Alternator Monitor

 

This circuit will monitor the output of the alternator of any car with a 12 volt electrical system and indicate if the charging system is either undercharging or overcharging. This is accomplished by using 2 sections of a quad voltage comparator IC and connecting the outputs in an “OR” configuration so that the LED will become lit if section A or section B of the comparator detects an improper voltage level. The circuit is connected into any circuit which is active when the car is in operation, such as the ignition or radio circuit.

 

 

 

 

Copyright by Bill Bytheway, K7TTY February 2012