BruceMe
Well Known Member
A differend [better?] switched Ignition/Starter system
I've been thinking a long while (maybe too long) about how I wanted my ignitioin switch to work. After a lot of review, I think I may have taken a bit from everywhere to come up with a system that is superior. It's a hybrid of the old bat-switches with turn-key simplicity.
It uses two DPDT switches both are on - off - mom. They are $9 each from Spruce No. 11-00768.
Configured as:
--- Start ---
--- L HOT R ---
--- OFF ---
The down position for either left/right grounds that mag. Middle possition is ungrounded (hot) for either mag. Pulling both left and right together to the momentary up position grounds the right mag and simultaniously energizes the starting circuit. The starting circuit is in series so BOTH the left & right switches must be in the up position to energize the starter.
I also built a switch gaurd from two 1" pieces of 3/4" AL angle. It's dirt simple: To start, turn the master on and pull the switches up. You dont need to remember which mag has the impulse/retard or how that work. Why do I think this is better than a key switch?
1 - It lasts longer. Keys ware out; switches not nearly as much.
2 - I loose stuff (a lot), especially keys!
3 - It's safer, you have to pull two switches together to engage the starter. It would be hard to engage the starter by accident while doing a mag check.
4 - It's simpler (more basic). Installation has a couple more wires than a key system.
5 - It's cheaper ($18 vs. $52)
If you want a schematic or pictures of my installation, let me know. I just finished installing it and testing it. It works pretty well. I hope this generates some interest.
-Bruce
I've been thinking a long while (maybe too long) about how I wanted my ignitioin switch to work. After a lot of review, I think I may have taken a bit from everywhere to come up with a system that is superior. It's a hybrid of the old bat-switches with turn-key simplicity.
It uses two DPDT switches both are on - off - mom. They are $9 each from Spruce No. 11-00768.
Configured as:
--- Start ---
--- L HOT R ---
--- OFF ---
The down position for either left/right grounds that mag. Middle possition is ungrounded (hot) for either mag. Pulling both left and right together to the momentary up position grounds the right mag and simultaniously energizes the starting circuit. The starting circuit is in series so BOTH the left & right switches must be in the up position to energize the starter.
I also built a switch gaurd from two 1" pieces of 3/4" AL angle. It's dirt simple: To start, turn the master on and pull the switches up. You dont need to remember which mag has the impulse/retard or how that work. Why do I think this is better than a key switch?
1 - It lasts longer. Keys ware out; switches not nearly as much.
2 - I loose stuff (a lot), especially keys!
3 - It's safer, you have to pull two switches together to engage the starter. It would be hard to engage the starter by accident while doing a mag check.
4 - It's simpler (more basic). Installation has a couple more wires than a key system.
5 - It's cheaper ($18 vs. $52)
If you want a schematic or pictures of my installation, let me know. I just finished installing it and testing it. It works pretty well. I hope this generates some interest.
-Bruce
Last edited: