Hi Dwayne:

Some ideas on how to detect the spark prior anatomizing the fuel.

Flame detectors work by looking for two different optical signatures so=20
a beam splitter and a couple of filters with photo sensors might also=20
work for a spark.

My natural gas furnace uses a very hot metal strap to ignite the gas. =20
When the strap burns out (abut every 4 years) the furnace knows (I=20
assume because the current is below some threshold).  Could you use one=20
of these instead of the spark?

If you're forced to use the spark you might use a HV cap to couple RF=20
into a spectrum analyzer and see where there's a strong signal (you=20
might force it using a tank circuit) and use the RF to confirm the spark.

--=20
Have Fun,

Brooke Clarke
http://www.PRC68.com

--=20
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