Hi Gambler,

also been watching, with a bit of awe.

Here's my 5c worth of pure untested hot air...

I note what you said about switching the alternator electrically. Note switching the alternator out of the charging circuit is a no-no, it's like disconnecting the alternator from the battery in a car and will lead to damage. Not to mention you're switching large current loads (Well, I've tested this part, on my car!).

However switching the alternator's exciter circuit is much less current and will de-energise the alternator without causing any charging-circuit breakage. This is what the regulator does anyway when no current is required. You can do this with a remote-controlled relay for testing to begin with, perhaps an auxiallary switch on your remote control. If it works, simply configure some small circuit that de-loads the alternator when the motor current exceeds x Amps.

This, of course, does not take away the base mechanical friction load, only the charging load.




Patrick