SDS CDI vs Pmag

[rv6ejguy]

I'd add that the Gen 2 is designed with aviation 100% in mind rather than a spin-off adapted from automotive as the original CPI was. It will have some of the new features recently introduced on the EM-5 as well.

The advantage of several product lines- once we write new software for one, that code can be carried over to other products at little additional cost outside validating it.

In case some new people are following this thread and are unfamiliar with what the CPI offers, here's a quick rundown:

Timing adjustable in logical 1 degree increments at 500, 750, 1000 rpm and then every 100 rpm above that

Timing adjustable with MAP- retard or advance which is subtracted/ added to the basic rpm programmed timing. 1 degree increments

Adjustable coil charge time

Adjustable cranking retard

LOP switch adds a programmable amount of advance to the base RPM/ MAP curves

Adjustable rev limiter

Integral coil test function without engine running plus error LED for quick diagnostics

12V tach signal output

Runup mode for testing coil packs (single module driving both plug sets)

Integral MAP sensor

Hall triggered off the flywheel, Conformal coated PCBs, no blast tubes required, no maintenance required outside of annual spark plug checks.

Easy to understand programming

[Av8rRob]

Dumb questions from newbie, does the sds system require a mixture knob? Does it require fuel return lines? What type of cockpit switches/controls are needed? What is the recommended electical system for this setup (I assume dual batteries)?

[William]

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

Adjustable coil charge time

Hi Ross I have a dual cpi setup on my RV6A and it has performed flawlessly. I'm not familiar with the adjustable coil charge time? I don't recall seeing that in my setup?


Thanks
Bill

[plehrke]

Originally Posted by William

Hi Ross I have a dual cpi setup on my RV6A and it has performed flawlessly. I'm not familiar with the adjustable coil charge time? I don't recall seeing that in my setup?


Thanks
Bill

About the 5th one under the hidden settings.
These can be accessed by holding down the left arrow button when powering up the CPi unit.

From manual page 12:
Adjusts the charge time or dwell of the coils in milliseconds. Default is 3.5mS. Increasing may help spark if running high boost on turbo/supercharged engines. Increasing dwell will increase current draw of the coil pack, and could cause the coil pack/ignition fuse to blow at high rpm. If experimenting with larger coiltime settings, rev the engine in neutral and monitor ignition current. One way to monitor current is to pull the coil pack fuse out and substitute your ammeter leads into the fuse socket. Fuse should be at least 30% greater amperage capacity than what you observe on the meter at redline.

[tim2542]

"We also disable the LOP switch input above about 25 inches as further protection in case you forget the switch position."

Ross is this new? I purchased a system in January, is that included in my system?
Thanks, Tim Andres

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by Av8rRob

Dumb questions from newbie, does the sds system require a mixture knob? Does it require fuel return lines? What type of cockpit switches/controls are needed? What is the recommended electical system for this setup (I assume dual batteries)?

This thread is really about P Mag and the SDS CPI. The SDS EFI is a different product doing fuel and spark. I'll PM you answers to your questions here.

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by William

Hi Ross I have a dual cpi setup on my RV6A and it has performed flawlessly. I'm not familiar with the adjustable coil charge time? I don't recall seeing that in my setup?


Thanks
Bill

This feature is in the setup mode as it's not something most folks need to play with. It allows max coil saturation when using different coil types.

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by tim2542

"We also disable the LOP switch input above about 25 inches as further protection in case you forget the switch position."

Ross is this new? I purchased a system in January, is that included in my system?
Thanks, Tim Andres

That feature has been in there for some time. What version of software do you have? (displays on bootup)

[j-red]

I don't mind the green (doesn't look nearly as terrible as the GRT engine monitor!) If I knew during the build what I know now, however, I probably would have hidden both of them somewhere out of sight and left that panel space for something else (DVD player for passengers??? )
Been running 1 impulse coupled slick and the SDS for about 6 months now without a hiccup.

[rv6ejguy]

Should we keep the green then?