Update on total engine timing

You would be testing everything as the engine will see it. Not just slew rate. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying testing on the distributor machine isn't a valuable way to test the system but it may not the same as with the components in the engine that drive the distributor or the actual power that is supplied from the vehicle to the ignition system. It's sort of like testing the engine on the dyno ( a valuable tool) and then putting the engine in the car and testing it at the track. I guess it could be argued to do both.
I would think if you test the complete ignition system; distributor, coil, box, all together on the distributor machine as it will be run in the car you’ve basically covered all the necessary bases and eliminated the important variables. If a guy can’t put a clean 12v signal to his ignition he should be playing with LEGO’s.