Something weird happened.
I posted a comment, came back an hour later and its gone??

Anyway here it is again.

I have ordered the VDO Voltmeter. In the meantime I borrowed a temporary setup from the auto electrician - I think I am driving him mad!

Before starting the meter measures 12.2V. On starting (before revving) the needle flicks to about 12.8V after about 2 seconds. Revving the engine and the needle jumps to about 14.4V. And sits there more or less consistently even with headlights and wipers on. So it seems I was being over cautious - but better safe than sorry

I will still install the voltmeter - so I can always be sure.

Everything sounds OK to me.

I had a similar posting problem about a month ago. Very frustrating indeed.