zero to battery voltage.
NEG.DIST., (required) . . . the ground line for the field current.
WARNING: Do NOT jumper this wire to the GROUND
tab. Absence or loss of this connection will damage the
regulator.
LOCK, (optional) . . . if connected to battery voltage, the reg-
ulator is locked at battery gassing voltage, typically 36.8
V. Used to prevent higher voltages when halogen lights are
 used. The first activation and then removal of the LOCK sig-
nal causes the regulator to go to the float set-point. The sec-
ond cycle causes the regulator to go to the absorption set-
point. This cyclic behavior repeats.
BAT.VOLTS, (required) . . . the sense wire for battery voltage.
Any erroneous voltage drop in this wire from the battery can
cause overcharge.
T- (BLK),(optional) . . . ground side of the temperature sensor
which is supplied with the regulator.
T+ (RED), (optional) . . . positive side of the temperature sen-
sor. Voltage at T+ (RED) is 2.98V at @ 25 C (77 F), and
varies plus and minus with temperature at the rate of 0.01V
per degree C.
ABS, (optional) . . . a positive voltage at ABS will lock the reg-
ulator at the absorption set-point. Typically used with the
Ample Power Energy Monitor/Controller.
LAMP, (optional) . . . a ground going signal that provides
troubleshooting information identical to the Red Error LED
. . . see the Error Indicator section. Maximum current permitted
from this output is 0.75 Amps.
State Indicator
The green LED shows at which set-point the regulator is presently
operating. Status is shown by flashing the green LED with On and
Off time in seconds as shown below.
Absorption voltage can be adjusted by turning the small screw on
the potentiometer behind the hole in the cover marked ABSORP-
TION VOLTAGE. The potentiometer is 20 turns. Turn in small incre-
ments and wait at least 3 seconds for the adjustment to take effect.
Do not adjust the potentiometer unless the green LED is on
continuously.
Absorption Time Adjustment
How long the regulator stays in absorption state is factory set at
one hour. It can be changed from 0 to 255 minutes by turning the
potentiometer behind the hole in the cover labeled TIME. To make
this adjustment convenient, a multi-meter can be used. Place the
positive lead in the TIME TEST POINT located within the regulator
cover, and the negative lead on ground. Time is read on the multi-
meter voltage scale where every 0.02 Volts is equal to 1 minute of
absorption time. Factory setting is 1.18 Volts.
What You Should See
When the regulator is first turned on, the red LED will glow for 5
to 8 seconds before extinguishing. The alternator should start to
charge after the red LED goes off. Then the green LED will start
to flash status information. For example: 2 seconds on, 1 second
off, (bulk charge).
Alternator Requirements
The alternator must be an externally regulated model with one
brush connected to battery positive and the other brush fitted with
a connection to make the field connection, (N-type). Be advised
that alternators not hot rated for continuous operation at high
current and temperature may fail when driven by the regula-
tor.

Table 1. Green Status LED

Troubleshooting
Status On Off First, look at the Signal Names and Functions section above and make
Bulk Charge 2 1 sure that all required wires are in place and properly connected.
Absorption Charge 1 1 We have found that moving a wire such as BAT.VOLTS or GROUND
Absorption Charge & OK to Adjust continuous N/A a few feet away from a good Battery Positive or Negative Distri-
Step to Float 3 3
bution could result in undesirable regulation due to voltage spikes
Float Charge 2 2
Gas Lock 3 1 in the system. To help diagnose voltage set-points, remove the T+
ABS Hold 1 3 (RED) connection to prevent a faulty temperature sensor from af-
fecting the system.
Second, if the problem still exists, obtain a copy of the Next
Error Indicator
Step Troubleshooting Guide which is available from the following
Abnormal conditions are reported with the Red LED, and the ex-
sources:
ternal lamp/alarm, if wired. Errors are identified by On and Off
Regulator Service Center
times of the Red LED as shown below.
Web: http://www.amplepower.com/support/
Table 2. Red Error LED
Error On Off E-mail: support@amplepower.com
Can’t turn field off 1 1
Can’t turn field on 1 3 Phone: (206) 789-4743 or Fax: (206) 789-9003
Bat. Volts disconnected 3 1
Over Temperature 3 3
Voltage Runaway 6 3
The troubleshooting guide was designed to help isolate a majority
Bad Temperature Sensor 6 6 of the installation problems. Fill out the Troubleshooting Guide to
determine if all measurements meet the specified requirements.
Voltage Adjustment
The factory setting is 38.4 Volts. The float voltage is 2.7 Volts less Finally, if you are unable to remedy the problem, contact the reg-
than the absorption set-point. Before adjusting absorption voltage ulator service center with the Next Step Troubleshooting Guide
disconnect the T+ (RED) connection from the regulator. completed for referencing.

Ample Power products are manufactured by Ample Technology, 2442 NW Market St., #43, Seattle, WA 98107 – USA
Visit http://www.amplepower.com