[alfa] voltage regulator question

[GModelle@xxxxxxx]

Gentle Alfisti,
I've noticed that the battery is not charging on the spider, and the engine 
quits if I disconnect the negative battery terminal.  The alternator light is 
not lit at a high idle, lights-up below 750 rpm. It seems to me that the 
alternator should be producing enough juice to run the engine without the battery. I 
took a spare alternator to the local parts franchise to try their testing rig 
and the spare was making enough energy to peg the gauge "open field", that 
is, without an attendant regulator. For my own understanding, the battery is the 
first order voltage regulator for the cars' systems. The regulator module 
controls the amount of power that the alternator makes, in response to the 
battery's charging requirements. Is this right? Is there a way to trouble shoot the 
regulator?

It is disconcerting to say the least to be out at night and notice the 
headlights beginning to dim. Thanks, Digest.
modelle in somers point
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