Spark 'booster' (PNP circuit)

[jsmcortina]

I have been testing out a circuit board that implements an improved version of the PNP drive shown in the MS2/Extra manual that is suitable for driving the VAG COPs.
The circuit could be used as an add-on to the MS3X to drive this type of coil or mounted internally within an MS2 instead instead of prototyping the additional transistors.

What I'm wondering is whether there's any interest in such a board for retail. Plus would it be best pre-assembled surface mount or supplied as a bare PCB for through-hole do-it-yourself assembly?

James

[tpsretard2]

i might be interested, my subaru cops have the same problem as the vag cops

[colossusuk]

I'd like one of these boards if possible, at the moment I'm using a ford wasted spark pack but I would like to run VAG COPs on my VAG engine

Doesnt matter to me how it comes assembled or not - would assume it would be cheaper to assemble it ourselves?

Cheers,

James.

[Paul_VR6]

I would take a bunch. Pm me.

[BZR Se7en]

Yes, I'd be keen in PCB form. As long as it had 4 coil drivers (or maybe 2), and maybe some other useful circuit like boost control or Tach, or 4 injector drivers for sequential.
In other words, a board that would be ideal for a 4 cyl VAG engine.

Thanks

[jsmcortina]

PCBs in and I've assembled a couple.

The board is designed to be used either internally screwed to the case lid or in an external box. It uses either a 5V supply or 12V supply with on-board regulator.

100_3156.JPG

100_3157.JPG

James

[lotus23C]

What is different about the circuit to what is published in the manual?
thanks

[jsmcortina]

It contains current limiting on the output and has the input buffer transistors in place. It could be used externally from an MS3X or internally from the CPU in MS2 installs.

James

[teg]

I have just ordered a MS3X and I 'm running with 4 VAG COP's, so I'm interested!

[jsmcortina]

I'll put together some pricing in a bit.

James

[T3Bunny]

I am also very interested. Has the extras manual been updated to reflect the improved circuit design? If not, would you be willing to post a schematic up here? I am currently upgrading to full sequential if I can sort out a reliable cam synch. If not, guess I will need to run a coilpack instead.

i might be interested, my subaru cops have the same problem as the vag cops

Interesting, I can't say I have seen a Subaru with COP! But then most of the ones I work on tend to be older models.

[tpsretard2]

all STI's bar one model came with COP's

pre 99 was simple cops with external ignitors. the ms3 triggers these fine.

after that it has built in ignitors and the ms3 will not fire them directly.

[jsmcortina]

OK, here's my pricing for this first trial batch. In GBP / USD

Bare PCB = £7 / $11.2
Loose kit of parts w/o wires or regulator = £9 / $14.4
Loose kit of parts w/o wires = £12 / $19.2
Assembled without regulator = £25 / $40
Assembled with 250mA regulator = £28 / $45

International postage at cost. Airsure to US is ~$12

James

[davcol]

can this unit work with c.o.p. direct drive setup and boost its output

[teg]

Where is schematics for this? I would like to see it..

[lotus23C]

I never thought to ask before, this is for 3 pin dumb VAG COPs - right?

[jsmcortina]

I never thought to ask before, this is for 3 pin dumb VAG COPs - right?

Nope. 4 pin logic VAG COPs.

For 3 wire COPs you need an ignitor such as some BIP373s or the Quadspark from DIYautotune.

James

[davcol]

Will this circuit drive the toyota denso 4 pin cop ignition coil with built in ignitor ?

If yes, what would process of purchasing? do you used paypal, that would be good.

[davcol]

i would like try this on my project

[Matt Cramer]

Will this circuit drive the toyota denso 4 pin cop ignition coil with built in ignitor ?

If yes, what would process of purchasing? do you used paypal, that would be good.

Usually the Denso coils don't seem to need a booster.