Thanks John, So then it does work like I was told. Basically a relay "chattering" to control the voltage. So, I would assume, when the generator output is lower at idle speed
it would cycle slower that at a higher generator output with the engine at working rpm. Then, no a resistor in series wouldn't work, or at least not well.
I can see why they used this type stabilizer with the output fluctuation of the genny from idle to higher rpm. New ones are only around $30, but I thought, since I had lots
of resistors, capacitors, and diodes laying around I might be able to build one that worked without spending the money. You're right about not being able to read the
output with a meter, a digital would most likely just blink, an analog you would probably see the needle deflecting but not get an accurate reading.
However, :idea: if I pulled out my old sillyoscope (oscilloscope) it might give me a good voltage reading, but since both gauges it feeds quit at the same time, I'm sure it died.
