Derek;

Be careful not to missinterpret Eric's statement of "better more consistant generator operation" to mean that you can get more out of the gen.

If a suitable solid state reg is available for generator systems, I would endorse it, for the reliability and repeatability advantages that electronic switching brings (more consistency in cut-in voltage, since there are no mechanical contacts which erode/wear to result in a change with age/use, and this is, I believe, what Eric means by "better, more consistent") but it can in NO WAY increase the output, sorry...remember, the reg only controls input current of Gen field coils...maximum output current available is determined by design and construction of gen, and speed at which armature turns (rate at which coils cut through magnetic lines of flux)...and you can't change that...the only thing we are in control of therefore, are external factors (which can and do make a difference).

If you want to "increase" the output of charging system, the importance of clean and tight connections in the path must be reemphasized...voltage drops across poor connections will effectively "decrease" charging system output! Ohms law review: Voltage difference is what causes current to flow, and this difference should exist between source (Gen) and load (Bat, Loads) only, not across any poor connections on the way...any resistance in the path will decrease current which flows.

Cheers