Hello, I bought a zenoah g26 at a swap meet today and can't identify the ignition system on the engine. My goal would be to replace it with a more modern version. If you'll notice the timing pick up is located on the front and the crank end has been cut off. Any suggestions for a replacement system?

try here. Dan.

https://www.ch-ignitions.com/

I've got an email sent to them, just waiting on a reply. I was just hoping someone recognized it. Thanks.

That appears to be one of Ralph Cunningham's conversions. You can find his contact info online under RCignitions. He comes here fairly often under the name Antique.

Yep, that's it. Now all I have to do is figure out what I can replace it with.

Well, don't replace it with anything. His ignitions had a lifetime warranty and even if that doesn't extend to later owners, he can still repair it if needed. If you must replace it, the sensor should work with either CH, RCexl or RCXP ignitions. Call Ralph, speak kindly with him and I'm sure he can get you going.

I certainly wouldn't hold him to any warranty. I was hoping to go to a cdi system. With no rear crank hub to bolt to that limits me to a front hub pick up. I have emails into a couple ignition makers but the only one I see that doesn't use a flywheel pick up is RCXP for a G20.

But you already have a pickup / sensor there that will work with most standard ignitions.

Also, if one of Ralph's, it is a CDI ignition.

leave it alone.. anything you do to it will be a downgrade from what you have..

Ignition 101, he eliminated the magneto (what made the electricity) and kept the great coil (the hardest, heaviest, and most expensive part at the time). So a battery provides electricity and the magnet on the hub with its hall sensor provides a signal to the electronics to time the spark.

You can do what ever you want. Keep it and use it (if it still works). replace it with a new unit (which may require you to invent a bracket for a new hall sensor.

I am on the fence on this one myself, I love this old stuff.

There is a lot to say about the new stuff too.

Your photos are a little dark, but, I see nothing missing or cut off. The hall sensor has standard color coded wires. White for signal, red for +5v and black for ground.

Good luck with your little Zenoah, I have a 20cc with over 900 hours on it. I flew the snot out of it just an hour ago.