Yet another charging system thread.

[WorkinLonghorn]

SOLVED I left my lights on for 2 hours the other day (with highbeams-4 bulbs shining). When I went to start it it started but I noticed that the ammeter was not showing any charging. I just figured one of the little fuses in the front corners had blown, but no, my battery continued to run down and I was seeing <12v at the battery with engine running. This is a totally standard stock set-up with a newer regulator and alternator. I took the Alternator down to AutoZone and it tested good, twice. I substituted two other regulators that I had on the shelf of questionable condition. Still nothing.

I have 12v at the red wire both alternator and regulator but the only other voltage detected was with key on engine off one of the two wires in the plug going to the alternator (black in my case) which shows ~1.5v. Nothing on the Regulator connection other than the 12v red as mentioned.
Tomorrow I plan to check the brown wire again and see if there is a wire off at the ign. switch because I read in a thread here that the brown wire should be energized with key on and it is not.

Am I on the right course? Thanks! -Brian