Let customers speak for us
from 10 reviewsSince Spring I have been part of a technical advisory board to help ARCO MARINE develop a new alternator regulator. The concept was to keep it simple to use and program while offering all the features of the most demanding boater or technician. We worked directly with ARCOs engineers to create state of the art charging, for any battery chemistry, while able to protect small engines with large alternator output. There are many new features included, that I have personally been testing on my own cruising sailboat this season, and the ARCO Zeus regulator has been spot on for my LiFePO4 batteries. I know of nothing in the industry that compares to the functionality of the ARCO ZEUS Regulator.
I have recently purchased an ARCO alternator from you and am very pleased with the appearing quality and function. I am a full-time auto mechanic and your quality is far above anything I see from auto parts stores. So far, I am very impressed with your products.
The performance of this unit really has lived up to the impressive test results ARCO has published. Really amazing power at idle RPMs, and it runs really cool when doing it. The smaller size of the frame (compared to other large frame units) should make install easier (it did on this install for sure).
Certainly the core design (windings/rectifier) appear to be state of the art, and I have high hopes for the cerakote.
This is the first time trying out 2 of your Zeus regulators on a customers boat. The quality looks great and I'll be using them in the future if all goes well.
Zeus for us is freedom. Being able to charge our big lithium battery bank without having to run the generator, and being able to monitor everything from the helm or my phone feels like the future!
I was asked by the team at ARCO Marine to create a wish list for the perfect smart regulator and high output alternator. Knowing the team at ARCO was first class, I jumped at the opportunity to help. Watching and helping ARCO Marine work to create the Zeus became one of the best Professional experiences in my career. I am confident in saying that the Zeus regulator adds tremendous value in its simplicity and programmability. Also...... working with Caza Gomis, Andre Cormier, Bob Campbell, and Rod Collins was a real treat. Between the ARCO team and the Technical Advisory board, this was a true dream team of product development. Every one of them are true Industry professionals. Looking forward to 2024.
When I was invited to be a member of the ARCO Zeus advisory board I was a bit skeptical. I knew ARCO, but I knew them to sell stock replacement alternators, starters etc.. In other-words nothing to get very excited about? I then had a long conversation about the new Alternator regulator they were working on with their CEO, and he really impressed me. He swore the advisory board was to be handpicked with industry experts from both marine and the RV industries and in the end it was an amazing team. I've been involved in a number of new product designs, so know how this normally works... The speed, efficiency and access to the engineers, coders/designers inside ARCO was astounding and like nothing I'd ever seen. They operated insanely efficiently. We literally went from ideas on paper to a finished design in a matter of weeks. When it came to the Zeus app they were once again very responsive and never wasted a second correcting noted issues. Working together with ARCO on the Zeus Regulator, which is sorely needed in the industry, was a joy! Watch out for ARCO Lots of great stuff in the works.
ARCO Zeus High Energy Bluetooth Alternator Regulator
- Price
- $796
Description
High-Energy External Bluetooth Alternator Regulator
ARCO’s Zeus is the only high-energy external Bluetooth regulator featuring Bluetooth connectivity and a native app (available on iOS and Android) for easy installation and configuration. Its intuitive interface gives you unprecedented access to your system information, allowing you to optimize battery charge and alternator output for a safer experience and protection of your energy investment.
Zeus can read two shunts simultaneously (battery and alternator), reacting to real-time data for effective management of your system.
The ARCO Zeus app automatically logs data, allowing you to share it with your technician for troubleshooting. You can even import configurations from your technician remotely.
Zeus optimizes battery charges for 12-48 volt systems, compatible with both Lithium (LiFePo4) and lead-acid Deep Cycle batteries, thanks to its pre-set battery libraries and configurable menus.
Additionally, Zeus can manage the engine's power, allowing you to configure the alternator’s power take-off, optimizing energy creation to quickly replenish your battery bank.
Notably, Zeus comes with alternator/battery harnesses and two temperature sensors at no extra charge, saving users time and money.
View our high energy products including high output alternators and shunts.
Register your Zeus here to stay updated with releases and news.
Learn more about Zeus' solutions at our Learning Center for High Energy.
Features
- Secure Bluetooth connection for easy installation, configuration, and updates
- Harnesses, Temperature Sensors, and NMEA 2000 kit included - Zeus comes with both a battery wiring harness and alternator wiring harness as well as 2 thermistors and the NMEA 2000 kit ($159 in savings)
- Native ARCO Zeus application on mobile/tablet for easy to use and intuitive dashboard, system information, and a myriad of pre-set and customizable regulator settings. (Compatible with iOS and Android.)
- State of Charge – Zeus is the first to the market regulator with built in State of Charge which eliminates the need for an additional state of charge monitor
- Generator Mode – Is a first to market advanced feature of ARCO’s Zeus is that it can turn your engine into a dedicated generator with a press of the button, whereby it focuses the alternator’s performance to the creation of energy in replenishing your battery bank quickly. This sustainability feature enables you to use less fuel to drive energy to your alternator.
- Pre-set battery libraries – Whether you are using Lithium (LiFePo4) batteries to lead-acid Deep Cycle batteries, ARCO Zeus has you covered with its growing pre-set battery libraries.
- Data logging and sharing - Log your alternator’s performance and settings wirelessly and automatically. Communicate setting files and performance logs with a push of a button to technical support as well as import and automatically configure a technician's recommendations remotely.
- CAN bus and NMEA 2000-integrated networks enable you to transmit relevant data to RV navigation systems, multifunction displays (MFDs), or marine chart plotters
- Compatible with all voltage systems - 12-48 volt compatible
Technical Specifications
Connections | |
Bluetooth | Yes (Password Protected) |
2 Feature-in ports | To physically control user selectable options |
1 Feature-out ports | For lamp or control relay for multiple user options |
RJ45 | Yes |
NMEA 2000 | Yes |
2 CAN connections | Yes |
Dedicated Signal Wire | To disable charging from an external source such as BMS |
Management | Native Application built and managed by ARCO allows users to wirelessly install, monitor, system diagnose, and adjust settings. |
System Voltage | 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V |
State of Charge | Yes (SOC) |
CE mark | Yes |
Generator Mode™ | While in neutral and using less fuel, the alternator will maximize the engine’s power and put 100% of the field into charging batteries. |
P-Type (B-Circuit) and N-Type (A-Circuit) Compatible | Yes, with wiring harness included. |
Waterproof | Yes, IP 66/67 rating. |
Regulator Optimization | Only alternator regulator that measures and reacts to inputs from the Battery current and temperature and the Alternator current and temperature. |
Consistent Performance | Operates at maximum performance within safety limits set by the user - Once the battery bank is full, it will continue to maintain and supply house loads while maintaining the full capacity of the battery bank. |
Included | Zeus High Energy Alternator Regulator, battery wiring harness, alternator wiring harness, 2 thermistors. |
Enclosure Dimensions | Without antenna: 8.2" x 5.9" x 2.4" With antenna: 8.2" x 7.5" x 2.4" |
Warranty | 2 Years |
Weight | 1.7 lb. |
Max Operating Temp | 80° C (176° F) |
Support and Downloads
ARCO Zeus App
Click here to see the most recent firmware updates
ARCO Zeus Bluetooth Alternator Regulator Datasheet
ARCO Zeus Bluetooth Alternator Regulator Installation Guide
ARCO Zeus Bluetooth alternator regulator Quick Wiring Guide
RV-C Integration Guide
ARCO Zeus Bluetooth Alternator Regulator and Lithionics Integration Guide
Did You Know You Can Select Metric or Imperial Units
Did You Know You Can Report a Problem
Did You Know You Can Change Operating Modes
Did You Know You Can Enable RV-C Messages
Did You Know You Can Log Your Data
Did You Know You Can Enable NMEA 2000 Messges
How to Wire Your ARCO Zeus Bluetooth High Output Alternator Regulator
FAQs
- Limit of Internal Voltage regulators: Internal regulators are not able to meet the charging profile that is optimal for lithium batteries. They will consistently undercharge the battery due to only having one voltage setting.
- Not optimal for Lithium batteries: Many alternators do not have an internal temp sensory. When using lithium batteries, the battery will demand more power than the alternator can produce over time and then eventually burn the alternator out.
- Enhanced Charging Performance: Some external regulators are designed with advanced features that can improve charging performance. They may provide multi-stage charging, which optimizes the charging process by adjusting the voltage and current levels based on the battery's state of charge. This helps to extend battery life and improve overall charging efficiency. Internal reg does not have this feature.
- Customization: An external voltage regulator can offer more control and customization options compared to the internal regulator. It may allow you to adjust charging parameters, such as voltage setpoints, charge profile, and battery type, to optimize the charging process for your specific battery bank.
- Monitoring and Diagnostics: External regulators may offer additional monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, such as displaying battery voltage, charging current, and other relevant information. This can help you keep track of your battery's health and diagnose any potential issues.
- There are internal alternator regulators and external alternator regulators.
- For external voltage regulators there are 3 different external regulators including ARCO Zeus.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator to feature password protected Bluetooth connectivity.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that enables users with installation, real-time configuration, and updates to your alternator, battery, and engine, without the need to plug into your alternator regulator.
- Generator Mode™, unique to Zeus, enables you to use less fuel when powering your alternator. Your alternator will maximize the engine’s output when in neutral and send 100% of the field to your batteries.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that features State-of-Charge capabilities. This mitigates your need for an additional state-of-charge product.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator that automatically logs records of your systems performance and can be shared with your technician to trouble shoot your system when remote. You can also import configurations sent remotely from your technician.
- Zeus is the only alternator regulator to come with an alternator harness, battery harness, and 2 thermistors.
Yes, ARCO Zeus is compatible and integrations with Victron systems.
The installation is simple. Once your wiring is complete, download the ARCO Zeus app, connect to Zeus via secure Bluetooth and finish the installation process without wires or other tools.
Yes, Zeus is agnostic when it comes to which alternator it will work with.
You will need information on your battery and your alternator. Most batteries have all of the information you need on their label. For the required alternator information, you may need to visit the manufacturer’s website, contact the manufacturer or your technician.
When charging there will be voltage loss/drop on the positive and negative wires between the alternator and the battery. Zeus features positive & negative volt sensing leads, something stock alternators do not have. These wires directly monitor battery voltage, at the battery terminals, so the regulator can compensate for the voltage drop in the output wiring. Volt sensing is a critical component of Zeus.
ARCO Zeus has an alternator temp sensor that will modify the field current to let the alternator cool and keep it to a safe temp. Charging at idle can generate a lot of heat in factory alternators because the alternator is cooled by a fan and at low RPM you have low air flow.
ARCO Zeus can be fully custom programmed, via an easy to use app on your phone and set to whatever voltage and duration you need.
You calculate your pulley ratio by dividing the diameter of your crankshaft pulley by the diameter of the alternator pulley. For example, A 4”-inch crank pulley with a 2 inch alternator pulley will yield a 2:1 pulley ratio. (4 divided by 2 = 2:1) This means that the alternator will be spinning 2 times the engine RPM. In other words at 2000 engine RPM your alternator will be spinning at 4000 RPM.
ARCO Zeus can be fully custom programmed for your specific batteries.
Absolutely, and every parameter from max alt temp to absorption voltage, float voltage and the duration of each stage is fully programmable to your needs.
Yes, there are two configurations that could come into play. The first is if you have a pre-existing installation, meaning a Cerbo with other devices. The other is if you only have a Cerbo and Zeus.
For Pre-existing Setup:
Parts:
- 1x Ethernet Cable
Instructions:
Connect Zeus to the Cerbo via a standard Cat6 ethernet cable using the VE.Can socket.
For Cerbo and Zeus only:
Parts:
- 1x Ethernet Cable
- 1x Ethernet Network Termination Resistor Plug (Blue ethernet plug that comes with the Cerbo)
- 1x NMEA Network Termination Resistor Plug
Instructions:
- Install the Cerbo Network Termination plug into one of the open VE.Can network sockets.
- Install the NMEA Network Termination plug onto Zeus via the NMEA 2000 port.
- Connect Zeus to the Cerbo via a standard Cat6 ethernet cable using the VE.Can socket.
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