Originally Posted by propellantchem

To the people that don't have problems with hall sensors, congratulations, you are better than I.


I may have mentioned this before, but I work as a quality engineer for a small company that makes automotive ignition systems.

Specifically I investigate failed ignition systems. Hall sensors are nice but they do fail frequently. (approximately 80% of electrical failures on our Ford distributors equipped will hall pickups)
A good magnetic reluctor is much tougher and will fire reliably at hand crank speeds.


I had a pair of rcexl ignition systems purchased from hobby king two years ago. I killed the first hall sensor with a probable grounding issue. The second unit I got working for about 5 min before the entire unit quit.

Then I started converting parts from work, mostly as research. Since this is automotive not dedicated rc stuff, the systems weigh in about 2x-3x heavier than the rcexl setup.
They seem to be pretty rugged, and since it's part of the research program it doesn't cost me anything. However depending on what units I'm using and the RPM the engine is turning, power consumption can be high.( IE dedicated LiPo ignition battery.) After some research, I found the dwell control in the ignition module, so it may be possible to reduce the power factor a bit.

I also Googled miniature magnetos and there was enough information available to raise the possibility of modifying an existing ignition coil from work to magneto service. I've identified a couple of good candidates for testing.

Even with the magnetic core and coil windings weight would be much less than OE flywheel and probably less than rcexl system with dedicated LiPo.

Worst case, would be the creation of a miniature alternator for gas engines reducing the size of flight batteries required for extended operation.

I might get a chance to work on it more after the snow starts melting.

PC