Power Arc Ignition Development System (Version 2)
 
Home Index Wiring Installation

 

Ignition Development System

The Ignition Development System  is a software/hardware based ignition development system which can be used to create custom ignition systems for 1,2,H-D,3,4,6 and 8 cylinder engines. Both 2 and 4 cycle engines are supported.  The system uses a precision optical pickup and a stainless steel rotor. The Ignition Development  system employs the patented optical counting system with the ability to accurately place up to three separate sparks (with 2-10 transitions) at different crank angles to create a highly stable adjustable multi-spark ignition system (other patents are pending). The same rotor may be used for all engine types and can be mounted on the crankshaft or the camshaft. High voltage distribution can be done by a distributor cap or it can be distributorless (coil based).  Each spark's timing can be independently adjusted directly via the graphical interface. There are two configurable input sensors than can be either analog or digital. There are two RPM based outputs (some models) with separate on and off RPM values that can be different for each sensor state. Virtually any tachometer can be used on any engine. The number of engine starts is recorded as well as whether or not after engine start the engine ever exceeded a preset Maximum desired RPM level.


Programming Different Models

Power Arc IDS ignitions are available in 5 different models. The CP-2, VP-2 and VP-4 ignitions can be directly re-programmed with the PLC (Program Link Cable). The C-1 and C-2 ignitions require the use of a pin bed (wholesale only) to be re-programmed . All ignitions have been pre-programmed at the factory to a default ignition curve.  The curve is based on the type of adaptor or distributor the ignition was shipped with and corresponds to a specific engine or vehicle type. See wiring diagrams for additional information about each model.


Program Features

Timing Curve (graph)- Each timing curve has up to 10 transitions of timing with adjustable coil saturation (coil on/energized time) and up to 3 sparks per compression stroke.  Each curve has an adjustable Rev. limit, 2 RPM activated switches (some models), and a text box for notes. When a new curve has been created with the new curve wizard a series of nodes or points are present with lines plotted between them.  These nodes can be clicked on and dragged or adjusted to the desired position.  The red horizontal line represents the coil on or saturation line and can be adjusted in 10° increments. Please be aware that the maximum coil on time is limited by the software depending on the type of engine that the ignition is being developed for. Too much coil on time will overheat the coil potentially damaging it, and eventually weakening the spark output. Insufficient coil on time will create a weak spark all the time. At low RPM very little coil on time in degrees of crank are required while at higher RPM more coil on time is required. 

The remaining horizontal plot lines are for sparks.  Up to three sparks can be generated in a compression stroke.  Click and drag these sparks to their desired locations.  There must be at least 5 degrees of spread between each spark. There are really no guidelines for placement of these sparks.  They vary according to engine type, fuel type, RPM etc.  You are going to have to experiment since these types of capabilities (individual adjustment of multiple sparks) have never previously existed.

All node values can also be adjusted by double clicking them and entering the desired value in the corresponding text box. The vertical dashed red line represents the Rev. limit value.

Programs Ignition when hooked to Serial Port Status Box - Status of Programmed Settings Timing Curve Legend The number of unique RPM curve nodes or points available on the graphs X or RPM axis for the current sensor state The number of sparks per compression stroke for the current sensor state Text Box - Unique information about the current advance curve for the currently displayed sensor state can be typed into this area. Unique information may be entered for each sensor state. Start RPM Switch - Rpm value at which RPM switch is activated or turned on. Stop RPM Switch - Rpm value at which RPM switch is deactivated or turned off The RPM value can be adjusted by dragging the red dotted vertical line on the graph or by entering a value into the Rev. limit text box. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 50 - 12,500 RPM Copies the currently displayed graph Pastes graph which has been previously copied into the current sensor state Displays the current sensor state. There is one unique advance curve available for each sensor state. There can be up to four different sensor states and thus four different advance curve graphs.
Precautions:
Version 1 IDS files are not compatible with version 2.
The ignition optical pickup plate is light sensitive and can be effected by sunlight.
Do not power F2 and F4 series modules up with the optical pickup plate disconnected.
Use only resistor type spark plug wires and spark plugs.
Do not allow plug wires to cross use separators when running wires.

Menu Items

File
    New
    Open
    Save
    Save As
    Program Ignition
    Print Graph
    Last Opened  1  2  3  4
Config
    Serial Port
    Change Distribution Type
    Change Rotor Position
    Upgrade Firmware
    Adjust Sensor
    Adjust Fallback RPM
Help
    Help Topics
    About Dialog
About Sensors and Ignition Curves- A drop down list can be selected to display various ignition curves based on the sensor state. There is one unique advance curve available for each sensor state. There can be up to four different sensor states and thus four different advance curve graphs.  If None is selected as one of the sensors only 2 curves are available and if None is selected for both sensors you will only have 1 curve.  The sensor state can be changed by double clicking the sensor in the Status Box or by going to Config - Adjust Sensor. Some ignitions have only 1 sensor input others may have no sensor inputs.  Be sure to adjust the curve nodes and fill in any other values such as the Rev. limit for all sensor states.

Sensor 1- Digital sensor 1 can have either a grounded (tied to negative of the battery) or ungrounded state (not tied to negative of the battery). When the status field says "Digital" it means that sensor 1 is configured as a digital sensor.

Analog sensor values are limited to a range of 0-4 Volts in 1/10 volt increments. The voltage in the sensor 1 status field represents the transition point between the activation of the two advance curve graphs created for Sensor 1. One graph for cases when the voltage is greater than or equal ( > ) to the transition voltage and one when the voltage is less ( < ) than the spark advance transition voltage.

A value of NONE means that sensor 1 is not being used.

Sensor 2- Digital sensor 2 can have either a grounded (tied to negative of the battery) or ungrounded state (not tied to negative of the battery). When the status field says "Digital" it means that sensor 2 is configured as a digital sensor.

Analog sensor values are limited to a range of 0-4 Volts in 1/10 volt increments. The voltage in the sensor 2 status field represents the transition point between the activation of the two advance curve graphs created for Sensor 2. One graph for cases when the voltage is greater than or equal ( > ) to the transition voltage and one when the voltage is less ( < ) than the spark advance transition voltage.

A value of NONE means that sensor 2 is not being used.
 
Pick a Sensor State. There is a unique
ignition curve for each sensor state.


Copy- Copies the currently displayed graph.

Paste- Pastes the graph which has been previously copied into the currently selected sensor state.

Rev. Limit- The RPM value that the engine is limited to. There can be a unique value for each sensor state. Be sure to place values in all sensor states if desired. The RPM value can be adjusted by dragging the red dotted vertical line on the graph or by entering a value into the Rev. limit text box. The vertical Rev. limit line will not be visible until a value is entered into the Rev. limit text box.  Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 50 - 12,500 RPM.  A value of Zero means there is no Rev. Limit.  Warning- Do not lower the value below factory specifications.  Do not limit the engine RPM below recommended factory/OEM settings. This could impair or reduce a vehicles ability to make emergency maneuvers.  If you wish to monitor how many times a pre-desired maximum RPM was exceeded (such as during engine break in)
click here.

RPM Switch 1 (Start)- Rpm value at which RPM switch 1 is activated or turned on. There can be a unique value for each sensor state. Be sure to place values in all sensor states if desired. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 50 - 12,500 RPM.   The output grounds when activated (tied to negative). Not all ignitions have RPM switch outputs.

RPM Switch 1 (Stop)- Rpm value at which RPM switch 1 is deactivated or turned off. Be sure to place values in all sensor states if desired. There can be a unique value for each sensor state. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 100 - 12,500 RPM. Not all ignitions have RPM switch outputs.

RPM Switch 2 (Start)- Rpm value at which RPM switch 2 is activated or turned on. There can be a unique value for each sensor state. Be sure to place values in all sensor states if desired. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 50 - 12,500 RPM.  The output grounds when activated (tied to negative).  Not all ignitions have RPM switch outputs.

RPM Switch 2 (Stop)- Rpm value at which RPM switch 2 is deactivated or turned off. Be sure to place values in all sensor states if desired. There can be a unique value for each sensor state. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 100 - 12,500 RPM. Not all ignitions have RPM switch outputs.

Transitions- The number of unique RPM curve nodes or points available on the graphs X or RPM axis for the current sensor state.

Sparks- The number of sparks per compression stroke for the current sensor state.

Notes- Unique information about the current advance curve for the currently displayed sensor state can be typed into this area. Unique information may be entered for each sensor state.

Legend- Denotes the corresponding colors of lines on the graph. Coil On (Red), 1st Spark (yellow), 2nd Spark (Blue) and 3rd Spark (Green). 

Program Ignition- Click on this button to program the ignition. All sensor states must first be programmed. Make sure that you have configured the serial port (Config menu) and that the  PLC (Program Link Cable) is plugged into both the computer and the ignition. The ignition must have power supplied to it during the programming procedure.  Remove the program cable when finished.  The ignition will not operate with the program cable inserted. IDS C-1 and C-2 ignitions can only be reprogrammed by certified Power Arc dealers.

Program Rev. Limit- This allows for the programming of the Rev. Limit without changing any of the ignitions other timing curve values.  This will program a specified Rev. limit into all four sensor states. To access this feature choose the File menu item and pick Program Rev. Limit.  Close any ignition curves that are open or you you will not be able to access the Program Rev. Limit function.  Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 0 - 12,500 RPM.  A value of Zero means there is no Rev. Limit. Do not limit the engine RPM below recommended factory/OEM settings. This could impair or reduce a vehicles ability to make emergency maneuvers.  If you wish to monitor how many times a pre-desired maximum RPM was exceeded (such as during engine break in) click here. Make sure that you have configured the serial port (Config menu) and that the  PLC (Program Link Cable) is plugged into both the computer and the ignition. The ignition must have power supplied to it during the programming procedure. Remove the program cable when finished.  The ignition will not operate with the program cable inserted


   

Programs Ignition when hooked to Serial Port Text Box - Unique information about the current advance curve for the currently displayed sensor state can be typed into this area. Unique information may be entered for each sensor state The RPM value can be adjusted by dragging the red dotted vertical line on the graph or by entering a value into the Rev. limit text box. Values must be in 50 RPM increments from 50 - 12,500 RPM Start RPM Switch - Rpm value at which RPM switch is activated or turned on. Stop RPM Switch - Rpm value at which RPM switch is deactivated or turned off The number of unique RPM curve nodes or points available on the graphs X or RPM axis for the current sensor state The number of sparks per compression stroke for the current sensor state Timing Curve Legend Displays the current sensor state. There is one unique advance curve available for each sensor state. There can be up to four different sensor states and thus four different advance curve graphs. Copies the currently displayed graph Pastes graph which has been previously copied into the current sensor state

Status Fields



Double clicking on the corresponding status box allows you to change the settings (No. of cylinders, Engine type and Ignition Name/Model can not be changed).
 
No. of Cylinders- Indicates the number of cylinders the engine has. 1,2,3,4,6,8 or H-D (Harley-Davidson).  This setting can not be changed except by making a new curve.

H.V. Distr.- Indicates whether high voltage distribution by the spark plug wires is done with a distributor cap (Distrib.) or by coil (Coil). Distribution by coil requires two High Voltage outputs per cylinder for each coil used.

Rotor Pos.- Indicates whether the rotor is attached to the Cam or the Crank (location of the pickup sensor) indicating Cam or Crank speed.

Tach Type- A wide variety of tachometers may be used 1,2,H-D,3,4,6 and 8 cylinder tachometers can be used regardless of the engine type the ignition is configured for. Tach Type represents the type of tachometer that is connected to the ignition. The value represents the number of pulses per cam revolution for four cycle engines. The one and three cylinder tachometers put out the same number of pulses regardless of rotor mount position.

Curve Fallback- The separation in RPM between the engagement of a new spark advance (engine accelerating) and the disengagement of that spark advance (engine decelerating). For instance if the Fallback RPM was set at 200 RPM and a curve change was set to occur at 2000 RPM then the spark advance would change during acceleration at 2000 RPM and change back to the previous spark advance during deceleration at 1800 RPM. Graph nodes are limited in the RPM axis to the fallback value plus 50 RPM.

Sensor 1 and Sensor 2- Displays whether the sensor is digital, analog or not used (none).  If a sensor is configured as Analog, a curve transition voltage value must be entered into the text box in 0.1 volt increments up to 4.0 volts.  If one of the Sensor States changed to None (no sensor present), the number of Sensor  States will be reduced by 2. Double click on either of these fields to change the sensor state.

Engine Type- Indicates whether the engine is a two cycle (two stroke) or 4 cycle (4 stoke) engine. This setting can not be changed except by making a new curve.

Ignition Name/Model- Shows the name or model of ignition for which the curve was created. This setting can not be changed except by making a new curve.