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Pulled my distributor out, expecting points and found this Hall effect module inside.
Are these “BREAKERLESS SE” things reliable ?
I’m familiar with Petronix & unilite but not this.
Seems to work ok, but should I keep a set of points in the glove box just in case ?
I've had a breakerless in my 62 for a dozen years also, no issues; I have had a pertronix fail in the first 10 miles in my 63, I'd run the breakerless again no problem.
Hall effect is a magnetic trigger effect, no electronics involved . Usually dead nuts reliable. The only extremely rare failure mode I have ever heard of (once) is one of the magnets coming loose. That’s about as common as one of the breaker points contact pads falling off.
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Originally Posted by tuxnharley
Hall effect is a magnetic trigger effect, no electronics involved . Usually dead nuts reliable. The only extremely rare failure mode I have ever heard of (once) is one of the magnets coming loose. That’s about as common as one of the breaker points contact pads falling off.
All electronic ignitions require circuitry to read the input signal and trigger the output power transistor. Hall effect included.
All electronic ignitions require circuitry to read the input signal and trigger the output power transistor. Hall effect included.
To be clear, as I said in my post that you quoted, I was talking about the triggering effect which is magnetic not electronic or optical. Magnetism rarely fails.
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Originally Posted by tuxnharley
To be clear, as I said in my post that you quoted, I was talking about the triggering effect which is magnetic not electronic or optical. Magnetism rarely fails.
Yes, the magnet and its field are not "electronic", but the Hall sensor itself is a semiconductor/electronic part, and additional semiconductor circuitry is needed to provide the necessary-for-operation sensor-current and also to read the sensor voltage swings during operation, and then additional circuitry is needed to activate/control the power/output transistor.
The Breakerless SE allows you to convert any 1957 to 1974 GM, AMC or Jeep V8 breaker point type distributor (with a windowed type distributor cap) to a reliable solid-state electronic ignition. By utilizing a fully integrated trigger and power module, the entire ignition fits completely inside the distributor. Unlike competitive systems though, no additional wires protrude from the distributor, only the original points wire. The result is a state-of-the-art ignition with an absolutely stock appearance.
Hall Effect Rotary-Vane Sensor
Unlike optical systems, the Magnetic Hall Effect sensor is unaffected by oil, dirt or other contaminants.
Over-Voltage Protected
Prevents damage from high amp battery chargers, reversed battery cables or improper wiring.
Active dwell control
Helps maintain high RPM spark energy while reducing coil heating at idle.
Auto Shut-Off
Prevents coil damage or a dead battery if the ignition switch is accidentally left on.
As I read the sales descriptions, the Breakerless SE has the magnets in the stationary pickup and the magnetic field is broken by the brass segmented ring rotating under the advance plate. This is very similar to the HEI and Chrysler design for magnetic hall effect ignition systems.
The Pertronix has the magnets glued to the ring mounted under the advance plate. Thus the magnets are subject to centrifugal force.
Am I reading this right or is there something missing?
As I read the sales descriptions, the Breakerless SE has the magnets in the stationary pickup and the magnetic field is broken by the brass segmented ring rotating under the advance plate. This is very similar to the HEI and Chrysler design for magnetic hall effect ignition systems.
The Pertronix has the magnets glued to the ring mounted under the advance plate. Thus the magnets are subject to centrifugal force. Am I reading this right or is there something missing?
Hall effect ignition module
