Huff - Ford patented Magneto was actually the worlds first CDI.
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2025 11:52 am
Ford’s Model K, in addition to being the number one six cylinder car in production numbers in the world for both 1906 and 1907, had other unique features. One was a magneto invented by Ed Huff (who later invented the Model T low tension magneto).
Huff studied Nikola Tesla’s patented theory and invented the world’s first working CDI, or Capacitive Discharge Ignition. This magneto is so “hot” it will send a spark up to three inches in open space. The problem being it will burn out the armature easily due to any short. No other production automobile was again equipped with a CDI until the late 1950’s.
In this video, I am priming the Model K before starting. I have the magneto switched on. Normally, I will switch on the separate coil/battery ignition system to start, then drive with magneto only.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6n5jcc8w ... op3tu&dl=0
Huff studied Nikola Tesla’s patented theory and invented the world’s first working CDI, or Capacitive Discharge Ignition. This magneto is so “hot” it will send a spark up to three inches in open space. The problem being it will burn out the armature easily due to any short. No other production automobile was again equipped with a CDI until the late 1950’s.
In this video, I am priming the Model K before starting. I have the magneto switched on. Normally, I will switch on the separate coil/battery ignition system to start, then drive with magneto only.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6n5jcc8w ... op3tu&dl=0