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"...a spring-like adapter to be inserted between #1 plug and sparkplug lead, then one lead of the light clamps to the adapter..."
That type of timing light can be easily converted to use a capactive pickup -- the metal clamp-like thingy that clamps over the insulation of the plug wire. Years ago I converted a new Mac light by using a clamp purchased from Snap-On. The Snap-On guy told me I'd burn out my light, but that was in the mid '60s, and it still works great. (Of course, at the time, only Snap-On sold a light with the user-friendly capacitive pickup.)
"Inductive timing lights have a shielded clamp that you place on the #1 lead..."
Not to be nitpicky with words, but..... an inductive pickup is somewhat like a C-clamp, and a capacitive pickup is somewhat like big alligator clip that have a wide, metal jaw. This jaw clamps over the plug wire for 2" or 3", sort of surrounding the wire. If it would help, I'll post pictures of the two types of pickups.
"...if the reason was to protect the eletronic module or if the old style just wasn't acurate with electronic ignition..."
Electronic ignition (capacitive discharge type) has such a strong pulse that it could damage the xenon bulb inside the timing light. Also, an arc could jump to other electronic components inside the timing light (including the trigger), reaching you. Ouch!! This is one reason I adapted my direct connection type light to be a capacitive pickup type light.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)
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