Electronic distributors

[svenedin]

How does the SX2000 work? Presumably it is still using the points as a trigger?

Stephen

[oliver90owner]

I built a capacitive discharge electronic ignition system, back some 50 years ago. Built from discrete components and a transformer supplied by ETI magazine, as an inexpensive option, for the project it carried, over one or two editions.

That worked fine, but still used the points as the trigger, back then. One or two switches simply reverted the system to the Kettering OEM. For any 4 cylinder engine, not revving past about 5000rpm, it was a superb improvement over the Kettering system and the current consumption was also a good indication of engine speed (which I did not use, as I already had an electronic pick-up type of electrical rev counter).

I would think that such a system would be perfectly adequate for most Minor drivers. Best of both worlds - better operation/performance, with easy reversion to the standard system.

[mobylette]

Further to my post re Boyer Bransden, I have now purchased one of their inductive discharge units. What I would like to do is fit a switch to replicate the Sparkrite SX2000 system of bypassing the unit in case of failure. The switch should disconnect the power from the unit and simultaneously switch the wire from the points straight to the coil. My brain has trouble with two way switching in house wiring so advice on a suitable switch and wiring diagram would be appreciated (I can see how to do it with two switches but that would be inelegant)

[oliver90owner]

A break-before make double pole double throw switch of suitable power handling should do the job?

[mobylette]

Thanks, I wanted a triple pole so I could disconnect the power as well. I have found one that should do the job, will report back when fitted.

[StillGotMy1stCar]

My initial thought was a Double Pole Double Throw switch, but started to do a drawing and realised it wouldn’t be possible to fully disconnect the module.

Triple Pole Double Throw will work;-

Electronic Ignition switch.png (109.15 KiB) Viewed 4954 times

Switch shown in conventional points position.
Note the link on the switch to enable the blue module wire to be connected/disconnected.

Regards John.

[les]

Go back to points, it’s a Morris Minor and runs perfectly well with such. Nowadays it’s a pleasure to run something that’s easy to maintain at home, what is the point in complicating matters ?

[mobylette]

Thanks John, that confirms my plan.

Les, I am keeping the points, this gives me both options at the flick of a switch. If you read my earlier post in this thread you will see this is for a Rover V8 engine

[kevin s]

For a rover v8 the easy option is to fit a range rover distributor and get OEM quality parts, thats what I a have done on my TR7V8 and it hasn't missed a beat in 12 years (only time the cap has been off is to steal the rotor arm for the range rover) spare amps are not dear either so I carry a spare just in case but never needed it.

[mobylette]

I agree, and that is what I would do if I could find a genuine Lucas one in good condition at a fair price. I know there are plenty of "copies" but in my experience they are very poor quality. I dream of finding a NOS item for £50

[svenedin]

I agree, and that is what I would do if I could find a genuine Lucas one in good condition at a fair price. I know there are plenty of "copies" but in my experience they are very poor quality. I dream of finding a NOS item for £50

I don’t think club spares charged me much more than £75 for a NOS Lucas 25D in its box….

Stephen

[kevin s]

I agree, and that is what I would do if I could find a genuine Lucas one in good condition at a fair price. I know there are plenty of "copies" but in my experience they are very poor quality. I dream of finding a NOS item for £50

Yes it was a bit different 12 years ago, a good used one cost me a tenner!

[svenedin]

I agree, and that is what I would do if I could find a genuine Lucas one in good condition at a fair price. I know there are plenty of "copies" but in my experience they are very poor quality. I dream of finding a NOS item for £50

Yes it was a bit different 12 years ago, a good used one cost me a tenner!

Ok I searched my e-mail. Club spares sold me a NOS Lucas 25D in its box for £100 in February 2023. I really think that's very reasonable.

Stephen