Automotive Ignition System Model

327

09:31:53

Invented in 1906!  Before electronic ignition, this is how the distributor made a 15kV spark from a 6V or 12V system.  

The pushbutton simulates the action of the "point" contacts, which were opened by the mechanical distributor when it was time to fire a spark plug.  Notice that the faster you push it, the lower the spark produced.  This is called "dwell", and it's why power could drop off at higher RPMs.  It's also why tune-ups every 3000 miles weren't optional; it needed lots of adjustment.

published 5 years ago

lmccoig

5 years ago

1911 had continuous spark system and man who demonstrated spark showed with gap it was a continuous spark. Is that system you show here? I do not remember car running when he showed the spark to me.

jpoulin0901

5 years ago

Yeah, this is also known as inductive discharge ignition. It was a practical application of the induction coil that had been invented decades earlier.

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