DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Ihave recently had two DA50 ignition units malfuntion. Without warning thay have stopped sparking or spark intermittently. I have removed the plug and checked this out by viewing the spark in a darkened workshop. Both units appear undamaged. One was recovered from a minor crash the other has never had an accident. The engine runs fine with a friends unit on it so it is definately the ignition module.
Anybody any idea what the probelm may be? Also can thay be repaired because at £150 a pop its getting expensive!

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

What battery are you using to power the ignition? Is it getting plenty of airflow?

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Not sure what is up but a friend is having the same issue. His does the same exact thing you described. He also has the DA-50. I let him test with my DA-85 ignition and it works flawlessly. He sent the ignition back to DA and got it back with a note saying it tested out fine. He reinstalled it and the same thing. He is using a 5 cell NiMh pack as suggested by DA. Dang thing quits when it wants to. I wonder if DA tested it in a vibrating craft or on a bench.....

Kevin

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

I had a bad ignition switch that drove me nuts, you might want to check that.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Yeah ignition switches can get you with any brand.... ;)

On the DA, you may want to consider getting rid of the standard power connectors as I've seen lots of folks report problems with those. I've not even installed my 100 yet, but will plan on changing out the stock connections for a JR servo lead type connection as I've seen posted on other forums.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

I was told by DA that ign. module is not repairable. You best bet would be to get a new one or a replacement (not sure if DL's can be used).

Ihave only onetime that the CM-6 plug failed completely (zero sparks) on DA50. The plug has been used for a couple seasons.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

DA and DL ignition systems are not interchangable. DA does not use a standard hall sensor like a DL. However, if the DA pickup was replaced with a hall sensor the DL ignition could be used once the timing was verified.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Make sure you are using a 4.8v or 6v battery. Do not exceed 6 volts. I use 2000mah nimh 6v batteries.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Thanks for the replies. I'll check a few things out and report back if any joy.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Tim,
I had a DA 50 ignition go out on me when I just test fired it in a stand. It couldn't have had more then a few minutes on it. Several of the guys at the flying field have also had ignition problems. One of the guys had it go out before he had the first flight on the plane. DA replaced without any problem. The same guy I just mentioned told me he called CH Ignitions and got a back up ignition from them. If mine goes out again I will replace it with something else..... Bill

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

DA told me to only use a 4 cell pack. A fully charged 5 cell pack can reach 7 volts. Never had a problem on 4 cells.

RE: DA 50 Ignition problems
 

Not sure when they told you that, but they've told me and a bunch of other guys via phone call, e-mail and posting on their support forum over on FG, that unregulated A123's are okay on the ignition and those are basically a five cell NiCD/NiMH voltage i.e. about 6.6 volts.