How much does a C.H. Ignition cost?
This depends on your needs. A Jump Start System for a Zenoah is $59.95 and a complete system for some twins can run over $200.00. See the catalog section for prices.
How does the C.H. Ignition system work?
The C.H. ignition is a small light weight C.D.I. (Capacitive Discharge Ignition). It gets it's power from an onboard 4.8 V to 6 V 500MA or larger battery pack. It is triggered by a small magnet in the prop hub or a pulse wheel. This magnet triggers a Hall effect switch, which we call the pulse switch.
Does the Ignition timing have to be set.
Yes, just as it does on your car. It must have the spark at the right time. This is easily done and we give you complete instructions and even send you a degree wheel to make the job easier.
Does the Ignition use a timing control to set the timing for starting and full throttle.
Yes. For years we used the T.C.S.A. (Throttle Coupled Spark Advance). This works very well and several of the engine manufacturers still use this method for setting engine timing. This requires a linkage, usually through a Bellcrank, to move the timing plate to advance timing when the throttle is opened. In the past this has caused some minor problems by binding up or worn parts. The engine manufacturers have worked out some very Heavy duty T.C.S.A. systems that are very reliable.
Does C.H. have a electronic timing control?
Yes, we have our own (Computer Timing Control). We have been making these for several years. It has been very successful, but does add to the cost of the system. We put the C.T.C timing control on all of the engines we do here at C.H. The C.T.C. still requires the ignition timing to be set when you first install it on your engine. We have our own C.T.C. control now, we just call it the timing board. It can be installed in the ignition case or added to any engine by simply installing the pulse switch lead. We have been able to lower our prices on all C.H. ignition systems that have our new C.T.C.
Will the engine that I have now with T.C.S.A. run any better with the C.T.C.?
No, the C.T.C will not make your engine run any better than a properly set up T.C.S.A., but the C.T.C. is more reliable. Once set there are no moving parts to wear out or get out of adjustment. It is also much easier to install. The pulse switch can be mounted on a plate or bracket as it does not have to move. Some adjustment is desirable for fine tuning the timing.
Can I put the C.T.C. on my present engine that has T.C.S.A. and use my original Ignition system?
Yes, the C.T.C. module just plugs in parallel with the pulse switch on your engine. The timing plate you have on your engine can now be locked in place with a set screw.
What engines does C.H. Ignitions make conversions for?
The unit is designed to run on 4.8-6vcd (4 or 5 cell nicad packs) of 800ma or better. The unit will also work with Dura-lites.
How long will the unit run on a battery?
The C.H. Ignitions unit draws between 350-600ma., depending on the application. A 1/4X32 single is around 350ma. A 14mm single is around 400ma. Some twins will draw 600ma. A 1200ma pack should last at lease two hours. We recommend an 800ma pack as a minimum.
Can I use the same battery pack on my Ignition and my receiver?
No. To avoid any interference, the ignition pack should be mounted as far as possible from the receiver and it's battery.
How much does a C.H. Ignition system weigh?
The basic 14mm single weighs 4 oz. A 14mm twin weighs 6 oz. These weights do not include the batteries.
Will I get RFI noise from the Ignition system that will bother my radio?
RFI is always something to think about when using any Ignition system. We use a shielded resistor plug wire on all systems and have full shielded spark plug caps for all systems. If you follow our suggestions you will probably not have any RFI problems. Many complaints of radio funnies are caused by vibration and not RFI.
Is the C.H. Ignition repairable?
Yes, all current C.H.HD Ignition systems are repairable unless totally destroyed, as every part in the system is replaceable. If the cost of repairs is too high we will offer a discount on a replacement system. The only parts on our new CHXL that can be replaced are the spark plug cap, boot and wire if they are damaged outside the case.
Can I do my own conversion or will C.H. Ignitions do it?
Most kits are Bolt-on installations and the most difficult part of the conversion (it's not that hard!) is setting the basic ignition timing. The conversion kits come with instructions and a degree wheel to help set timing. ...OR... C.H. will be happy to install the system for you. See the catalog section for labor charges.
Can I convert my .40 to spark?
Yes, it can be done. Usually planes for this size engine do not tolerate the added weight. The 1.20 4c engine is the smallest size we feel is practical to convert.
If I convert my engine to C.H. Ignition, what fuel/oil mix do I use?
On 4 cycle engines, you have not changed the engine mechanical parts, so run alcohol fuel/oil mix recommended by the manufacturer. On a big glo engine, converted to gas, you must use a 10% oil/gas mix because of the bushing type connecting rod bearing. Needle bearing rod conversions have been troublesome and we do not recommend them and no longer do them. On the weed whacker engines go with the manufacturers recommendation or if that's not available we suggest you try 40:1.
I want to fly gas, but the engines are too expensive!
The cheapest way to get into gassers is with the weed trimmer conversions. C.H. Ignitions has kits for the Roybi 31 cc, McCulloch 28/32cc, and the Homelite 25/30cc engines. Finding a broken weed whacker and stripping out the engine is often the least expensive way to go. See the catalog section for the conversions.
Do you offer custom services to install the C.H. Ignition system?
Yes. We will install the C.H. Ignition system on any of the engines that we have in our price list, or any engine that originally came with a battery operated ignition. The Ignition system will work on any engine but we do not have mounting kits for some engines. If in doubt, give us a call and see if we can do your engine. If you have an engine that we do not have parts for it can get rather expensive..
I have a brand X gas engine with a Hall effect triggered ignition. Does C.H. have a replacement ignition for this engine?
Yes. See the catalog section for the correct ignition module.
Can I convert my ST 2500 or 3250, O.S. BGX-one, or Moki to Ignition and run on a gasoline Mix?
Yes. We have conversions for these engines. We do not recommend doing this. This gets pretty expensive and can cost as much or more to convert to gas as the engine cost in the first place. These engines on a gas fuel mix are not successful unless you put on a Walbro type carburetor. After these engines are converted you must use a heavy oil mix of least 10% oil . This is because of the bushing type connecting rod. We do have Walbro carb adapters for the above engines. If you want to use this size engine, we recommend that you go with an engine ready built for gas with a needle bearing rod that you can use with a 50 to one mix. The Brison 2.4, B.M.E. 2.7, Fox 2.4, First Place Engines, Taurus and Brillelli are all very good engines. Some of the Chinese engines are getting better. Most of then are using the using the RCEXL ignition which is very good. We are selling this ignition now. See the CHXL in the bottom of the catalog and the instructions.. If you want to go with a smaller gasoline engine, buy a Zenoah G 26 or 26 and install one of our quick mount ignition systems. This kit costs $124.95. You can also go with one of the Weed Whacker engines. The Weed Trimmer engines listed under Weed Trimmer Conversions in the catalog section are only ones we can do at this time. If you are handy and can do machine work you can get parts from us and do it yourself.
Can I run gas in my 4 cycle engine after I install the C.H. Ignition?
The engine will run very well on a gas/oil mix. The problem is the carburetor. Adjustment becomes very sensitive. Extensive modification and fuel pressure regulation would be required. We recommend that you continue to use a low nitro alcohol fuel.
My neighbor gave me an old chain saw (or weed trimmer) engine. Can I use this engine in my model?
Maybe, if it is one of the engines we do a timing kit for or if you are a machinist (that would help) Otherwise it could end up costing you twice the price of a new engine. See the catalog section for the weed trimmer engines that we do. Most of these can be done without machining.
How can a twin cylinder be converted to spark without a distributor?
A flat (boxer) twin 2 cycle does not require a distributor as it fires both cylinders at the same time. On a 4 cycle flat twin, we use the same type of ignition set up as on a 2 cycle. We fire both plugs at the same time. One is on the compression stroke (pow) and the other is on the exhaust stroke (nada) This is how Detroit is now building ignitions for car engines without distributors!
How about in-line twins?
An in-line twin can still be done by treating it like two separate single cylinder engines. V twins are also done this way. This requires two ignition sets and, of course, cost more than a flat twin conversion.
My twin is too wide for my cowl! What can I do?
The first option would be to cut holes is your cowl :-) Many of the twins can use a modified 14mm spark plug design developed by C.H. Ignitions. This plug with the matching rubber spark plug cap will reduce the length of the spark plug by 3/8". To get even shorter requires the 1/4X32 spark plug. This set-up is almost $100 extra and we DO NOT recommend it as the small plugs are expensive, fragile, and we do not warranty them in the big gas engines. * We will soon have a fully shielded metal plug cap for the CM-6 10mm and the 5/8 hex 14mm spark plugs. These are a machined cap and will be a bit expensive.
I'm having trouble starting my magneto equipped gas engine! What would help?
The Jump Start is a battery powered booster ignition for these magneto equipped engines. It will provide a hot spark at hand crank RPM. If you carb is set correctly, it will allow hand starts! C.H. offers the Jump Start for the Zenoah G45, G62, and GT-74.
My magneto equipped engine shakes a lot! Can you help?
They sure do! All large single cylinder engines shake! The larger they are, the more they shake! It's a fact of life. A magneto equipped engine will shake less if converted to the C.H. Ignition with variable timing. Some engines may even show a power increase after conversion. An added bonus is that the engines will idle better, have a smoother mid-range, and be much easier to hand start. Warning! Even though C.H. Ignitions make these large gas engines much easier to start, they can still hurt you! You must use proper safety procedures at all times when dealing with these engines. We recommend the use of a heavy leather glove.
Does C.H. Ignitions offer an engine repair service?
If the engine is in good mechanical condition and has our ignition installed, we offer MAKE RUN services. We will check the ignition unit, set the ignition timing, and check the carb. We will then do the needed repairs and test run the engine. The charges for this service vary. Normally it will run about $30 for a single cylinder and $40 for a twin, plus parts. Call us BEFORE you ship an engine to us. Engine overhaul work will be charged by the hour.
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