How do you check dwell angle without a dwell angle meter?

To check the dwell angle without a dwell angle meter, you can use a multimeter set to measure resistance. Connect the multimeter leads to the ignition coil's positive terminal and the negative terminal while cranking the engine. Monitor the voltage drop as the points open and close; this can give you a rough idea of the dwell angle, as it affects the time the points are closed. Alternatively, you can use a timing light to observe the ignition timing, which indirectly reflects the dwell angle.