The Argo battery isolators feature a low voltage drops thanks to the use of Schottky diodes: at low current the voltage drop is approximately 0,3V and at the rated output approximately 0,45 V. All models are fitted with a compensation diode that can be used to slightly increase the output voltage of the alternator. This compensates for the voltage drop over the diodes in the isolator.
Alternator energize input
Some alternators need DC voltage on the B+ output to start charging. Obviously, DC will be present when the alternator is directly connected to a battery. Inserting a Diode or FET splitter will however prevent any return voltage/current from the batteries to the B+, and the alternator will not start. The new diode isolators have a special current limited energize input that will power the B+ when the engine run/stop switch is closed.