Hi, I've got a vintage transistorized ignition system that I'd like to try but don't have any instructions. It consists of an ignition amplifier, coil and resistor. (Model SS-1 Trigniter made by Electrotone Labs in Chicago.) Does anyone remember these and can you help me with wiring information?? Thanks, John
I remember when transistorized ignitions first came out in the early 60s. but not your particular make. There were a bunch that jumped on the band wagon and then they were gone. I think GM even offered a transistor ignition option for a short time. Note...a short time. They did not revolutionize the ignition system until more than 10 years later when electronic ignition took over. That did revolutionize the ignition system. I don't know whether they fall into the snake oyl category of worthlessness but I believe they were more trouble than they were worth. If you want to mount the box in a con****uous location as a conversation piece, I can understand that but I'd never drive more than a block without a complete backup system. JMO
The Delta CDI ( capacitive discharge ignition) systems were pretty popular in the late 60s-mid 70s. This is probably similar to what you have. They were usually triggered by the stock points, and the Delta had a couple short terminal strips that bolted to the coil terminals, and it was pretty easy to switch back to stock if the unit had problems. The GM transistorized ignition used a magnetic pickup, just like the later HEI, but had a big external amplifier box, as integrated circuit technology wasn't well developed enough in the 60s to put it all inside the distributor. I wouldn't call CDI snake oil, but it could be a waste of time. Or not...one older guy I know has a Delta box still going strong on his nailhead powered postwar Ford that he built in the 60s. http://selectric.org/delta/index.html
My recollection is that the CDI units came along after the first "transistorized ignition systems" In my mind they are two different animals.
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