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 LIGHT SPEED ENGINEERING™, LLC
Plasma CD Ignition     

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Products Ignition CDI Features


last update:
August 07, 2013

 

PLASMA CDI FEATURES
CAPACITIVE DISCHARGE IGNITION SYSTEM


Light Speed Engineering's Plasma CDI  Features

Light Speed Engineering, LLC is well known for its world record setting flight efficiency and consistent racing victories. The Plasma CDI plays a significant part in the success of many racers and sport pilots who put reliability and performance on top of their list.

Proven to be the best the industry has to offer, the following list notes several unique features of the LSE Plasma CDI systems that are not available in any other aircraft ignition:

• Easy installation with built in timing light on the accessory case sensor module or a prefabricated adjustable crank sensor assembly on direct crank sensor systems.
• Hot Spark: >130 mJ spark energy @ 0 - 3500 RPM
• Best firing accuracy, cycle to cycle and cylinder to cylinder
• Largest input voltage range: 5V - 35V
• Minimum current consumption: 4-cyl: 0.5A, idle - 1.2A, cruise
6-cyl: 0.5A, idle - 1.9A, cruise
• Light weight: CDI Ignition module: Plasma III- 1.7 lbs, Plasma II & II Plus- 1.1 lbs
Dual Output Mini Ignition coils: 5 oz. each
• Low "noise" makes it Storm Scope compatible
• Best shunt resistance (fires wet and fouled plugs)
• Aircraft Key Switch Starting available on Plasma III and Plasma II Plus
• Solid-State, Discrete logic (no microprocessor) for maximum reliability: No Software & No Software Updates
• Interconnect feature:
On dual LSE Plasma III or II Plus CDI installations, the control module automatically shifts the timing curve as needed when only one system is operating.
• Hand Starting (Armstrong Starter):
Unlike other electronic ignition systems, aircraft equipped with the LSE Plasma CDI may be hand-propped.


CDI Features

Electronic ignition (EI) has been used on automobiles for over forty-five years, yet the aircraft industry has been unresponsive in adopting any form of EI technology, and letting go of the nearly 100 year old magneto.

Electronic ignition offers four distinct advantages over a magneto based ignition system:

The first is reliability. Electronic systems have no moving parts and can be expected to operate much longer, requiring less attention and maintenance than mechanical systems.

Second, capacitor discharge ignition systems produce a much larger and hotter spark compared to a magneto - up to 40,000 volts versus a maximum of 17,000 volts from the magneto. The more powerful spark allows a larger gap, which improves hot and cold starts as well as power and fuel efficiency.

Third, and possibly the biggest asset to electronic ignition systems, is that the electronics permit automatic spark timing optimized to RPM, manifold pressure and altitude conditions. The combination of these features maximizes fuel economy and power, ultimately allowing the Plasma CDI ignition system to pay for itself through lower operating costs.

Finally, the components for electronic systems are all mass produced, giving electronic ignition a distinct cost advantage over replacement parts for magnetos.  


 

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Mail Address: P.O. Box 549 Santa Paula, CA 93061 U.S.A.
Tel: 805-933-3299  
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