Frank<br>Thanks for your comment we BOTH speak
factually about field currents. I have experience
installing small Hydro-electric schemes using car
alternators. Bench testing was shaft against a rear bicycle
wheel, electrical load and ammeter on output, no battery
and effort on pedals. Easy at first until residual
magnetism allows a few - few hundred mA which circulates in
the field coil and produces more flux, hence snowball
effect produces your 1-2 Amps and the pedals lock up
from the load - 600 Watt(.65 HP)- if you could
possibly push against it. A rheostat in the field circuit
enabled load to be matched to power source - head and
flow of water (cyclist).<br>I/we digress but it amazed
me how i could "tow" start and run my old car with
alternator, but no battery at all! Then i learned why
......Back to the boats<br>Ted
