Dual or Single P-Mags

[RV6_flyer]

Paul:

The answer is in the archives. I do not now how to link to the article so will paste it here. I am in agreement with George.

I desire a SYSTEM approach to ignition. As much parts interchangablity as possible. It is just as much work to retrofit one EI in to a dual mag system as it is to redo with dual EI.

With a little engine, I want the extra 1% that dual EI system gives me.

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Don't mix and match EI brands
Quote:
Originally Posted by Highflight
There 'ya go then.
Go with a Lightspeed on one side and mag on the other for now. Then later when the P-mags are tested and ready, replace the mag with the P-mag and get the best of both worlds.VernRV7-A

Actually you get the worst. With matched L&R ignition you will get better performance. IF you mix and match electronic ignition you are negating the advantage of having dual electronic ignition. There is no way two different EI brand ignitions will fire at the same time consistantly. Most advantage of EI is from the first one. The extra 1% of performance/efficency with the second EI, is only if it works together, at the (same time) with the other ignition. You might as well go one EI and a mag if you are not going to have matched EI. I asked E-mag/P-mag folks about going (1) LS and (1) P-mag, they did not recommend it, but to their credit they suggested going dual LS would better or Dual E/P-mag. They had nothing negative to say about LS. There are advantages to both. BTW Jeff Rose's ignition was out of production for a while but is now available again as electoair:

http://www.electroair.net/

Cheers George
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[walter]

75 hours on dual p-mags. I did have one p-mag that failed and had to be
sent back. It was repaired and returned in adequate time for my style of
flying.

I have to tell myself that we are all beta testers if we are using p-mags.
Over time the production quality will increase. When/if these are
manufactured by automation instead of by hand the quality will increase.

If the primary complaint is that the shipping is expensive and takes too
long then an alternative source of ignition should be looked at. Each of
us flys with a different need and that should drive what we use.

Quality will increase. I see p-mags as being the ultimate ignition source
in a few years. Perhaps in the meantime it makes sense to have one as
a spare. It's less costly than a long weekend stuck at some remote airfield
in a hotel wishing you were home. And if you never use it, sell it on ebay
later when you are satisfied your units are working properly.

For me, and me alone, they are the best option. The positives far outweigh
the negatives, especially as the negatives continue to shrink over time.

How long did it take for regular magnetos to become "pain-free"?

[erich weaver]

I have installed dual p-mags in my RV-7. No flying time yet, but happy with how upfront and honest Emagair has been with me. Seems like the kinks are pretty much worked out now.

Walter said:

"I see p-mags as being the ultimate ignition source
in a few years."

Maybe, but there is a lot of anticipation for Gami's Prism system. I believe its being developed for the GA market and certification is in progress.Im sure it will be pricey, but if I understand correctly, it will let most of us operate off of Mogas and perhaps solve the whole issue of lead in Avgas. Not sure on this point, but I believe it will control ignition timing through monitoring of pressure/temperature in the cylinders. Maybe someone more knowledgable than me can jump in here - or start a new thread?

erich weaver