Electronic Ignitions

I was curious as to why the aircraft EI seems so complicated and fussy to get it to work properly, and the price is way out there. I see alot of aircraft going to auto type plugs, Why wouldnt a builder of EI start by replacing the mags with a simple distributor with a aftermarket EI module in it, instead of reinventing the wheel with a sensor that runs off a plate that is sandwiched between the prop and hub. A complex computer and numerous coils for each plug. I'm not a electrical engineer or anything else for that matter, but it seems a v8 dist. modified with the proper setup for 8 plugs and 4 cyl would easier to produce and to install. I've put a few EIs on vehicles in the past and its not that complicated at all. But maybe with altitude changes, electronic Ignitions become more complicated and there for harder to install. Just food for thought!

The simple answer is that a magneto keeps working even if the whole electrical system shuts down, which allows you to keep flying. An electronic ignition as a secondary system is a good idea though.

Rob

Where would you mount the distributor? How will the EI determine crankshaft position?

Sam

If you are using the pertronics system or any of the systems used on the old sand rails, it is just a matter of adding the dist. as it is all self contained ( No extra sensors ) It does clear the cowl on the Q2 or should I say it does mine. I do use the peanut plugs with the caps removed and a lock nut installed. You do have to make your own custom cables.


Richard
F.L.A.Ps

So, you are talking Revmaster and not O-200.

There is also an electronic system out there for the 0-200. It to is all self contained and just replaces one of the mags or both. You do go to a better hotter plug but it is still a general aviation plug but designed for the hotter spark.

Richard
F.L.A.Ps