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Programable ignition

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:13 pm
by sydduckett
not really up on these so some basic sort of questions really. the other posts are already way ahead of me.. :D

do you need a specific stator set up like a varitronic?

Appears there are ones that have one curve only that can't be changed and others that have a number of curves. how do you change from one pre programmed curve to another, is there a physical switch or is it a case of plugging a laptop in each time you want to change curves?

Thanks
Sef

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:23 pm
by byron
the M-Tech and the KyTronik both have a dial that can be turned with a small screwdriver to adjust the setting

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 4:20 am
by Minority
byron wrote:the M-Tech and the KyTronik both have a dial that can be turned with a small screwdriver to adjust the setting
Just make sure you don't try to change it with the engine running! :o

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:28 am
by mick1
"Just make sure you don't try to change it with the engine running! :o"

Why not ? Thought it might be an option to fix it near the headset with a "knob" on the adjuster to alter when riding.

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 1:38 pm
by paulnobodyimportant
Mark Broadhurst has done a great write up on these bolt on ignition boxes. Its a long read, but go through it carefully and you will understand the advantages of each one. http://www.lambrettaspares.com/info/mb- ... s+282.html

I've got an Augusto 700 and a couple of MTechs and there's nothing wrong with these, provided you set up your static timing to suit your engine. In my case, the Augusto unit doesn't feel right, but from one of my threads I now realise that i did not set the correct static timing so my engine laboured where I required the power.

Anyway, just got a Kytronic box, which after reading the above link, i feel is the best option in bolt on boxes. Hopefully will fit this this weekend and compare it with the Augusto that i will be removing.

Read about the Kytronic here. http://www.kytronik.com/sb

As for your other questions, all you need is the standard SIL type electronic stator and the normal CDI. As for changing the "curves", both the MTech and the Kytronic have a slotted screw connection that you turn onto the next curve. But only turn with the power off. But it would be great, as suggested above, to have a knob on your headset. Perhaps this knob could automatically cut of your lectric power, turn to the next curve and then fire back into operation.

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:00 pm
by Minority
mick1 wrote:"Just make sure you don't try to change it with the engine running! :o"

Why not ? Thought it might be an option to fix it near the headset with a "knob" on the adjuster to alter when riding.
Why not? Chances are you'll blow it up. :(
Like the idea of the "knob" on the headset, but certainly not practical with the Kytronic (even ignoring the fact that you can't change it without turning off the motor) as it mounts directly (and very neatly) on the CDI and is fully encapsulated.

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:59 pm
by sydduckett
will have a read of mr broadhursts write up when I have a bit. I to wondered if it would be possible to change curves while on the go. I would guess this sort of tech has been about on big bikes for a while, maybe something has been developed that would allow it.

Out of curiosity how do you know what curve your on when you turn the screw?

Ta

Re: Programable ignition

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:19 pm
by Monty
Its my understanding that these units are not programmable in the normal sense. They have preset settings that basically delay the firing point (spark) in relation to the revs. The original spark intensifier or booster got a lot of comments a few years ago. That used a small circuit to hold back the CDI internal capacitor charge letting it charge more before giving a better spark. Im sure adding a delay set on the rotary dip switch was the next step to the box of tricks. We need to go a long way towards Lambda sensors air flow and many other sensors to benefit from programable ignition, I may be wrong.....