Good call on the solar panel. Might look up the thread and explore that one.
Latest test results show up ok. At 2000 rpm, the multi-meter is heading up from 12.8, and by 3000rpm it was 13.5 and still climbing. The voltage increases slowly but steadily, so if you took a few readings they would all be different, but increasing. I have one of those solid state voltage regulators in that are supposed to be better for slower traffic situations. Seems good to go at the moment. Should be able to turn my attention back to the speedo!