[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The charging path goes from the alternator, through the thick red wire to the starter. That wire is hooked to the same terminal on the starter as the THICK black (or possibly red) wire that goes to the battery + terminal. Since they are on the same terminal, and there is no resistor or other component between them, this is equivalent to a single long wire from the alternator to the battery.

The three wires from the alternator to the relay board have to do with the voltage regulator, and are not part of the charging path.

If I've ever seen a resistor on the connector of the three-wire set from the alternator to the relay board, I sure forgot it quickly! I can't think of why one would be there, but then again I'm not an EE or anything. I suggest asking Jim T., who is much more clued-in about where electrons go and why than I am.

--DD