Electrical meltdown/charging issues

[Feelstranger]

Folks, I hope someone has some ideas for me.
Shortly after the electrical smoke event my SO experienced, which never recurred, nor could I find any evidence of at all (besides the smell)....
This happened - 
Charging system failure.
It is intermittent - start the car once and all is well, drive out driveway, and lights come on.  Other times lights are on at startup.
Alt has new brush pack.
Alt output was measured at 11.+ volts - not just a dash light/volt gauge issue.

Performed tests listed in Bentley - Current to exciter circuit (blue wire to Alt) is apparently not in spec.
Bentley simply says "replace printed circuit board"
referring to the instrument panel board.

I inspected the board(s) and everything looks great.  No signs that anything here melted down either - no obvious bad solder connections (except the classic speedo connection)
I even installed another board I had that appeared identical, to no avail.

Has anyone dealt with an issue like this?
Can anyone elaborate on the exciter circuit once it enters the board?
I'm in the middle of moving out of my house of 8 years this weekend and don't have time to tinker!  Think I'm going to have to tow it to the new place, instead of using it to tow the trailer!
Thanks!

Nat
Vermont