How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

We just got a new ZDZ 80 which came with a Falkon ignition module. Worked good first few flights then the ignition failed. luckily it didn't happen in flight. It was flown one day, and after landing the ignition was switched off. Next day it wouldn't crank. After working on it for a while we determined that it was the ignition.
I should be getting another module soon (I hope) and get back in the air.
But why would it fail so soon. I have heard from others that ignition modules fail from time to time. That's sort of discouraging being that this one only lasted a few flights. Makes me wonder how many flights I can expect form the next one... And where I'll be when it fails....
An ignition failure is simply not acceptable.

Your thoughts and ideas appreciated.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

Not much help, but most things electronic seem to fail in the first hour or so or work forever.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

i read a couple of days ago on zdz's site that they are replacing the falkon ignitions. back in my dirt biking days, every once in a while one of our cdi ignition boxes would go out- just like yours, runs fine, shut it off and then nothing.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

Try closing down the spark plug gap to .018-.020", charge the ignition battery fully, and try it again. You may be surprised....:D

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

I heard about this the other day, and I just checked the site for myself to see. That not a good sign, and I think the replacement I'll be getting is another falkon.[>:] I don't recall the guys at ZDZ (RCS) ever telling me about a new ignition module.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

I have a couple of syncro spark units that I have had for about ten years(?). Still work great after I have moved them from engine to engine.

I have an RCS44B2 that is on its third unit. Great service- poor unit.

Buy American!

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

From what I have observed at the flying field, the Falkon ignition unit appears to have the lowest failure rate of any out there. Comparing CH, Vlach, DA, and 3W. It's hard to get good statistics with onesies and twosies of failures. I would only hope that the new ZDZ ignition is as good as the Falkon for reliability.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

Judging by the amount of ZDZs with the older ignition around me I am suprised I havent heard of a failure.
However I do know of several (me included ) that have had other brands fail.

i think you just got unlucky.

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

Bill Mixon > We use falkon ignition with friends and it never failed so far. What sounds strange for me is that you bought NEW ZDZ 80 with FALKON ignition - but ZDZ no longer equip engines with Falkon ignition(already for half year, I think) So I doubt if it's really falkon ignition. btw - if you have any questions, you can ask them via email [email protected]

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

This particular engine was bought at a local shop, so it had probably been there for a while. As far as I know it is a Falkon as that's what the label on it says.
Hopefully, I have just had a run of bad luck as andyt mentioned.. I should have the new module tommorow, and be back in the air soon.

Thanks,
Bill

RE: How often does electronic ignition fail?
 

Don't panic - The new ZDZ ignitions are a direct interchange - They are labeled ZDZ and have a integrated hall switch and mounting flange - no installing of the hall sensor into the mount.
Same advance setting etc..
I had some Falkon failures on 40/50 engines but none on 80/100/160. strange .
I setup a lot of models for local guys so I get to see a fair overview of the good bad and the ugly.
The ignitions that fail -follow the good ol electronic rule - they fail soon -or last forever.
The failures seen typically: either DOA --OR the engines pop and don't start.
We use only 4.8 batts - OR regulated 5.5 LI 7v
NO 6 V batts.
the new ZDZ ignitions run very nicely -other than the hall setup the box/wiring cap - all the same.