beltfed,
I saw this question coming a few posts earlier. I don't know if I could explain it clearly, but will say this. The starter draws a huge amount of current, so for this obvious reason it isn't wired through the ammeter. The charging system and all the loads in the system are tied together on one side of the ammeter, while the storage tank...the battery, is on the other side of the meter.
I don't know is this is electrically correct, but I visualize it this way; When the rig is started and the charging system is charging, current flows through the ammeter to the battery and the gauge indicates a 'positive' or a charge.
When this is happening, and you turn on your headlights, some power goes from generator to headlights, but some still goes to battery. The needle still shows charge..+, but just a little less +. If you turn on everything imaginable, the system can't supply it all, try as it may. Now the battery helps feed the loads and the ammeter needle swings to discharge, or -.
This is how I understand it...does it make any sense to you or am I all wet?
Stuart
