LIGHT SPEED ENGINEERING™, LLC
Plasma CD Ignition     

Light Speed Engineering will be meeting with our European
 customers during the month of May and will not be able to ship
 orders until we return.  You can place orders as usual on the
 website ORDERING page, by fax, or by e-mail during this time.
  All orders will be shipped upon our return in early June.
  Thank you for your business.

LSE may be reached via e-mail at: klaus@lightspeedengineering.com

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last update:
March 24, 2008

LSE Vari EZE Jon Johanson's RV

    

LIGHT SPEED ENGINEERING'S ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS

Light Speed Engineering, LLC (LSE) is a pioneer in the design and production of ignition systems for experimental aircraft.  Nineteen years of research and development have been invested in producing the PLASMA CDI (Capacitive Discharge Ignition) system product line.  LSE's PLASMA CD systems are the ideal replacement for yesterday's magneto technology.  You can replace one mag with a PLASMA CDI or, for maximum performance, replace both magnetos with these state of the art systems.
The Plasma CDI is a solid-state, high performance ignition system intended for today's home built aircraft.  Light Speed Engineering currently offers two Capacitive Discharge Ignition Systems: the PLASMA II PLUS and the PLASMA III.  They are available for Lycoming, Continental, Franklin, and other aircraft engines with even number cylinders.

Standard Plasma CDI kits include: direct crank sensor assembly, high tension leads, harness, spark plugs, spark plug adapters, and ignition coils with mounting bracket.  One or two systems can be used.

Accessory case driven Hall Effect Sensor Module available for all  4-cyl Lycoming and Lycoming type (i.e. Superior, ECI...) engines.

   Custom timing curve on all Turbo and Super-Charged ignition systems, add $125.
Laser cut mounting bracket, magnet holder and counter-weight on Continental engine ignition systems, add $195.


The following capabilities and output features are included on all Plasma II Plus and Plasma III ignition systems:

*Key Start Option- Allows the use of aircraft key switch
*Output 1- Timing Advance
*Output 2- Manifold Pressure
*Output 3- RPM
*Output 4- (+)5V Power for the optional LCD Display
*Cockpit adjustable timing advance
*Interconnect- for Dual PLASMA CDI



PLASMA II PLUS

PLASMA II PLUS - 4cyl -
Direct Crank Sensor
$1,120   
PLASMA II PLUS - 4cyl -
Hall Effect Module
$1,315   
Dual Plasma II Plus 4cyl- 
Direct Crank Sensor
 
$2,190  
Dual Plasma II Plus 4cyl
Hall Effect Module

$2,580  

The PLASMA II Plus is Light Speed Engineering's basic electronic ignition system for aircraft.  It is a lightweight, high-energy capacitor discharge system containing all of the essential Plasma CDI features.  Its smaller size and lighter weight sets it apart from any other ignition source.

Like all LSE ignition systems, it features automatic ignition advance based on engine load and RPM, auto retard for starting, and a standard pulse tachometer output.  


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PLASMA III

PLASMA III CDI- 4cyl - 
Direct Crank Sensor
$1,395   
PLASMA III CDI- 4cyl - 
Hall Effect Module
$1,590   
PLASMA III CDI- 6cyl $1,535   
Dual Plasma III- 4cyl- 
Direct Crank Sensor
 

$2,740   

Dual Plasma III- 4cyl
Hall Effect Module

$3,095   

Dual Plasma III- 6cyl-
Direct Crank Sensor
$2,995  

The PLASMA III is Light Speed Engineering's high performance continuous spark capacitor discharge ignition system.  The Plasma III has a dual output stage which allows the spark to oscillate back and forth for a minimum of 20 degrees crankshaft rotation.  This long duration spark allows further leaning without lean misfiring for added fuel efficiency it also noticeably increases horsepower output and engine smoothness.  
The PLASMA II PLUS and the PLASMA III have the output capabilities listed above (click here) and they are pin compatible.   



Timing advance, manifold pressure, and RPM information can be read in the cockpit using Light Speed Engineering's pre-wired digital display- option available with PLASMA II PLUS and PLASMA III systems.  (Not included with systems.)  Follow this link for more information on the pre-wired display: 
Digital Display.

All Light Speed Engineering ignition systems have automatic spark retard for starting.  This allows both magnetos to be replaced with two PLASMA CDI systems.  


PLASMA CDI TRIGGERING MECHANISMS

 

DIRECT CRANK SENSOR

Direct Crank SensorThe direct crank sensor system provides complete redundancy for single or dual Plasma CDI systems.  This crank sensor concept requires removal of the flywheel for installation.  Integrated magnets in the flywheel are used to trigger miniature hall effect sensors mounted on LSE's proprietary circuit board.  This sensor board is mounted to the crankcase via custom brackets for Continental and Lycoming engines. 

6-cyl engines and engines equipped for single drive dual magnetos use the direct crank sensor assembly exclusively.

This sensor is standard and included with all LSE ignition systems unless the Hall Effect Sensor Module is specified.

Further information on the direct crank sensor triggering mechanism may be found on the Crank Sensor page.



 

ACCESSORY CASE HALL EFFECT SENSOR MODULE
(4-CYL. LYCOMING & LYCOMING TYPE)

Hall Effect Sensor Module installed

Light Speed Engineering, LLC's Plasma Capacitive Discharge Ignition systems employ the latest hall sensor technology to provide maximum reliability and easy installation on Lycoming engines.  The Hall Effect Sensor Module is installed in place of the magneto and driven by the gear from a non-impulse magneto.  A built in timing light makes the installation easy and reliable.  The primary benefit of this triggering device is its straight forward installation.  Simply fit the module with a non-impulse drive gear and mount it in your empty mag hole-- effectively plug and play.  

4-cyl Lycoming engines are capable of using either the Hall Effect Module mounted in place of the magneto or the direct crank sensor assembly for crankshaft position information.  This accessory case mounted Hall Effect Module replaces single magnetos on Lycoming (or Lycoming- type) engines.  Two modules can be used to provide full trigger redundancy with dual electronic ignition installations.  Add $195 for each Hall Effect Sensor Module.
* Non-impulse drive gears not included.

 

 


Copyright ©2000 by LIGHT SPEED ENGINEERING, LLC.  416 E. Santa Maria St., Hangar-15, Santa Paula, CA 93060 U.S.A.
Mail Address: P.O. Box 549 Santa Paula, CA 93061 U.S.A.
Tel: 805 933 3299  Fax: 805 525 0199
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