Power Spark

Tech Article... by Thomas Marx (Matho)

PSThumb
We Build an Ignition System...




Most conventional 2-cylinder-engines based on the ZENOAH, CHUNG-YANG, RCMK occupy a considerable amount of space because of their width or height. This is mainly due to the two red primary ignition coils or other ignition coils. The final width or height depends on how the coils are arranged. On all “real” 2-cylinder engines the coils are typically installed on the sides, either diagonally or horizontally. 2-cylinder engines “MOUSE HOUSE” with original ZENOAH-CDI magnet ignition

For example: a 2-cylinder engine MOUSE HOUSE with a standard ZENOAH CDI magnetic ignition. One exception is the “Heilbronner-Bub” (this engine I do not consider as a 2-cylinder since it is a coupled engine… without putting its usefulness into question), this engine is built both narrower and longer.

The “Heilbronner Bub” is built both narrower and longer than “MOUSE HOUSE”The width of the 2-cylinder engines (and also our 3- and 4 cylinder engines) often makes the installation of cats impossible, as there is often not enough space in the skids. And even in monos there is less space left when two engines are arranged side-by-side. A superior solution is needed and this better solution is the “electronic ignition”.



Solution: Electronic Ignition

There are several commercial electronic ignitions obtainable on the market. Personally, I was not attracted to the presented solutions since they do not fully exploit the possibilities of the engine. In addition a monitoring of the receiver system is not implemented and I am not aware of any commercial systems that have adjustable ignition maps, which are programmable by the user without requiring a computer. The known commercially available ignitions do not have a display and therefore they do not display engine speed information, although the electronics does measure such data.

Igniton system …sensor  (concept phase)


In the case of this project I was able to convince experienced electrical engineers from the automotive industry, who were willing to develop an ignition system to a typical automotive standard. This expert group is organized under the name “tne-systeme UG limited” and has the capability to produce the advanced ignition system in volume.



The book of requirements

Installation of concept phase in NoMercy with 260 ZENOAH engineFirstly, there is the book of requirements that contains the specifications and functionality of the ignition system. The following features are within the task list:

  • several pre-programmed ignition maps that the customer can select using a menu (no computer or laptop required)
  • customer is able to program his own ignition maps
  • integrated engine speed counter with display of current speed or maximum speed (like “Sendec”), exception values (jump of the boat with short period of over speed) has to be filtered
  • RC servo signal monitoring with shutdown of engine when receiving invalid signals
  • RC main battery monitoring with warning by means of engine splutter at a specified low voltage and shutdown of engine when battery failure occurs (voltage thresholds can be adjusted)
  • kill switch function
  • waterproof sealing
  • interference is not allowed to impact the RC-system
  • small sensor with magnet control (see installation width)
  • engine speeds up to 30000 rpm (applicable for converted glow engines)
  • capable of firing up to 4 cylinders

This leads to the conclusion, that the ignition voltage should not be generated in the ignition system itself but rather with the standard gray secondary coils from ZENOAH or RCMK. Hence, they remain in the system but do not have to be assembled directly to the engine.

Short sidestep: The development in the automotive industry is done in several stages.

XP: eXperimentation Phase (is the concept suitable to be developed for series? Parts are produced and assembled experimentally, in very small quantities.)

AP: Application Phase (does the system work in conjunction with the periphery? Some parts are already series level, small quantities, parts are partially produced on prototype machines.)

CP
: Confirmation Phase (does the system function with production parts under production conditions and all possible states?)



XP: The Experimentation Phase

Daniel "Seewolf" inflates the boatThe ignition system and speed sensor are installed in my NoMercy with a 260 ZENOAH engine (slightly tuned up from RS). The housing is sourced from an electronic distributor, the circuit board is produced in the laboratory, the sensor is already one construction stage ahead (AP).

Here we tested the basic functions, usually in dry conditions with a running engine. The first endurance tests were performed on an engine test rig. The tests were performed on water, supported by our saving boater Daniel “Seewolf”.

AP-Baustand_800x443 Lieferumfang 1 und 2 Zylinder Version_800x454 NoMercy AP_small_800x600

Ignition system
(application phase)

Included in 1- and 2 cylinder version

NoMercy with BEE HOUSE engine and POWER SPARK ignition system





However, we always had dropouts after 50 m. Until we finally established the cause i.e. from an old FUTABA 1024PCM. This proved that the ignition stops the engine reliably, as soon as no reliable receiver signal is detected or disrupted. After the conversion of the system to 2.4 GHz with CORONA- components everything worked properly and reliably. Later we realized that the 40 MHz-module is suffering from old age, according to a web-blog, I was not the only person with a similar problem.


AP: The Application Phase

The housing was assembled from aluminum profiles. However, the circuit board is already produced in series quality. In this phase we fixed the 10 prior programmed ignition maps and wrote the 54-page manual that describes all functions in detail. The various safety shutdown functions were tested under practical conditions and thus validated.
Furthermore, the software was developed in the application phase. For example: How should the RC-supervision be implemented in detail (parameter)? How does the engine-stuttering work in the water? What are high-quality values for the ignition maps (pre-ignition angle depending on engine speed)?

zue-kit_1_583x643 zue-kit_2_579x684 zue-kit_3_577x605

assembly kit 1
with aluminum flywheel

assembly kit 2
with brass flywheel

assembly kit 3
with aluminum flywheel &
groove for starter belt





CP: The Confirmation phase

On April 2010 we started the CP: The housing was machined from solid and red anodized. The red Plexiglas cover was machined fitted with special glue. The other parts were already from standard production. Even in this phase we optimized the values of the ignition maps and did some fine tuning on various functions. The unit was sent to an EMC-laboratory to obtain the “CE”-mark.

The first engines were equipped with the ignition system and distributed to a few sample customers for testing.
The ignition systems are adapted to all 260 ZENOAH and the similar derivates (for example RCMK and Chung Yang) with an assembly kit that I offer on my homepage www.matho-powertrain.de
The ignition has its own homepage: www.power-spark.de


The POWER SPARK ignition system consists of the following components:

•    ignition box with all necessary cables and connector for sensor module
•    sensor module with cable and connector
•    programming magnet in red shrink hose
•    fuse with fuse folder
•    operating manual



The POWER SPARK is available in the following versions:

•    1-cylinder with or without RC-monitoring features
•    2-cylinder with or without RC-monitoring features
•    4-cylinders (double-twin) / (double-boxer) with or without RC-monitoring features
•    the 4-cylinder-versions can also be used for my 3-cylinder engine, since it’s a “one and a-half-twin” concept.


The assembly kit for ZENOAH or RCMK consists of:

•    flywheel aluminum (kit 1 & kit3) or brass (kit 2) with assembled magnet for speed sensor
•    sensor bracket (silver or black)
•    spaces for sensor bracket (silver or black)
•    Special versions for rear exhaust engines for racing (FSR-x use).

1 und 2 Zylinder Version_800x371 3 und 4 Zylinder Version_800x593

POWER SPARK ignition: 1- and 2-cylinder versions

POWER SPARK ignition: 3-and 4-cylinder versions

MOUSE HOUSE mit Sensor_small_800x600 IMG_5364small_800x533

MOUSE HOUSE with brass flywheel and sensor (cp)

Waterproof POWER SPARK system
left corner: programming cable (special development version)




Easy Operation

The installation of the ignition system is in our view self-explanatory.
The start-up is quite simple:
If no RC-monitoring is desired, then simply power the ignition and start the engine. If everything is connected correctly, the engine starts - due to the more powerful spark- no later than 3 times.



Practical experience:

The original ZENOAH engine (tuned slightly) in my NoMercy turned about 500 rpm higher than the standard magneto ignition (load condition). Reason: the ignition spark is more powerful. Hence, the combustion at high speeds is enhanced. For the 3- and 4-cylinder engines it looks even better:  with the magneto ignition the energy of the red primary ignition coil had to be distributed to the two grey secondary coils, resulting in a weaker spark. Now, the motors can finally show their full potential.

NoMercy with MOUSE HOUSE and POWER SPARK ignition systemThe ZENOAH had to be further revised because of operation time, as an interim solution we installed a RCMK-based engine with Michi-Manz-tuning and a brass flywheel. As a consequence, the engine functions much better and works with 2 Graupner 76 propellers, which was previously unthinkable. Nevertheless the weight of the NoMercy is too much for a single 26 ccm plus splitter gearbox, so the logical consequence is: installation of our 2-cylinder engine.
Currently, we are building a 30 kg Mono with our RAT HOUSE and the POWER SPARK ignition, when we are finished, we look forward to reporting back our results.
What works very well is the splutter function that is activated when the battery voltage is low. Even in the fray, if several boats whisk the water the same time, one can see very well that the rooster tail interrupts shortly and then resumes. Below the selected stutter speed (in my case 11000 rpm) the engine operates as normal, so one can ride to shore normally.

Right now we have finished adding more function to the ignition system:

  • Speed dependent output for pump, throttle, signal etc.
  • Switching output (flashing or non-flashing) to signal engine stop (blink a LED)
  • operating time counter
  • alternating display of battery voltage and maximum achieved engine speed automatically after engine stop (adjustable)


For more information visit our webpage at:


www.POWER-SPARK.de
and
www.MATHO-powertrain.de

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Hot Rods's Avatar
Hot Rods replied the topic: #23722 9 years 10 months ago











We are using the Power Spark systems in our boats and love them! Through custom fabrication and the Power Spark, we are able to make very small, lightweight engines that contribute to better speed and handling. And the customer service is exceptional! Dennis
Scott replied the topic: #18157 12 years 4 months ago
Other priorities just got in the way, so just getting back to doing this now ... did however finally spend the day fooling around with the retrofit.







The Gizmo mount did need some cut away so "pickup" coil had clearance.
Overall a pretty simple change over tho some more serious wire harness issues needed to be addressed and built so a single battery can power radio gear and ignition both.

Ignition coils needed to be modified so they ARE NOT grounded to cases.
Actually EACH coil getes set up so it's Power lead and Ground { Now on a wire) go into the provided 'engine to PS" wire harness.
*Connectors used on wiring harness a mix of 2, 3 & 4 pin Molex types. ( Computer store access )

Master Wiring harness I have made takes the 6 cell battery power sitting in forward radio box and T's into radio box supplying power to a Voltage Regulator onto radio gear.
Then going out of the box forward into engine area powering "PowerSpark" unit.
Another 3 conductor wire runs the full length going from PS unit to Receiver so the ADVANCED programing options can be utilized like low voltage alerts, radio prompt failsafe & radio prompted kill switch etc ...

More pics to follow, need to go run my twin some more and simply can't until this conversions done :S
Scott replied the topic: #17692 12 years 6 months ago
Starting on doing the "Power Spark" retrofit on the twin 520 this week.
Got my 6 cell 5000 mah battery, Castle Creations voltage regulator, connectors and wiring pretty much together now. Will share some pics as it gos together ;)
marc's Avatar
marc replied the topic: #17680 12 years 6 months ago
That is absolutely WILD!!!! Beautiful workmanship! Sounds awesome! I would love to try running something like that. Thank you for sharing!
MATHO replied the topic: #17677 12 years 6 months ago
HP: anywhere around or more than 20hp, no test rig for power measurements avail

Max Speed: this was the very first run w/o GPS, but some guys said must be around 90kph. I suppose with bigger props and no rev limiter she will run significantly over 100 kph (there is not speed target for me)

Rev limiter: brand new power house, should not rev too much, my fingers are allways extremely nervous at first runs and so the rev-limiter of power-spark brought my adrenalin level a bit down (but anyway much too high)

Why does nobody ask s.th. about fuel consumption and exhaust poisons??? :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

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