REFLECTOR: new electronic ign.

[KeithHallsten]

Yes, the pistons on an IO-360 four or an IO-540 six are so large that you
really need to start the flame front at more than one location to achieve
full combustion.  So even if you had a perfectly reliable ignition, you
would still want two spark plugs per cylinder.  However, it's pretty
ridiculous to have fixed spark timing, regardless of rpm, altitude, or
throttle setting.

I want to keep my IO-540-D "certified" (sort of) so it will be easier to
sell when a better engine alternative presents itself.  Therefore, I
specified the LASAR electronically-controlled mag system.  My engine should
come out of Lycon's shop in about a month.  I'm not real impressed with the
price/performance ratio of the LASAR, but it seemed to be the best
alternative under the circumstances.  It does have the advantage of
defaulting to standard fixed-timing mag mode in the unlikely event of loss
of electronic control.

Keith Hallsten, XLFG a-building, Lincoln, CA


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Derrick" <scott at tnstaafl.net>
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: new electronic ign.


> > Try and remember: you do not have two mags because they give better
> > ignition that way - they give lousy ignition the day you install them,
> > and go downhill from there. You have two mags because one of them is
> > *certain* to fail. One electronic unit provides better ignition (saves a
>
> While I agree that mags are much more failure prone than an EI and that
> one of the reasons for two is redundency in case of failure.
>
> Mags have a lousy spark and you will not get full power with just one.
> two are required.  Even with EI's two plugs will provide a more complete
> burn and more power than one.
>
> Scott
>
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