cutarug

I would like to get comments on whether magneto or electronic ignition gives the best result.
I have tried both and have found the electronic is better for idle but they are not made well and I have 6 or more failed units and the time involved in finding the fault, be it hall sensor, ignition module, broken connection etc is troublesome. I have yet to have a magneto fail and think the extra rotating mass helps with power output and vibration. I have also found I get more rpm using a heavy prop like a master rather than a wood prop, and conclude the extra mass of the fly wheel helps to carry the motor through the compression stroke.

bluejets

I believe you have already found the differences between the two ignition systems.
Magneto is obviously much heavier compared to CDI.
Only difference for me is my home built CDI's, only had one fail due to a HV generator coil breaking down due to nicking the insulation during winding.
Differences in prop weight should make little to zero effect in the air.

cutarug

Any chance you could send some details of your CDI, the chinese ones are not made to last and encapsulated so you can't fix them with better quality components.

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

The RCEXL ignitions seem to be working very well, for myself in lots and lots of installations, and they have performed without complaint for many, many others.

The old standby, excellent, high quality ignitions made by CH are still available. Try www.ch-ignitions.com

Just for my two cents worth, I don't fly anything with a magneto. I have lots of engines and quite a fleet of planes and they are all electronic ignition. No problems. I'm thinking if you have had problems you might have been using the cheaper Chinese ignitions that are not made by RCEXL. They are known to be troublesome.

Here's one source for the RCEXL ignitions and the newer RCXP ignitions: www.rcextremepower.net

AV8TOR

cutarug

I will give a RCEXL unit a try and see how long it lasts, a better Chinese module. The ones I have had no luck with are the XYZ and another brand from Hobby King.
What type of battery do you use with the RCEXL and what timing do you use.
Cutarug

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

The older RCEXL ignitions were for 4.8 volts, not to exceed 6 volts. I believe the newer ones are 4.8 to 8.4 volts, allowing you to use a 2 cell Lipoly battery for ignition if you like. Check with your supplier to be sure. Time them at 28 degrees, and the timing automatically retards for starting and idling. They really do work very well.

Those two Hobby King units you mentioned are known for being problematic, and it is no wonder that you are disillusioned with electronic ignition after using them. You'll really like the RCXP or RCEXL ignitions.

AV8TOR

spaceworm

Are the RCAP CDI also made by RCXL? Are the RCAP units for 4.8 to 8.4 volts? Is that the only difference? Thanks.
Sincerely, Richard
Club Saito #635; Saito 56, 100, 120abc, 130T, 180
YS F 120

120 and up are candidates for converting to CDI/GLOW

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

I am not sure. I believe the RCXP is an updated design made especially for RC Extreme power, and is supposedly 30% smaller and 30% lighter than the RCEXL ignitions. Reports on its function have been very good. You will need to verify voltage requirements with your supplier to be sure, but I know the RCXP is good to at least 8.4 volts. I believe the RCEXL units have been updated to be able to use higher voltage as well.

The main man at RC Extreme Power goes by "BadAzzMaxx" here in the forums.

AV8TOR

cutarug

Thanks AV8TOR for the recommendation, what engine do you have in the Fokker in your photo. I will give the RCEXL a try for my new Ryobi powered Fokker D7.

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

I sold that plane. It was fun, and impressive, but I am more into aerobatics than scale. I powered it with a Honda GX-31 four stroke engine. Very cool, four stroke sound, and about scale power on that plane. Well, maybe more; it would loop from level flight at full throttle if you gave it time to hit top speed. The Honda was mounted cylinder down, as it will run in any position even though it has an oil sump. But you needed to store it with the cylinder up, or else the oil would eventually drain down into the cylinder and valve cover. It is the SR Batteries Eindekker. 108" wingspan if I remember right. Very nice kit to build.

AV8TOR

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

Here's what I have my Ryobi 31 in; a Nitro Planes 76" span Tiger Moth biplane. It is a match made in heaven. No holes in the sides of the cowl, only exhaust and air flow cut outs in the bottom of the cowl, and it takes off at 1/4 throttle.

AV8TOR

Edit: Both planes set up with RCEXL ignition. No problems.

I have a 36cc Stihl Four Mix four stroke engine that is all converted and ready to fly. Some day, I want to build a "Stand Way off Scale" model of a Fokker D7 for it. Something that will look like the famous D7, but have semi symmetrical air foils and do fun and very non scale aerobatics. Or, when you calm down and just cruise around, look and sound very cool with that four stroke. Those Stihl Four Mix engines are powerful....

cutarug

I would like to get my hands on a four stroke Stihl, what is the motor from, I could check out the local mower repair for one, is it out of a weed trimmer? I have attached a picture of my Volksplane 1/3 scale powered by a ryobi and also my Sparrowhawk with a Ryobi also. The Pietenpole is 1/4 scale with an old OS 120 inclined rocker. I will post a phot of the D7 when it is more advanced in construction.

av8tor1977

My Feedback: (6)

Those Stihl Four Mix engines are hard to come by, and very expensive to buy either the engine or the machines they come in. I have a bunch of Stihl 65cc Four Mix engines I would like to sell cheap because I have too many projects and am going in for back surgery soon and won't be able to work for a long time afterwards. I also may lose this place I am living in and a lot of stuff might have to be stored, so I am "cleaning house". If you are interested, send me a Private Message.

Here are a couple of videos of a guy flying a Stihl 65cc Four Mix he bought from me: https://scotplanes.shutterfly.com/pictures

The Stihl Four Mix engines are very powerful for a four stroke engine; almost the equivalent of the same size two stroke. They also can be mounted and flown in any position as they have no oil sump. (Makes them lighter too.)

AV8TOR