Just to close this one out and post the solution for someone in the future.
I finally figured out what my issue was, broken connection on one leg of the top contact point. After watching this video,
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5ngzb_Avfkk, I was better able to understand what is supposed to happen and ohm out each connection.
A quick remelt and attach and we are showing charge on the gauge, will run without the battery.
My VM is still jumping around but I have heard the Harbor Freight ones will do that. About 16 on the S/G and 14 at the battery.