From my understanding the only thing important about the ac signal is it's crossing 0 points, if it works, it works, if it's not strong enough tuff. Why would MSD try and shamelessly promote something that does nothing? The higher voltage coils I can respect to some degree, but this is a switch. Does it effect dwell? No, does it effect the current going to the transistors? No. So what gives? I might have just lost all respect for MSD . Their other stuff I could swallow but this, I think this is just a slap in the face. Or am I wrong and the signal to the ignition module DOES matter. Maybe the higher voltage has a more accurate switching point, but by how much (edit, after looking at it the voltage wouldn't effect the switching point).

 

Doesn't make a difference at all. The only thing that matters is a positive-going zero crossing.

Well actually, it's not really a zero crossing, the threshold voltage is more like 0.5v or something, but you get the idea.

 

The only thing that I can make of it is IF the higher voltage allows for a more vertical slope of the voltage rise causing a threshold crossing that is "possibly" faster or more precicly switchable for the crossing point.
Just $0.02

 

It doesn't. The zero voltage point occurs when there's no relative movement in the field, when the reluctor is exactly opposite the pickup coil, regardless of the peak voltage.

 

FYI, you can find a paper on ignition module operation here:
http://www.national.com/ds/LM/LM1815.pdf

from this thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=243633

 

For the ecms with no time domain correction, it might mean a couple degrees more accuracy.

 

The higher voltage will help at low speeds such as cranking and idle. Otherwise it can be seen as good marketing. . .

RBob.

 

Somehow I doubt it makes any difference at all and as far as the marketing... well let's just say they might loose me forever. I have yet to be impressed with their "marketing" from a technical standpoint. Don't get me wrong, good products with good R&D but the marketing is insulting. I'd rather see a chart of how their CDI multi-spark compares to inductive HEI, or points. Charts like that impress people, not the sensor pick-up . That's like saying hey, it's RED, red is brighter! Brighter is better!
Seriously, if their stuff is at all good why haven't I seen they market actual improvements over HEI stuff? All I see is CDI this, CDI that but no emissions data and I KNOW they've gotta have the daq equipment for it. Wouldn't that be nice though, to actually SHOW what you're selling makes a difference in how it EFFECTS the engine, not how it's signal is superior .
Talk is just that while results speak for themselves and I have YET to get any data about CDI or any of their products making more horespower in certain applications. Or this claimed better throttle responce. I don't doubt that there is a difference I just haven't seen any daq to prove it let alone 1/4 mile times and trap speeds to back it up .

 

yes but with vrs designed ignition module your going to have trouble with a signal amplifier. at higher rpm the voltage will continue to go up. this is a problem becuase at some point the voltages will hit the shunt values and the module will stop reading it. typically around 200volts.

 

Jprevost -

Marketing is just that, Marketing. The general public is stupid and might as well be pushed around with Caddle Prods. Every company uses marketing campaigns to make money. Techy mumbo jumbo will never sell a product. When is the last time you saw a Chevy commercial that talks about latest engine technology? All I see is hot chicks, car stunts and lots of classic rock music. To some up my thoughts, you are not part of the cattle. You are sincerely interested in the product and are intelegent enough to research what you buy.

 

Damn, so you're saying I'm not somebody they want buying their product... okay.
At least in the car commercials it is REAL results. The GTO, Vette, and Caddy commercials might have the rock music going for them but they also show us what they can do. That' s results in marketing. MSD's failed to do anything except convince me that they're unreliable. If I had a dollar for every MSD box I heard failed I'd have enough for my CNP project. Even in the pro's I see countless times where the MSD CDI has failed some obscure death and then you see tons of race cars with backup boxes . Call me out on this but for something as expensive as their CDI it should be a tad more robust, even if it was poorely wired there should be some protection! Does this make sence? Thermal damage, how about a thermal warning light or better yet, a small $.02 fan to keep it cool? Because everywhere I go I see no results. Page after page of electronics showing me nothing but a shiny new do dad that seems to sell like crazy. STS remote mount turbo is the only exception that comes to mind, everything else seems like a waste of money when you're purpose is to go reliably fast. I think I'll stop ranting now, it's putting me into a bad mood.