must not be the same as AD's, a cold start [winter cold] doesn't move my 58's gauge much with a 60amp alternator, although the engine always starts pretty easy .... did a check, engine off, key on, high beams on [4 bulbs], wipers on high [raining today], heater on full, ammeter fell nearly to full D - sit for a minute then start it - immediately back to center, turned everything off [still running] it showed a slight charge ..... isn't that what the regulator is all about? I can't imagine a battery lasting long being shot with 60 amps every time you start the vehicle
and I can't imagine using a winch without the engine running, or halogen lights for that matter
the ammeter shows the current being sent to, or removed from, the battery, not the current everything electrical is using
Bill
