Re: [DML] "Alternator Light"

[Martin Gutkowski <martin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Al, thanks for clarifying my comment. However

1) If the dash bulb fails, the alternator will not (start to) charge. 
Ipso facto, pretty important that this crappy like bulb and all the 
connections to it, are maintained. I'd far rather have a solid 12v 
connection coming straight off the ignition circuit (white wires) doing 
the job of starting the alternator and leave the "fault" light to remain 
as only that. Just like the oil pressure gauge and light, the voltage 
gauge and light has redundancy built in - good engineering right there.

2)

> The regulator for the alternator does not control the current output.  It
> only controls the voltage output. <snip> When the current output from the alternator
> increases, the resistance of the windings increases.  At some point the
> regulator cannot provide enough field current to over come the armature
> loss.
Now I know what you mean, but you're arguing symantics.

There is no way to control current flow without controlling a) voltage 
or b) the load. So it's a moot point. However one could argue that the 
alternator *is* controlling output current by virtue of *maintaining* 
the output voltage at a constant level regardless of current. Like 
closed-loop PWM duty in a switch-mode PSU. Cause or effect?

Martin


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