[bobbader]

Does anyone know how this issue is dealt with in a modern car? Could it be that there are numerous safeguards (read as multiple other electronic gadgets or computer) that would add significantly to cost, if they could even be used in the otherwise simple (even archaic) Model A system?

The option is to stick with points and condensers as originally supplied and appreciate the design for what it is. They have worked for 90 years under more harsh everyday conditions than most of us put our Model A through today.

Still another thing to do would be to call the manufacturer/distributor of the electronic unit and ask why the product is not more "fool proof". Reminders such as "Don't leave the key on" are not always written as disclaimers to shirk liability. It can be interesting to find out just how helpful some of these folks can be since they have a closer knowledge of their product than their customers might have.

Good luck. Bob Bader