electrical power route

[Heck2G14]

Im back tracking and checking to see why im not getting spark can anyone list where and how to check certain locations to pinpoint a no spark problem.  I have no spark coming out of distributor, no spark coming from coil. ignition left in run position and my ballast resistor will smoke. already replaced it once and continues this. any help appreciated thanks

69 440 electronic ignition  ( all new electronics )

[Nacho-RT74]

RUN position:
-12 volts on any section of blue line on engine harness
-around 9 volts on + lead of coil ( brown wire )

START position:
-backwards of RUN position

Ballast smoking... sound like a short, but dunno where . Check it with everything unplugged. Maybe short on module somehow

[Heck2G14]

Thanks I got it figured out, It was as simple as not getting a good enough ground on battery to motor lead.  had sand paint from new paint job and presto.