Hello again

Some definite progress to report.

I have had some off-list correspondence with someone who has trodden =
this path before ( hi Andy!).
He was able to tell me the methods he used to get his engine running on =
spark:

1) Set static timing position to just after TDC,
2) Use an electric starter!

I also did a bit more web digging on commercial ignition systems and =
discovered a bit of technical chat about the Runtronic Z3 system =
http://www.clipper.net/~edstroem/jep/RUNINTRO4.htm.
The timing range for this system is said to be between TDC for starting =
and 35 degrees before TDC for full speed. This system seems to give easy =
hand starting by issuing multiple sparks at low speeds with the ignition =
point at TDC. This is obviously not possible for me at the moment with =
my simple ignition system!

Anyway, by using an electric starter, I have had the engine running with =
the timing just after TDC. I want to do a little more running before I =
move on to the design of the automatic advance unit, though, because =
starting was not exactly instant! I suspect my ignition battery was a =
bit low, I'll have to verify this.

Alan

Embedded Systems Engineer
Microtima Ltd
Ouseburn Mews
3-7 Stepney Bank
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 2PW

Tel: 0191 2304411
Fax: 0191 2304422

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