DIM Electronic Advance Ignition

All,

More about the progress on the electronic advance distributor project. The controller contains the vacuum (MAP) sensor and the ignition driver. No other modules or ballast resistor required. Hardware includes hooks for CAM/Crank sensing. Graphical user interface (GUI) via USB, not required for normal operation.

I took Dan's great advise, and used a lean burn distributor. It is an off the shelf unit that is very simple, without vacuum and mechanical advance. It also has a single pickup coil. Distributors are available for both /6 and V8.

Bill also suggested an e-core coil, and it has also shown excellent performance.

I have been doing significant testing on the system with good results. Testing is done with a distributor simulator, it simulates starting, idle, increasing RPM, past rev limiter, then repeats. I also have a hardware setup with 8 spark plugs, a variable speed motor for rotating the distributor, and a timing light method to check advance. A vacuum source is used to simulate engine vacuum.

I have an monitoring system that includes a scope and logic analyzer to measure crucial timing of signals, currents and voltages.

I plan to evaluate and evaluate the best, coils, caps, rotors and plug wires. This testing will also be for component endurance, it will be ongoing and take time.

I have attached a screen shot of the recent GUI changes. The data plot is able to record multiple data at 10mS intervals. It is several times faster than OBD2.

Comments by all are always appreciated.