INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE LA MARCHE
MODEL A-33
The Constavolt Rectifier operates as a power supply or as a battery charger. Once properly installed and adjusted the
Constavolt Rectifier will supply regulated power to the load or maintain the battery in a fully charged condition. Install the
rectifier so that the flow of air through the ventilators is not obstructed. Binding posts with wire lug connectors are provided
on a terminal board within the unit. When hooking up the DC cables to the battery, be certain the positive terminal of the
rectifier is connected to the positive battery terminal and the negative terminal is connected to the negative of the battery.
Load terminals are provided with fuses so that the load may be connected directly to the unit. The load may be powered
with or without a battery connected to the battery terminals.
After the rectifier has been installed, give the battery a freshening charge to make certain it is fully charged by putting the
High-Float Switch on the front of the rectifier in the equalize or high position. The battery should be given an equalizing
charge for at least 24 hours. When the battery is in a fully charged condition, return the switch to the float position. With
the switch in this position the voltage should average 2.17 volts per cell for lead acid cells, 1.4 volts per cell for nickel-
cadmium and 1.5 volts per cell for nickel-iron (Edison) cells.
A potentiometer is provided to adjust the DC output so that the desired level may be maintained. The range of the
potentiometer adjustment is a minimum of plus or minus .08 volts per cell. The potentiometer adjustment is intended for
adjusting the precise float level when batteries are used.
In normal operation the Constavolt Rectifier maintains a constant battery voltage from no load to loads up to its rated load
capacity as indicated by the name-plate. If the external loads exceed name-plate capacity the rectifier will attempt to carry
the excess load up to its current limiting capacity. Beyond this point, the battery will carry the excessive loads.
If the battery is discharged, the charger will re-charge the battery on a taper curve from its current limiting capacity to full
charge. When a battery is not used the rectifier will supply regulated power to the load up to its current limiting capacity.
With output current limited further loading will cause the regulated voltage to drop off.
The High-Float Switch is used to raise the rectifier output voltage to 2.33 volts per cell for lead acid cells, 1.6 volts per
