Hi Byran,

>>>If that is correct it would seem to indicate that yes it is the traditional way but I don't understand the 1V.<<<

The reason for the one volt(ish) KOEO in a "traditional" system is because the circuit in question is a series one.

There are laws that govern the way voltage behaves in different types of electrical circuits.

In a series circuit the voltage will divide across the consumers in the circuit.

As an example; In a 12 volt system if I wire two bulbs of equal wattage (resistance) in series, the 12 volts will be shared (dropped) across each bulb. In this case 6 volts will be dropped across Each bulb.

With me so far ?

If we now alter the resistance in one of the bulbs the voltage dropped across each consumer will alter as well. However the voltage dropped across both bulbs will aways equal the supply voltage. eg; 6+6 or 3+9 etc etc

The circuit in question has two consumers, the first being the bulb in the dash and the second one being the electro magnet (Rotor) in the alt. However the two consumers have different resistances.

With the Ignition on and the engine not running, the one volt that you are looking for is the voltage in between the two consumers.

Does that Help ?

Regards Mark

PS. The above hopefully explains the reason for the one volt reading on the system. But its not necessarily the best way to check the alt circuits.