I just had never heard about that particular part of a distributor. interesting stuff. sounded like our reference sensor offspring...

This is one of the earliest electronic ignitions that I'm familiar with...

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/312/index.htm

got one of these in my Studebaker (Studebaker and Chrysler both used Prestolite distributors, so it's possible to retrofit a Chrysler electronic pickup into a Studebaker distributor housing) and it works pretty well. Gives you a bit of a jolt if you inadvertantly zap yourself, and starting is easy as pie. No more farting around with points for me!

nate