Re: Condenser function

• To: tesla-at-pupman-dot-com
• Subject: Re: Condenser function
• From: "Bill Layer" <b.layer-at-vikingelectronics-dot-com> (by way of Terry Fritz <terryf-at-verinet-dot-com>)
• Date: Tue, 08 Sep 1998 19:54:24 -0600
• Approved: terryf-at-verinet-dot-com

Hi All,

Just an intersting (?) note. Maybe even relevant.

At 08:16 PM 9/4/98 -0600, you wrote:
  
>  Ok, you are speaking of the condensor that comes with the points in a tune
>up kit for older ignition systems.  That one does indeed supress the spark
>from the coil.  I have purchased coils with a cap to supress noise that would
>interfere with the radio.  

The condenser is slightly more active than many have been lead to believe.
You are both correct in that: 1) it snubs unwanted noise and 2) it
increases the spark strength, and saves point life, by preventing losses in
arcing.

What is not generally known is that the value of the condenser is important
in it's relation to the inductance of the IGN coil primary. The resonant
circuit formed is most efficient at one particular frequency (RPM) and this
is where output is the highest, and points wear is the lowest.

The interesting phenomenon is that of the wear mode: metal transfer. As
points wear, metal is transferred from one contact to the other. Increasing
or decreasing the cap value will allow you to control which direction the
contact metal is transferred. At one value (for one RPM) metal transfer
theoretically stops... 
 
Bill Layer
"Quantity has a Quality all of it's own." -JL

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