From lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi  Mon Jan 17 07:33:31 2011
From: lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi (=?iso-8859-1?B?o2F1cmk=?=)
Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:33:31 +0200
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
Message-ID: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865>

Has anyone experience about AccuSpark electronic ignition?



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/20050
1886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM
<http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/2005
01886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaed7fe91>
&hash=item2eaed7fe91





Lauri Lehtinen

journalist, engineer

mobile: +358 (0) 400 851988

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which had a name of winmail.dat]

From jacranwell at aol.com  Tue Jan 18 03:09:28 2011
From: jacranwell at aol.com (jacranwell at aol.com)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:09:28 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
In-Reply-To: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865>
References: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865>
Message-ID: <8CD850EECA1F654-1CFC-2A0@web-mmc-d08.sysops.aol.com>

Lauri,

I've had too many bad experiences with electronis ignition. Plus, it costs
almost nothing to carry a spare set of points and a condensor, but carrying a
spare electronic distributor? Try finding one in the middle of nowhere on a
dash to Le Mans.

My 2 cents.

Julian.






-----Original Message-----
From: B#auri <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>
To: Alpine <alpines at autox.team.net>
Sent: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:34
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark


Has anyone experience about AccuSpark electronic ignition?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/20050
886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/2005
1886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaed7fe91>
hash=item2eaed7fe91


Lauri Lehtinen
journalist, engineer
mobile: +358 (0) 400 851988
[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which had a
name
f winmail.dat]
______________________________________________
lpines at autox.team.net
onate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
uggested annual donation  $17.25
rchive: http://www.team.net/archive
orums: http://www.team.net/forums
nsubscribe/Manage:
http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/jacranwell at aol.com

From peter at wizardclassics.co.uk  Tue Jan 18 09:38:52 2011
From: peter at wizardclassics.co.uk (Peter Chadbund)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:38:52 -0000
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
References: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865>
	<8CD850EECA1F654-1CFC-2A0@web-mmc-d08.sysops.aol.com>
Message-ID: <C8E4B2598A4C41D3B6A3C356E8BF2E3C@WIZARD1>

As an electronics engineer with some 50 years experience I regretfully have 
to agree with Julian's comment.
Unfortunately many of these products are built to a price rather than foe 
quality and reliability. In my youth (1960s) I designed and built an 
electronic ignition system for my Hillman Imp which ran without problem for 
four years, when I sold the car. It was eventually fitted to my Sunbeam 
Stilletto (acquired in 1970) on which it continued to perform faultlessly 
without problem for another four years. (needless to say it was built for 
quality not to a "selling price")
However I do believe it is worth fitting a solid-state replacement for the 
points, as these and the associated condenser, are the weak points in the 
system. I bought a very cheap set off ebay which when health and weather 
allow, I intend to fit to my wife's Alpine ser 5.
Pete

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jacranwell at aol.com>
To: <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>; <alpines at autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 10:09 AM
Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark


> Lauri,
>
> I've had too many bad experiences with electronis ignition. Plus, it costs
> almost nothing to carry a spare set of points and a condensor, but 
> carrying a
> spare electronic distributor? Try finding one in the middle of nowhere on 
> a
> dash to Le Mans.
>
> My 2 cents.
>
> Julian.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: B#auri <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>
> To: Alpine <alpines at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:34
> Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
>
>
> Has anyone experience about AccuSpark electronic ignition?
>
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/20050
> 886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM
> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/2005
> 1886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaed7fe91>
> hash=item2eaed7fe91
>
>
> Lauri Lehtinen
> journalist, engineer
> mobile: +358 (0) 400 851988
> [demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which had 
> a
> name
> f winmail.dat]
> ______________________________________________
> lpines at autox.team.net
> onate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> uggested annual donation  $17.25
> rchive: http://www.team.net/archive
> orums: http://www.team.net/forums
> nsubscribe/Manage:
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/jacranwell at aol.com
> _______________________________________________
> Alpines at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation  $17.25
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage: 
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/peter at wizardclassics.co.uk

From mrtebo at shaw.ca  Tue Jan 18 11:03:18 2011
From: mrtebo at shaw.ca (Mary and Ron Tebo)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:03:18 -0700
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
In-Reply-To: <C8E4B2598A4C41D3B6A3C356E8BF2E3C@WIZARD1>
References: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865>
	<8CD850EECA1F654-1CFC-2A0@web-mmc-d08.sysops.aol.com>
	<C8E4B2598A4C41D3B6A3C356E8BF2E3C@WIZARD1>
Message-ID: <4D35D5E6.9000903@shaw.ca>

All;

On the other hand, I've had a Pertronix Ignitor set w/std coil for 5yrs 
on my Series 1 ( and carried the points and condenser for reconversion 
in minutes), and have never had any problems (vs a frequent need for 
re-timing prior to installation)

Ron Tebo.

Peter Chadbund wrote:
> As an electronics engineer with some 50 years experience I regretfully 
> have to agree with Julian's comment.
> Unfortunately many of these products are built to a price rather than 
> foe quality and reliability. In my youth (1960s) I designed and built 
> an electronic ignition system for my Hillman Imp which ran without 
> problem for four years, when I sold the car. It was eventually fitted 
> to my Sunbeam Stilletto (acquired in 1970) on which it continued to 
> perform faultlessly without problem for another four years. (needless 
> to say it was built for quality not to a "selling price")
> However I do believe it is worth fitting a solid-state replacement for 
> the points, as these and the associated condenser, are the weak points 
> in the system. I bought a very cheap set off ebay which when health 
> and weather allow, I intend to fit to my wife's Alpine ser 5.
> Pete
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <jacranwell at aol.com>
> To: <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>; <alpines at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 10:09 AM
> Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
>
>
>> Lauri,
>>
>> I've had too many bad experiences with electronis ignition. Plus, it 
>> costs
>> almost nothing to carry a spare set of points and a condensor, but 
>> carrying a
>> spare electronic distributor? Try finding one in the middle of 
>> nowhere on a
>> dash to Le Mans.
>>
>> My 2 cents.
>>
>> Julian.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: B#auri <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>
>> To: Alpine <alpines at autox.team.net>
>> Sent: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:34
>> Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
>>
>>
>> Has anyone experience about AccuSpark electronic ignition?
>>
>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/20050 
>>
>> 886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM
>> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/2005 
>>
>> 1886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaed7fe91>
>> hash=item2eaed7fe91
>>
>>
>> Lauri Lehtinen
>> journalist, engineer
>> mobile: +358 (0) 400 851988
>> [demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which 
>> had a
>> name
>> f winmail.dat]
>> ______________________________________________
>> lpines at autox.team.net
>> onate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>> uggested annual donation  $17.25
>> rchive: http://www.team.net/archive
>> orums: http://www.team.net/forums
>> nsubscribe/Manage:
>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/jacranwell at aol.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> Alpines at autox.team.net
>> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>> Suggested annual donation  $17.25
>> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>> Unsubscribe/Manage: 
>> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/peter at wizardclassics.co.uk
> _______________________________________________
> Alpines at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation  $17.25
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage: 
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/mrtebo at shaw.ca

From jarrid_gross at earthlink.net  Tue Jan 18 12:02:12 2011
From: jarrid_gross at earthlink.net (jarrid_gross at earthlink.net)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:02:12 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
Message-ID: <5828182.1295377332979.JavaMail.root@wamui-june.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Lauri and all,

I usually wholeheartedly recommend electronic igntion, but this is a case
(moreso a product) I would not.

I went to their website, the electronic ignition offering looks to me to be a
Pertronix knock-off.

Pertronix is one of the few EI products I would avoid like the plague.
Why?  Even if we ignore the reliability issues, fundemental flaws in design
philosophy makes the
cylinder to cylinder timing variable since they put 4 different magnets in the
rotating "target" wheel.

If you go with an electronic ignition system, go with one that uses a variable
reluctor sensor (like later
lucas 45D distributors), or one that is optically triggered.
Both technologies dont have the above design flaw.

In Europe Lumenition is what I would recommend, In the US, Crane XR700 or
XR3000.


HTH

Jarrid Gross



-----Original Message-----
>From: B#auri <lehtinen.lauri at kolumbus.fi>
>Sent: Jan 17, 2011 6:33 AM
>To: Alpine <alpines at autox.team.net>
>Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
>
>Has anyone experience about AccuSpark electronic ignition?
>
>
>
>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/20050
>1886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM
><http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunbeam-Alpine-1966-68-Electronic-Ignition-25D4-/2005
>01886609?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eaed7fe91>
>&hash=item2eaed7fe91
>
>
>
>
>
>Lauri Lehtinen
>
>journalist, engineer
>
>mobile: +358 (0) 400 851988
>
>[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type application/ms-tnef which had a
name of winmail.dat]
>_______________________________________________
>Alpines at autox.team.net
>Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
>Suggested annual donation  $17.25
>Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
>Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
>Unsubscribe/Manage:
http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/jarrid_gross at earthlink.net

From william.lewis at ucdmc.ucdavis.edu  Tue Jan 18 12:42:46 2011
From: william.lewis at ucdmc.ucdavis.edu (William Lewis)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:42:46 -0800
Subject: [Alpines] electronic ignition
Message-ID: <OF6EAD8240.6B045E61-ON8825781C.006C2083-8825781C.006C491F@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu>

I have been running a Pertronics electronic ignition on my FrankenSeries 
for about 15 years.  No problems.  Car starts faster and I don't have to 
mess with the points, or even the plugs, anymore.  The electronic ignition 
and the heavier front sway bar are the two best upgrades you can make.
Bill Lewis
FrankenSeries II

From hamilton at accesswave.ca  Tue Jan 18 14:10:35 2011
From: hamilton at accesswave.ca (Robert (Bob) Hamilton)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:10:35 -0400
Subject: [Alpines] electronic ignition
Message-ID: <0a4718$j5pfae@ip06.eastlink.ca>


From hamilton at accesswave.ca  Tue Jan 18 14:13:15 2011
From: hamilton at accesswave.ca (Robert (Bob) Hamilton)
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:13:15 -0400
Subject: [Alpines] electronic ignition
Message-ID: <0a4718$j5pfq6@ip06.eastlink.ca>

Bill and other listening in,

I have had Pertronix in my 1953 - 54 Sunbeam Talbots for close to 10 
years not and I have never once had a problem with the. Instant 
starts, improved mileage, smooth running and best of all, I never 
have to set points and adjust the timing.

Having said that, I did find out what happens when your voltage 
regulator starts supplying over 16V! At this voltage, the Pertronics 
system will not be damaged but it does stop working for periods of 
about 10 - 15 seconds (slowing down gently from 60 mph) which is 
enough to cause a muffler destroying explosion in the exhaust system! 
Other motorists around thought there had been gunfire! Humerous but 
it took me a while to determine why it was cutting out. I now have 
the regulator regulating and all is well with Pertronics.

Later,
Bob



At 03:42 PM 1/18/2011, William Lewis wrote:
>I have been running a Pertronics electronic ignition on my FrankenSeries
>for about 15 years.  No problems.  Car starts faster and I don't have to
>mess with the points, or even the plugs, anymore.  The electronic ignition
>and the heavier front sway bar are the two best upgrades you can make.
>Bill Lewis
>FrankenSeries II

From peter at wizardclassics.co.uk  Wed Jan 19 04:04:27 2011
From: peter at wizardclassics.co.uk (Peter Chadbund)
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:04:27 -0000
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
References: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865><8CD850EECA1F654-1CFC-2A0@web-mmc-d08.sysops.aol.com>
	<C8E4B2598A4C41D3B6A3C356E8BF2E3C@WIZARD1>
	<8B9D6D11D1BA4E82818D15CBC07456E1@D5WM7S3J>
Message-ID: <9AB2C2B188964EBDB35E9FB9B0F97033@WIZARD1>

In my opinion replacing the points and condenser should be the priority. 
Using the points to switch the electronic circuitry has the advantage of 
reducing the load on the points thus reducing the electrical wear. They will 
still need regular checking as the mechanical parts will still wear the 
same. The points and coil ht system is an antiquated design, but part of the 
quirkiness of our vehicles, so I would say, if reliability and daily use are 
prime considerations, fit an electronic system that replaces the points with 
a solid-state device (or just replace the points for a cheaper almost as 
effective alternative). Having talked to people who have fitted electronic 
ignition units, their claims to improved fuel consumption and performance 
can usually be attributed to a greater tolerance in the setting of the 
points etc., the timing of the  electronic unit being less critical.

Pete

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "TTynan" <ttynan at iol.ie>
To: "Peter Chadbund" <peter at wizardclassics.co.uk>
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:19 PM
Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark


> Peter
> I have one of these, not yet fitted. It retains the existing point and is 
> switchable between the two states in the event of the ubit's failure. Has 
> no CD discharge circuitry.  Is it rue that true electronic with the 4- 
> magnet choper a bad design?
> Thanks
> TT
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Peter Chadbund" <peter at wizardclassics.co.uk>
> To: <alpines at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:38 PM
> Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
>
>
>> However I do believe it is worth fitting a solid-state replacement for 
>> the points, as these and the associated condenser, are the weak points in 
>> the system. I bought a very cheap set off ebay which when health and 
>> weather allow, I intend to fit to my wife's Alpine ser 5.
>> Pete

From rootesrooter at aol.com  Wed Jan 19 21:44:10 2011
From: rootesrooter at aol.com (RootesRooter)
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:44:10 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark
In-Reply-To: <9AB2C2B188964EBDB35E9FB9B0F97033@WIZARD1>
References: <249E95D72EC44E80BAEDBA753465AA05@lehtipuu224865><8CD850EECA1F654-1CFC-2A0@web-mmc-d08.sysops.aol.com><C8E4B2598A4C41D3B6A3C356E8BF2E3C@WIZARD1><8B9D6D11D1BA4E82818D15CBC07456E1@D5WM7S3J>
	<9AB2C2B188964EBDB35E9FB9B0F97033@WIZARD1>
Message-ID: <8CD8673D0136705-10D0-55ED@webmail-d034.sysops.aol.com>

I switched my Series V to Petronix roughly 15 years ago, or 50,000 miles.
Never a problem.  I used to get occasional pings on hills; they disappeared
with the Petronix.  I do keep a spare set of points/condenser in the toolbox -
just in case.




-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Chadbund <peter at wizardclassics.co.uk>
To: alpines <alpines at autox.team.net>
Sent: Wed, Jan 19, 2011 3:05 am
Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark


In my opinion replacing the points and condenser should be the priority.
sing the points to switch the electronic circuitry has the advantage of
educing the load on the points thus reducing the electrical wear. They will
till need regular checking as the mechanical parts will still wear the
ame. The points and coil ht system is an antiquated design, but part of the
uirkiness of our vehicles, so I would say, if reliability and daily use are
rime considerations, fit an electronic system that replaces the points with
 solid-state device (or just replace the points for a cheaper almost as
ffective alternative). Having talked to people who have fitted electronic
gnition units, their claims to improved fuel consumption and performance
an usually be attributed to a greater tolerance in the setting of the
oints etc., the timing of the  electronic unit being less critical.
Pete
----- Original Message -----
rom: "TTynan" <ttynan at iol.ie>
o: "Peter Chadbund" <peter at wizardclassics.co.uk>
ent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 9:19 PM
ubject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark

 Peter
 I have one of these, not yet fitted. It retains the existing point and is
 switchable between the two states in the event of the ubit's failure. Has
 no CD discharge circuitry.  Is it rue that true electronic with the 4-
 magnet choper a bad design?
 Thanks
 TT
 ----- Original Message -----
 From: "Peter Chadbund" <peter at wizardclassics.co.uk>
 To: <alpines at autox.team.net>
 Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:38 PM
 Subject: Re: [Alpines] pointless? AccuSpark


> However I do believe it is worth fitting a solid-state replacement for
> the points, as these and the associated condenser, are the weak points in
> the system. I bought a very cheap set off ebay which when health and
> weather allow, I intend to fit to my wife's Alpine ser 5.
> Pete
______________________________________________
lpines at autox.team.net
onate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
uggested annual donation  $17.25
rchive: http://www.team.net/archive
orums: http://www.team.net/forums
nsubscribe/Manage:
http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/alpines/rootesrooter at aol.com