Thanks Dan and everyone for helping me out as I run around like a crazy guy. Instead of sleeping I stopped by to say hello but nobody was up at 1:00am...bummer.
To explain our timing curve, first you must understand what "Timing" really means. Sorry this is a long post but you must understand a few things.
To keep any engine running you need to ignite the fuel so as it burns, the cylinder reaches maximum pressure around 14 degrees After Top Dead Center (ATDC) for maximum leverage on the crankshaft. Too soon=detonation, too late=lost power and poor running.
Mechanical Points:
As rpm increases, you need to "light the fire" sooner, so the max pressure continues to occur at the correct spot (about 14 degrees ATDC)
The lobe that opens and closes your points rotates on a steel post. Timing advancer weights overcome spring tension as your engine revs up so the timing advances in a primitive "curve". If you test these, most likely you find there is no curve at all. It moves from base timing directly to max timing...BAMMM.....from 16 to 38 instantly. The limitations of mechanical advancer parts also prevent optimum timing at engine start up. Too much advance at start up causes kickback (like a Harley or British bike). Remember this system was first introduced on the 1910 Cadillac and has not changed much since then.
Electronic ignitions:
Dyna, Boyer, and most other ignition companies use a simple electric trigger to replace the points and still use the stock timing advancer to change the timing of the spark
Why? It's cheap. Is it the best way? Not at all.
Instead of relying on old crusty sticky advancer parts, where many times the springs are no longer strong enough to provide any accurate timing curve, we use RPM BASED timing. Modern automobiles and motorcycles also use this method for the same reason.
The encoder tracks rotation many times per revolution and accurately calculates rpm changes. Based on the rpm and timing map the microprocessor fires the coil at the correct time. It is far more accurate, consistent, and adjustable than ANY mechanical springs and weights ever were...no matter what someone on a forum might tell you.
Accurate Timing = Reliability & Performance (just like a perfect set of carburetors)
So the next time someone tells you they use a "________" ignition, ask to see the timing curve and find out how it is controlled, how many times per revolution it tracks changes, if you can make changes to the timing curve, and how many times in each compression stroke does the coil fire? It could also be fun to ask where it is manufactured.
Now view the timing curve and understand that it clearly shows timing advance gently increases to match engine rpm.
Simple yet so difficult to accomplish.
