In Reply to: Re: Pertronix on '52 8N- what is this? posted by Bob on November 12, 2009 at 07:46:37:
It's an electronic (Hall-effect) replacement for the points in the distributor. There's a magnet carrier that goes over the cam lobes on the distributor shaft, and an electronic "pickup", much like an electric guitar pickup, that switches the circuit to the coil in and out, instead of the points/condenser combination. It eliminates the need to adjust, clean or replace points, periodically, and ensures a consistent dwell and ignition timing setting. It's very similar to what is used on almost all gasoline powered automobiles, today.
If you've read all the posts about trouble with points moving under their screws, or getting worn, or corroded, or rubbing blocks wearing out, or condensers failing, or connecting wires being accidentally grounded, you can see how a simple, mostly solid-state replacement eliminates many of the potential points (!) of failure.
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