Anyone here really? What? A timing light just for us.

[acerc]

I was thinking that if I knew what voltage went through the sparks plug I could get a compatible LED and make a timing light off of the plug cap socket. So does anyone know what voltage it is running through the plug I sure would appreciate it.

 

[acerc]

Well never mind that idea, did some research and believe it could be upwards of 60 times the input voltage. So next up I will look into the possibility of using the rpm meter connection.

 

[Alky6]

I don't know about the voltage, but if you are looking to spool up the engine with, say a starter or something, then you could simply make your own "light" using the spark itself. I have done this for full scale stuff to run up distributers and ignitions on an electric motor to test ignition capacity, set timing marks, and show the change in timing curve relative to engine rpm. I can take pic in a few days. Essentially you attach a couple of 1/16” piano wire to each leg (+ and -)of the coil output and make a gap (1/4” is good starting point). Have also made one that spins up a self energized system (think motorcycle ignition) to test those as well. Very effective and extremely accurate. Has to be somewhat dark to read well.

 

[acerc]

Thanks Alky, but I don't think I care to be digging into the ignition box. What is happening here is I replaced the ignition on a 3W with an RCEXCEL and it use to be one could very slowly rotate through the pick-up and when it sparked see it lined up with 28° mark. But they have changed the ignition to where it has to be rotated a little faster to get the pickup to function, I was told it was a safety issue. So now one can't check the timing in this fashion. Milton has a sensor tester that he said should do the trick so I ordered it and will find out. I also mentioned to him he might want to remove the tutorial being as it don't work anymore.

 

[49dimes]

Here is the most recent version of the RcExel kit. Does single and twin ignitions. About 10 bucks on ebay.
The module now is enclosed in its own case having green and red LED's for N S polarity.

 

[Snoopy1]

Glad you brought this up have not been in the need to do it but the last time I did the ignition worked all the time but with the new safety systems it is no longer possible. This little gadget you are showing can you explain a little about it.

 

[acerc]

View attachment 110469 Here is the most recent version of the RcExel kit. Does single and twin ignitions. About 10 bucks on ebay.
The module now is enclosed in its own case having green and red LED's for N S polarity.


View attachment 110470

The one I ordered looked totally different on his site, should get it tomorrow and will see.

 

[Snoopy1]

Please keep us informed will need one sooner than later.

 

[acerc]

What I am hoping for is a bright enough led to light up the timing marks. I marked the prop hub and case for 28° BTC, with a drill on the prop shaft, and the timing unit affixed with the led pointing to the timing marks, I want to be able to spin it and see the lines by the flash of the led. Just like an automotive timing light.

 

[Alky6]

Since your looking to use a drill motor to spin it, I suggest simply taking an old spark plug, open the gap up and orientate the plug (hold it over where you want to see the marks) so that the spark light points toward your timing marks (of course the plug will need to be installed in the boot), dim the lights, turn ignition on and spin. You should get enough light from the spark with the lights dimmed way down (might even need to be near dark) that you will be able to see the marks. This is how my method works, though I have a test stand built specifically for different types of ignitions/distributers with an adjustable gap. The spark is pretty weak on these rc ignitions, so it will probably need to be pretty dark, but it does work. And accurately.