How does the Magnetron Ignition System function? How can it be tested?
Ignition System Theory and Testing The 1980’s ushered in the magic black box, Magnetron™ ignition coil, Briggs & Stratton’s first truly electronic ignition system. Breaker point ignition systems for most small air-cooled engine manufacturers have totally disappeared over the last 20 years. In a point style system, the flywheel magnets rotate past the legs of the ignition armature. The armature itself is made up of two separate windings of copper wire – the primary and secondary – one wound on top of the other. Basic physics tells us that when a magnetic field (flywheel magnet) cuts through (moves past) a conductor (copper wire), a flow of electrons (electricity) is created. However, electron flow only occurs when we have a complete circuit. This means that the points must be closed. We’re also told that the faster the movement between the field and the conductor, the greater the output. Remember science class in grade school? At one point in your school career, an enterprising teacher
