Distributer with crank trigger

Anyone here using a crank trigger with a distrib NOT locked? Rather than using a MSD start retard, has anyone sucessfully used a distrib with mechanical advance with very light springs, so that advance only works BELOW idle? At cranking speed distrib retards, but after RPMS get to, say 1000 RPM's, advance is in and stays in? Any other options? I haven't tried to lock dist now and crank the engine with 36* advance. I would imagine that would be hard on starter?
Thanks, Brian

There would be no point in having a crank trigger while trying to
retain the mechanical advance in the distributor.

When using a crank trigger, IT is what sends the signal to the coil
to fire. The distributor is typically locked out and phased so to be
passing the appropriate terminal when the pick-up and magnet are
lined up.

I've run mine locked @ 33º-35º with no problems cranking.

Thanks Vic. I knew that. Sometimes I'm like a old mule, need to wack me up side my head to make me remember what I kmow I'm supose to do.
I guess I should lock my distrib now and set the timing wnere it needs to be and try it before I order a starter saver and have to send it back.
Thanks again, Brian

can you hit the starter before you switch on the ign? i'm told that works well for locked ign.