
150-A
ALTERNATOR NOISE FILTER
Installation/Operation Instructions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Alternators are a primary source of interference which affects the operation of lorans,
radios, depth sounders and other on-board electronics. The diode rectifiers in alternators produce a series of short high energy pulses which interfere with the electronic
equipment. In a loran, interference of this type causes cycle slip and/or loss of sync. In
radio receivers, there will often be a high pitched whine which varies with engine speed.
Troublesome “hash” can appear on depth sounder displays. The electrical interference,
or “noise”, is usually conducted from the alternator into the electronics via the
powerline wires, though it can also be radiated from the alternator lead much like a
transmitting antenna.
INSTALLATION
Caution: Disconnect the negative battery lead prior to filter installation. Do not run the engine with
the alternator output disconnected.
1) For best results, mount the filter on an engine mount, a wood deck beam or other
structural member as close to the alternator as possible. In some cases it may be necessary to make up a special metal bracket in order to mount the filter near the alternator.
2) The filter case must be well-grounded, so if the case is not mounted directly to an
integral part of the ship or vehicle ground, connection must be made. Use a flexible
copper ground strap (available from NEWMAR) or a piece of battery cable, 6 gauge or
larger with appropriate terminals, which is no longer than 18". Attach the strap or cable
to the grounding stud (1/4-20) with the provided hardware. (See diagram on rear.) Secure the filter using all four mounting holes and the provided hardware. Secure tightly
to ensure that vibration will not shake it loose when the engine is running.
3) Disconnect the positive lead from the battery. Wire the filter in series with the output
lead from the alternator lead as shown in the diagram on rear. If it is more convenient,
or if it will make a shorter run from the alternator to the filter, you may instead disconnect the alternator lead and connect the free end to the “BAT” terminal of the filter.
Then prepare a jumper cable of the same gauge with appropriate lugs and run it from the
alternator output terminal to the “ALT” terminal of the filter. If there is sufficient slack
in the original positive lead you may simply cut that cable at the appropriate point, install suitable lugs on the two cut ends, then attach them to the filter. (Note: Number 2
gauge wire or larger is required to carry 150 amps.)
4) Use the provided protective boots as well as electrical tape to cover all exposed conductors to guard against accidental shorts. Check to make sure all wires are properly
connected. If the alternator is “floating” and has long ungrounded positive and negative
leads, use a separate 150A filter for each lead.
U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS
P.O. Box 1306, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone: 714-751-0488 Fax: 714-957-1621
E-Mail: sales@newmarpower.com
M38011500A
As of JAN 2004
www.newmarpower.com

The 150A will remove the majority of noise generated by your alternator. If there is still
some residual noise, it may be necessary to install an additional NEWMAR power conditioning filter (model PC-10 or PC-25) on the input leads to the affected device to “clean
up” any remaining noise.
NOTE: In some instances where an electronic tachometer is used, the tach “sensing”
wire may be radiating interference, as well. This electrical noise will also vary with
changes in engine speed. For this problem, copper foil can be wrapped around the tach
wires to create a shield and reduce or eliminate the problem.
RATINGS
MAXIMUM INPUT VOLTAGE: 48 VDC
MAXIMUM CURRENT: 150 AMPS CONTINUOUS
FILTERED FREQUENCY RANGE: 70 KHz-100 MHz
TYPICAL INSTALLATION
Rubber Boot (2)
5/16" Brass Nut
Lock Washer
Flat Washer
5/16" Ring Lug*
1) 1/4" Flat Washer
2) 1/4" Ring Lug*
3) 1/4" Flat
4) Split Lock Washer
5) 1/4" Hex Nut
* Provided by installer
Flat Washer
* T o be provided by
installer. Slide rubber
boot over wire before
crimping ring lug.
1
1
Note: May be wired to the battery,
meter, shunt or battery selector
switch instead of to starter, as shown
P.O. Box 1306, Newport Beach, CA 92663
U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS
Phone: 714-751-0488 Fax: 714-957-1621
E-Mail: sales@newmarpower.com
www.newmarpower.com