E-mag / P-mag
 

If anyone out there has any experience with the new emag/pmag ignitions, please provide an update.

http://emagair.com

I'm especially interested about installation in an RV, flight experiences and impressions about product quality.

Vern Little, RV-9A

E Mags
 

+++++++++++++++++++++
I've been talking to them about a replacement for the dual mags on my O-320 H2AD .I am impressed by their honesty and forthrightness. I think they have a great product.
Vern Darley
Peachtree City, GA
RV-6A

GAMI Info
 

I saw that the GAMI folks were working on an electronic ignition. If their efforts are up to their usual standards it may be worth waiting for. Here is some of the email excnange I had with them. George

----- Original Message -----

From: John-Paul Townsend
To: George V. Goff
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 9:27 AM
Subject: RE: GAMI's PRISMT Electronic Ignition -
George,
It is not yet available for experimentals.
It will handle any and all engines provided that the timing unit physically fits on the engine and the timing gear ratios are correct for that engine.
So having said that, almost all common, horizontally opposed, TCM and Lycoming engines in use today in GA aircraft (and some swamp boats) will be able to use our electronic ignition system.

Thanks,
John-Paul Townsend

-----Original Message-----
From: George V. Goff [mailto:ggoff1@houston.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 9:26 PM
To: comments
Subject: GAMI's PRISMT Electronic Ignition -

Is your GAMI's PRISM? Electronic Ignition - available yet for experimental aircraft?
When it is available will it handle non-fuel injected engines?
Is it aimed at the top end market (in HP) or will it handle an O-320 with high compression cylinders (160 HP)?
Thank you, George Goff

I've found them pretty forthcoming as well. I'm still looking for an installation manual so I can finish my wiring. I'm ready to order an engine so I have to make my decision pretty quickly.

At least the PMAG/EMAG bolts on to the magneto pads, and no external boxes are required. I'll need a pair of fused circuits to power them, and I think they may have a D-Sub connector for programming, if required.

Anyone who has an install manual, please let me know.

Vern Little RV-9A

On The Fence
 

Wow! we really are impressed with the E Mag here in N Texas.
I first learned to navagate with a sextant. NEXT....., Sat- Nav came on, it sucked.
Then came LORAN, for air planes/ boats ,I waited, and waited, held on to my $$$. Out of the sky! GPS! I think? I saved a bunch by wating for GPS.
Right or wrong, I am not sorry I waited for GPS.
Now the E Mag reveoulition is happening. I wish I had the same forward vision.
I just changed my two Lycoming powered air planes to SLICK MAGS.
It is getting old and expensive to keep up these mags.
Is the E Mag the answer? Let me hear what you think.
Thanks

emag/pmag ordered
 

OK, I've bitten the bullet and ordered an EMAG/PMAG pair with automotive ignition.

I'm not sure about the automotive ignition and EMC (radio noise). If anyone out there has experience good or bad with auto ignition systems on aircraft, I'd like to hear from you. If this is a problem, I can change my order. It's much easier to change from auto to aviation harness than the other way.

Aerosport Power is installing a couple of these systems very soon on their engines, and they seem familiar with it, so that's good news. I hope that a few of you out there will be flying with them before I'm ready.

Normally, I'm risk averse and want 20yrs of proven reliability before I commit, but... Electronic ignitions are not new, only E-mag Ignitions, the company is new.

So, we are betting on a company and it's execution and not a technology. All indications (my conversations, their order backlog) indicate that they are off and running as an operating business, and seem to be putting into place the equipment that they need for the long term.

I'd like to see some altitude/pressure testing and vibration testing first. They are putting in a pressure chamber, I did not ask about the vibration testing, but that is simple to put in place as well.

I plan on a dual electronic ignition. If, in my opinion, there is not enough validation testing or in-flight testing before I'm ready to fly, I'll put in a conventional mag for a while.

Vern Little RV-9A

Electronic Ignition isn't new, just the company.
 

It is my understanding that there have been some starting issues with the E-mag and P-mag. The Unison Lasar electronic ignition is still the top of the line, with pre-programmed advance curves, and dual redundancy, it is the way to go in electronic ignition. :)

The only starting issue I have heard about is positive. This is the only electronic mag that Skytech will warranty their starters with due to kick back damage. This is because the Emag will not advance the timing until running, where the other types may. There is a statement from Skytech on the Skytech website somewhere.

I'd like to know more about this starting problem if there is a story. I have an Emag bolting to my engine now, with a Slick mag on the left for backup.

UPDATE: 2/9/05 Just got an email from Brad at E Mag. Evidently there have been starting issues for this device. It happens as a hesitation while going from starting to running. Emag is addressing it by a small firmware update (#04) done free of charge. Since my Emag was still in the box I sent it in for the upgrade. Worth noting: Emag has also had a few issues with oil seals on devices prior to Serial Number 117 IIRC. If you send it in they will fix FOC again. Great customer support and willing to adapt to customer improvement suggestions.

E-mag
 

I have been running an E-mag since October. I have had no starting issues with it, except that starting is much better than on the old mags.

The problem with the Lasar ignition is that the plugs must be gapped at 0.018 to allow the ignition to run in "mag" mode. This means that you lose out on one of the major benefits of electronic ignitions - a much hotter spark. I'm using the emag recommended 0.035 plug gap. The other lasar problem is the control box, the emag advantage is that everything mounts where the magneto mounted. No extraneous components to mount.

The original emags/pmags used a 3 wire connector - those shipping now use a 4 wire set up (separated the "stop producing sparks" wire from the tach pulse - means only one mag is needed to drive the tach, no drop outs when mag testing). I am using automotive leads & plugs and have had no radio interference problems. The ability to use $2 plugs is a real bonus.

I have found E-mag a great company to deal with, friendly, prompt service with firmware updates provided foc (on the one occasion it was required). I
recently had my engine overhaulled by Aerosport power who screwed up the E-mag somehow. E-mag checked it out, again foc. They get my vote.

Ignitionguy Unison?
 

NO offense to ignitionguy but the Lasar has had lots and lots of problems. You can often find them on eBay for sale cheap. The idea of a marriage of traditional Magneto and electronic ignition sounds good, but it adds a whole level of complication, weight and reliability issues. I understand they needed to do this to make the FAA happy, but for an experimental aircraft I think the Lightspeed, JeffRose and The P-mag/E-mag offer a better set-up. From someone who is named ignitionguy and has no name, I have to ask, do you work for Unison? :eek: George