So how does it work? The new ignition, PN 7530, offers the same capacitive discharge, multiple sparking technology that comes with the name MSD. The output of the ignition has even been upped over the popular 7AL-2 to a stout 190 milliJoules of energy and 535 primary volts. The programming and controlling portion is handled by a 15 megahertz microcontroller which keeps tabs on incoming signals while managing the output signals including timing and rpm limits. With as many programming options as this ignition offers, you would think that setting it up would be a hassle, but MSD engineers offer two ways to easily program the unit. One is a hand held programmer and the other is a completely new software package designed exclusively for the Programmable Digital-7.

If you don't have a PC. It is handy but will definitely take some time and patience if you want to program timing curves and cylinder-to-cylinder timing. The Pro-Data software is very easy to use and changes can be made with a couple clicks of your mouse.

The Pro-Data software is free to download on MSD's website and definitely lets you get deep into the programming of your ignition. The timing curves show up on a plotted rpm/degreed chart and you can place points or go in close and plot points every 100 rpm in 0.1° increments.

There is a menu ladder on the side that shows you all of the features and options like the launch rpm can be changed with a couple points and clicks. About the most trick feature is that you can have the PC connected to the ignition, run the engine and watch the timing and rpm changes occur! This software and program allow you to download and store the information from one run, modify it and upload it again. You can also print out the information to compare with other programs you're tuning with. The combinations are endless.

The Pro-Data+ software is very user friendly - even for racers that are a little computer shy. Note the different windows with the Launch curve, Run curve, tach and retard dials and the menu at the left.

MSD really did their homework on the functions of this ignition. Features such as the Launch Retard are obviously right from the racers' mouths. This feature allows racers to activate a desired amount of retard that is activated with the launch rpm limit. The trick thing is that you can program how long that retard amount stays in after the transbrake or clutch switch is released for up to 2.5 seconds. This helps a lot on tricky track surfaces and for small tire cars that don't want all of their available power until the car is in motion.

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