From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The preference for magneto ignition over battery ignition and its implementation.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\J\November1922\ Scan22 | |
| Date | 15th November 1922 guessed | |
| (2) It is therefore to my mind much more preferable, assuming that it is necessary to keep the supply of electric- ity in working order for the lighting of the car. In conclusion I think we ought to stick to the scheme of sending both, as I do not believe that the motor- ists anywhere will abandon the battery ignition, and will be interested enough to try both. Fortunately the switch has now been fitted with a contact suitable for controlling the magneto in exactly the same positions as the battery ignition. The small sized magneto suggested is equal to the Z.R. here on my pump engine. It may not be perfect for all trying conditions of very slow speed, light load running, and may demand that the ignition plugs are set to .020, but I think on the whole it will be easy to drive, and lighter. The wires will be in place ready to connect to the plugs, and a permanent earth wire will keep the magneto inactive. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||