lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

Amazing Brent, That is a very nice looking package. Congratulations. I look forward to their availability. My engine is still fairly new and I don't think I need an overhaul soon. So I guess I'll have to wait until testing is done. But you can sign me up for these guys when you are ready to sell them. Kevin -----Original Message----- From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Brent Regan Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 5:52 AM To: lml@lancaironline.net Subject: [LML] Electronic Ignition System Application A while ago I was approached by Monty Barrett of BPA to develop and ignition system for the 9 cylinder M14 radial engine. The magnetos for these engines were out of production and unreliable. We applied our experience designing certified aerospace electronics and came up with a magneto replacement system with a Timing Controller that featured an internal poly-phase alternator, manifold pressure sensor, independent High-Q magnetic flux sensors and dual microprocessors with cascading redundancy. Everything is packaged in a billet machined, O-ring sealed MIL-Spec, water and dust proof anodized housing. The Timing Controller is coupled to independent "Coil Near Plug" high energy Smart Coils that deliver a measured 80+mJ of energy to the spark plasma. The entire system is rated to 125 degrees C operating temperature (257 degF), 10G sign-on-random vibration, direct and indirect lightning effects as well as a host of other DO160F test requirements. While we were designing this system it occurred to me that I would like a couple of these on my IV-P, so we designed it so it could accommodate 6 or 9 cylinder engines. The only difference being the internal sensor ratio and firmware. The system components have passed qualification testing and the 9 cylinder system is currently on the BPA dynamometer undergoing performance mapping and endurance testing. This is where we develop the advance parameters for RPM and manifold pressure. It really isn't practical to attempt to develop these advance curves without a dynamometer. Monty at BPA is currently booking orders for the 9 cylinder M14 system. The problem with the 6 cylinder "market" is that there are many variables and each significant variant of manufacturer, induction system and compression ratio needs to be dynomometer qualified. So, to solve this problem Monty will be offering a significant discount on the ignition system to select 6 cylinder customers who have BPA perform their overhaul and consent to having Monty performance map their engine after the post overhaul dyanamometer run-in. The reason for the dyno testing is that it is not a good idea to just make a guess at the correct timing based on RPM and manifold pressure and then go fly. That would be like buying a suit out of a catalog. A good outcome is unlikely. The attached picture shows the Timing Controller. It replaces the magneto and contains the poly phase alternator, electronics and manifold pressure sensor. The MIL-Spec connector is the interface to the individual coils. The red cap covers the -4 JIC threaded fitting for the manifold pressure connection. Under the blue cap are the firmware update connector and integral static timing light. There is NO separate "Brain Box" to deal with. The system is not available for 4 cylinder engines at this time. If you are interested, contact BPA http://www.bpaengines.com Regards Brent Regan