Following
are some of the frequently asked questions about electronic ignition
systems and NewTronic Contactless Optical Electronic Ignition
Kits.
How
does the electronic ignition system work?
What
does the ignition kit contain?
Is
the kit easy to fit?
What
type of ignition coils should I use with the kit?
My
model is not listed, do you manufacture a kit for it?
What
should I do if I have a problem fitting the kit or if I suspect
there is a fault?
How
do I time up my new ignition system?
Q:
How does the ignition system work?
The
points are replaced by optical pick-ups/triggers which consist
of an infra-red lamp and sensor, there could be one, two or three
of these pick-ups per lamp set depending on the vehicle.
A
plastic or metal rotor with a cut out blade is fitted on to the
points cam/ATU or replaces the points cam/ignition drive shaft.
As the rotor rotates, it blocks the infra-red light from the sensor
until it reaches the cut-out, at this point a signal is sent to
the switching unit/amplifier which fires your coil(s) depending
on which pick-up has sent the signal.
One
of the main benefits of this system is there are no contacting
parts, so once it's set up and timed you can forget about
it!
Q:
What does the ignition kit contain?

click
on image to enlarge
(actual
contents may vary slightly depending upon the model of bike)
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All
ignition kits contain the following:-
- Optical
trigger(s): The lamp set supplied consists of one, two or three
optical triggers connected to a long wire lead to be connected
to the switching unit.
- Mounting
for Optical Trigger(s): This will be a new baseplate, segment
plate or adapter plate depending on the kit.
- Rotor(s):
In some kits there are several rotors supplied to increase the
number of motorcycles that kit will fit.
- Switching
Unit: This will be a single, twin, or triple channel switching
unit depending on the motorcycle.
-
A wiring loom is supplied with the correct type of connector
for your bike to connect the switching unit to the coils and
the switched live feed.
- Sticky
Pad: An industrial strength sticky pad is supplied to stick
the switching unit in a convenient place.
Extras:
All necessary screws are supplied. Some kits also have different
size spacers to raise or lower the height of the pick-ups if necessary.
Note:
A small amount of Loctite or similar thread loc should be used
on all screws.
Q:
Is the ignition kit easy to fit?
Yes,
the kits are easy to fit. If you are capable of replacing points
and timing your bike/car then the kit should be no problem at
all. As a guide it should take you between 1 to 2 hours start
to finish, including timing!
Q:
What type of ignition coils should I use with the kit?
The
ignition system is designed to use the original coils for your
vehicle, this significantly reduces the cost of converting to
electronic ignition. Replacement coils should be not less than
3 Ohm primary resistance.
Q:
My model is not listed, do you manufacture a kit for it?
NewTronic
ignition kits are only currently available for road bikes with
points and coils. (Aermacchi, Benelli, BMW, BSA, Ducati, Enfield,
Honda, Jawa, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Moto Laverda, MV augusta, MZ,
Norton, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha).
Contact us
with your requirements and let us know what you are looking for.
Q:
What should I do if I have a problem fitting the kit or if I suspect
there is a fault?
Run
through the fault finding chart included with the kit (printed
in red), and if you are still having no luck, contact NewTronic
technical support department by phone, fax or email. (Tel:+44
0207 403 4334, Fax:+44 0207 378 1270, email: newtronic@autocar-electrical.com)
In
the unlikely event you have to return a kit for testing/repair,
send as much back as possible, with a description of the symptoms
and when they occur, including full make and model details for
the vehicle and a contact number.
The
manufacturer cannot be held responsible for returns that do not
reach them because they are lost in the post, use registered post.
If you are returning a unit from outside the U.K. you must state
to your carrier that it is being returned as "WARRANTY
RETURN - NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" otherwise it may be refused
because of customs duties..
Q:
How do I time up my new ignition system?
Timing
your new ignition system is the same as for points - consult your
manual.
When
timing the engine, you should be out of direct bright light, and
when timed up, all covers need to be replaced on the engine before
it is taken outside and run, or it will not run correctly. The
triggers/pick-ups in the system use infra-red light, and an outside
source of light will interfere with them.
When
timing a two stroke that has the timing marks near where the triggers
are located, the static method should be used, preferably with
a dial gauge for accuracy. Using a strobe light can cause false
readings, as the strobe will be shining on the triggers. A strobe
light is only necessary for engines that have a mechanical advance
and retard system and not for 2 strokes, which nearly always fire
at the same point throughout the revs.
PRODUCT
REVIEWS
What customers
have said:
"I
installed my Newtronic ignition this past weekend, the job went
very well, taking about an hour from start to riding off and
trying it out. I've owned the '71 BMW since new, and have always
done my own work. I found the directions easy to follow and
the kit seems to be very sturdy and fits very well. The bike
idles more smoothly and seems to pull a bit better from low
Revs. Thanks for the great product." Ray S. Iowa, USA
"Thank
you once again for your concern and help, I still say your electronic
ignition is far far superior to points." C.P. - Cornwall
"I
am writing to tell you how pleased I am with your Electronic
Ignition fitted to my Kettle (Waterbuffalo here in the states).
In 35 years of motorcycling I've never seen a better engineered
or better performing kit than yours. The bike is an absolute
joy to ride. What better way to get more enjoyment than to order
more kits for some other machines." Hans - Washington
- USA
"Timing
the Newtronic was a lot easier than points. I always found the
setting would wander a bit when tightening the points plate
down. Didn't happen with the Newtronics." Glenn - Canada
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