Hi Lorn,
I have dual electronic ignitions.  Each is powered by a seperate battery.
The second battery does not add to engine cranking power and is very small
at about 5 lbs.  It will power the ignition for hours after an alternator
failure.
That makes three power sources for ignition.  That's enough for me.

The mag failures I've had were all coil related.  There's only one coil per
mag but 4 in each electronic system.

You can time your mags for as high a performance level as you dare.  I'll
quote Walter A. that "where the spark comes from doesn't matter, it's when
the spark occurs (TDC) that does."
One of the great advantages of the newer electronic units is a control that
varies the spark over the power range.  I see reduced cyl temps and at least
half a GPM in fuel savings in cruise.  Operation is so smooth that running
lean of peak is easy even with Lyc. injectors.
Another is that hot spark.  Nobody says it adds to power but I believe it
does.

You should join the fun of the EAA Airventure cup race.  You and Greyhawk
could lock horns.

Mark Ravinski
N360KB  1305 hrs


> .
> La..da..da....da..da

Mark,

I have lost 1 alternator and 1 magneto in 3,000 hrs of flying. When I
lost the alternator I didn't have to worry about my engine running. I
lost the magneto on the ground. I also didn't have to plumb 2 sets of
batteries into the plane, just to make sure that I had ignition.