I remember my first visit to the United States over a decade ago. Landing from my small, bustling hometown of Meerut, India, I was instantly awestruck. The silence, the systematic flow of traffic, the lack of honking—it was a world engineered for flawless human convenience. Everything was neat, clean, and in order . For nearly a year, I was hypnotized. I praised this country for its efficiency, its cleanliness, and, notably, its lack of stray animals . Where were the dogs, the cows, the insects that are a normal part of life back home? The US, I thought, was truly a superior model of civilization. My clothes never even collected dust; it seemed the entire landscape was sterilized. But as the years passed, the hypnosis began to fade. I started asking a darker question: What is the price of this perfect order? The Cost of the Empty Road My initial praise for the US was based on what I didn't see: no stray animals, no swarming insects, no dust. I realized this absence wasn't a s...
I saw this advertisement of electroair electronic ignition systems on the website of EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2024. I clicked on this advert and decided to have a detailed look at it. Here is my observation of the surfing I did.
The main page of the website details what this electronic ignition system is and here is what they said:
The electronic ignition system has been designed to power piston experimental aircraft.
An increase in useful power and lower fuel consumption is promised through this new ignition system.
This system is developed by Jeff Rose who is himself an experimenter.
Having electronic ignition system for aircraft has been thought of since many years, however, this man took the next step than just thinking of such a concept.
Back in 1992, Jeff Rose decided to create something which at that time many thought was impossible.
There is an explanation on how he came out with electronic ignition system.
Since I am not an engineer or a technical person, it is difficult for me to justify as to what he did was right or wrong.
To find out if electronic ignition system is better than ignition systems that were available before that, I took the help of Google Gemini.
I asked it if electronic ignition system is better than other ignition system? if yes how and if no how? This is what Gemini answered me.
After explaining the working of traditional ignition system and electronic ignition system.
I was explained the advantages of electronic ignition system
Traditional ignition system:
Uses a distributor with rotating points or a magnetic pickup which interrupts the flow of current to a coil.
The interruption creates high voltage in the coil, which is then sent to the spark plugs through a distributor cap and spark plug wires.
This arrangement requires regular maintenance including replacing points or cleaning the distributor cap.
Electronic Ignition System (EIS):
It makes use of a sensor which detects the position of the engine.
This information is used by an electronic control unit (ECU) to calculate the ideal spark timing.
The ignition coil is controlled by the ECU to generate high voltage spark as and when required.
The explanation of the working of the two system itself clear as to which can be more efficient. EIS clearly scores more among the two, with precise spark timing and minimal maintenance.
Let's Talk About Some Advantages of Electronic Ignition System
Better fuel economy and smooth running engine are the result of precise spark timing.
Since the spark delivery is consistent it results in easier engine start even in cold weather.
This system is less harmful to the environment as better spark timing provides for better combustion.
Since the system is running smoothly it results in reduced wear and tear, reducing the need for regular cleaning or replacement.
Disadvantages of EIS
When you enjoy all these benefits of EIS, you will have to compromise on few drawbacks as well.
The system is more complex than traditional one, so when the need for repair arises, a trained technician will be required to do that.
These system can cost more than their traditional counterpart.
Electroair
As mentioned on the website of electroair.net there are three category of products offered by them.
- STC
- Spark Plugs
- Switch Panels
When we look at the website there is information about Electroair, warranty, terms and conditions. There is tech support section The partners section contains distributors, OEM and installation centres.
Ignition kits are available for four cylinder and six cylinder engines. 10-15% improvement is fuel economy is reported when one magneto is replaced with the EIS-41000 in Lycoming 4cyl engines.
Many users have claimed that it has improved the horsepower, smoother engine operation, and better performance at higher-altitude.
You can have a detailed look at the different kits here - https://www.electroair.net/4cylignitionKit.html#
The Takeaway
For experimental aircraft makers, who want to have everything perfect, electronic ignition system can give them better performance, efficiency, and reliability. It becomes important as they have lot more things to consider.
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