I picked up a NIB 3W60 (rear induction) some time ago, but missing ignition. I then picked up a new ignition for a zdz80rv here on RCU. Since they both get the signal from a magnet on the hub, I was thinking this ignition would work fine with this engine (the older style). I traded the engine and ignition away to a friend at the field. He has now had the engine started, and he has a problem with it. Apparently it starts up fine and runs strong for some 15 - 20 seconds, then it shuts down. It will not fire again unless power to the ignition is cycled, he has even tryed bypassing the ignition switch, and is using a 4 cell NICD. I sent an email to RCShowcase, and Mike Dooleys short answer was, that the zdz ignition does not work with a 3W engine, that I need to get a 3W ignition for this engine. Yes, that would be an easy fix, but since the engine starts and runs strong for a short period, apparently the components do work together, although for a short period. Before posting, trying to trade the zdz ignition for a 3w ignition, I would like to hear if anybody here would know of a solution or can help in any way.
DKjens

Interesting, the ZDZ ignition has a fail safe in it that disables the ignition if no activity is seen after a period of time. The power to the ignition must be cycled to enable the ignition again. This is in case soemone leaves the ignition on and forgets about it so the engine will not fire by accident. Not sure if it monitors the magnet pulse or not but you would think if it ran, then the ignition would see it running? I had a ZDZ ignition on a heli for a bit to replace the mag ignition and it seemed to run alright but I never really put it through it's paces to determine compatibility with the motor. I would pay close attention to the heat of the motor if you get it running as I am unsure if the timing curve is suitable for that motor.

Mat

That may be why the ignition unit was sold too.
Send it to RCS for a check up.

I am thinking this as well. If something works fine for a period, then stops working, and this can be repeated repeatedly, then to me, it points to a faulty component. I know the zdz ignition shots off automatically after a period of no activity, but since it is firing, it is seing the magnet etc. etc. and it is seing activity. Even if the timing weren't correct, it wouldn't affect the ignition itself, and how different can the timing curves be from one designated 2-stroke airplane gas engine to another, not much, as long as the initial timing is correct.

I was hoping maybe Ralph or Dick would see this and offer their opinnion, I'll give it some time.

DKjens

The short answer is ANY ignition that makes a spark at the correct time will work with ANY engine...If it shuts off after 15 or 20 seconds it will do it no matter what engine it's attached to, and it needs to be checked out or replaced....[8D]

Maybe 3W built in a "maker recognition" ? So the engine sees the ignition when running, and then thinks "nay, this is not 3W" and shuts off or reverses the magnet? [8D]
A day with a laugh is a good day!

This may have nothing to do with the problem, but I'll mention it anyway.
The Falkon ignitions require a resistor plug to work correctly. The claim (in Falkon-speak) is that without the resistor in the circuit, the computer control circuit in the ignition box will not work properly. The 3W and DA engines use an NGK CM6 non-resistor spark plug. The 3W and DA ignitions have a resistor inside the metal plug boot. Which plug boot did you use with the Falkon ignition, and does it have a resistor inside???

Dont'cha just LOVE all this new hi tech stuff ? HA HA HA
Meanwhile the old antique ignitions just keep on WORKING....
No trick shutting off after a period of non use, mega milliamp current draw, spark plug caps that short out, set screws that loosen, spark plugs that have to be ground off at the top..
The K. I. S. S. principle rules