PerTronix Second Strike 500 - Manual (Page 3)

SETTING UP THE SECOND STRIKE IGNITION
All settings can be done externally through the rotary switches on the front of the Second Strike box. A white dot on the
rotary portion of the switch indicates the switch position. Use a small flat blade screw driver to make adjustments. Settings
between detents will cause the Second Strike not to function.
Selecting the number of cylinders
Rotate the cylinder selection switch to the proper cylinder number for your
application. The white dot on the face of the switch should point to the
appropriate cylinder number. A slight indentation should be felt as the switch is
turned. This signifies proper switch alignment. Note: Settings should be made
while the engine is off. The Second Strike will only operate in 4, 6 and 8 cylin-
der modes.
Setting the rev limit
To set the rev limiter portion of the Second Strike, choose the desired rev limit.
The rev limiter has a 100 RPM resolution. This means that the rev limit can be
set between 1000 and 9900 in increments of 100 RPM. A typical limit would
be 5500 RPM (1000 switch set to 5, and the 100 switch set to 5). Turning both
switches to 0, turns the rev limiter off. The rev limiter is not designed to be used
as a governor. If the limit is set too low, and the engine RPM is allowed to
continually push up against the rev limit, failure to the Second Strike ignition or engine may result.
Adjusting the C.A.O.
The C.A.O. (crank angle offset) switch adjusts the time or crank angle (0 to 18 degrees) at which the second spark occurs.
Each setting represents 2 degrees of crank angle. By setting the C.A.O. switch to 2, the Second Strike ignition release a
capacitive discharge spark 4 degrees after the inductive spark. Due to the many differences in vehicles, each application will
respond differently to this setting. For best results start with the C.A.O.switch set to the 2 position and test its function before
proceeding to higher or lower settings. This method allows you to achieve the optimum setting for your vehicle. Adjustment of
the C.A.O. switch can be done while the engine is running. Turning C.A.O. switch to 0 turns the Second Strike spark off.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How can I determine if I have a HEI type ignition?
A. HEI ignitions are more common in later model vehicles (‘74-’84). As a rule of thumb, if the vehicle has electronic ignition
from the factory, then it is most likely an HEI ignition. HEI systems are defined as; Systems which limit dwell current by
raising voltage at coil negative.
Q. Will my tachometer work with the Second Strike?
A. The Second Strike is compatible with most tachometers. If the tachometer seems to malfunction while wired in the
original manner, relocate the tachometer trigger wire to the white wire from the Second Strike box.
Q. The rev limit does not match my tachometer.
A. Due the the accuracy of our digital rev limiter, non-calibrated tachometers may not exactly match the rev limit. If the
tachometer is grossly inaccurate, relocate the tachometer trigger wire to the white wire from the Second Strike box.
Q. How do I check the ignition timing after I have installed the Second Strike?
A. To accurately check and adjust the engine timing, the Second Strike should be turned off. To do this, turn the C.A.O.
switch to 0. Timing can then be checked and adjusted normally.
Q. Where should I set the C.A.O.?
A. A typical C.A.O. setting for vehicles operating under normal driving conditions is 4 or 6 degrees (switch setting of 2 or 3).
Q. How can I test the Second Strike.
A. The Second Strike is an ignition supplement. This means that the primary ignition is solely responsible for providing the
ignition, the Second Strike simply follows it. If no primary spark occurs then the Second Strike has nothing to follow. By
setting the cylinder selection switch to 0, the Second Strike box is completely bypassed. Check to make sure the
switches are in the correct position. Rotate the switches back and forth then back to the proper setting. For further
trouble shooting tips, contact our technical department at 909-547-9058 or visit our web site at www.pertronix.com.