Update:
This past weekend I decided to go after the 1/2v loss that I was apparently losing through the ignition switch.
So, Saturday morning I removed the gauge console, and further disassembled the gauges w/ their harnesses and the ignition switch w/ its harness.
I opened up the ignition switch before thinking of testing it for resistance and to verify the voltage drop based on the earlier readings taken at the connection back at the voltage regulator. I thought that may've been a good idea just in case the loss was occurring between the switch and the regulator - not in the switch as suspected - like maybe a damaged brown wire or something. But I thought of it too late.
When I got the switch opened (pic) I didn't think it looked too bad - but I followed through and cleaned it up, lubricated and reassembled. Then I polished up all of the connectors on the lead / harness.
When done, I tested for resistance in the "on" position and there was none. My meter reading was .2 ohm and that is the standard acceptable loss attributable to the the meter's own test leads. Then, I used a charged battery from another project I'm working on as a power source to test for the voltage.
13.42v in & 13.42v out!!!! I couldn't be happier!
Continuing on, I cleaned the brown wire in both the headlight bucket and at the connector to the regulator. Then I took a resistance reading of it end to end. Results were .4 ohm loss which I've been told is negligible. I then did the same with the battery and there was no voltage loss at all.
I think I'm good to put the solid state Regulator / Rectifier back on the bike. In theory, being that there's no longer any voltage drop the Regulator should do it's job properly.
I won't know for a short while though b/c I suffer from the
project expansion disorder!
The "expansion" found me polishing every single connector (male and female) inside of the headlight bucket as well as the connector to the Regulator. It can only help with the efficiency of the electrical system. And then going further, I ordered an inexpensive Digital Read Voltage Meter and also changed every console & gauge bulb over to LED as well installing a device that flickers the brake light before it goes solid red. A good safety device I think. As of now the only light bulb on the bike that isn't LED is the headlight. The power demands are as near minimal as can possibly be. She's an old gal and the less work she needs to do the better. lol
Regarding the Voltage Meter, I'm assuming that the best place to connect it will be at the point where the brown wire comes off the ignition switch and connects to the brown wire traveling back to the voltage regulator?
Continuing with my
project expansion disorder, before reassembling and testing I'm going to address the floppy speedometer gauge as well as paint the console.
I've researched the floppy gauge thing on the site and found useful information.... but it's off subject to the resolving of my charging and voltage loss issues and I'll address anything worthwhile in another thread if need be.
Back on subject, I have every reason to believe that my issue is resolved, but I'll hold off on the victory dance till it's proven out.
So...more to come.
Some pics b/c some (me
) like pics: