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not attempt a hand prop start unless you are well versed in this procedure. See
Emergency Prop Starting below.
Stopping the engine
- CAUTION: P-MAG (self-powered) models are similar to
magnetos in that the ignition kill switch is the only way to stop the ignition once the
engine is started.
Powering Down -
With all E-MAG models, use your main power switch or breaker(s)
to power down the ignitions. The ignition OFF switch (p-lead) only tells the E-MAG to
stop generating spark. It does NOT cut power to the ignition. If you leave the craft
with your E-MAG(s) powered ON, they will draw down your battery over time.
P-MAG Alternator Check
: - You can check the internal alternator operation on the
P-MAG during run-up (900+ rpm) by switching to the P-MAG ignition and cutting
power at the breaker (or other switch). If the built-in alternator is working, the engine
will continue to run. If it is not working, the engine will quit.
NOTE: Do NOT turn 12
volt power OFF and ON to E-MAG (non-alternator) model ignition while the engine is
running. The ignition undergoes an initialization and calibration when first powered
up that assumes the engine is not running. If done while the engine is running, the
calibration will be off.
Emergency Power
- The P-MAG alternator power output is proportional to engine
rpm. The ignition will automatically switch to whichever source (aircraft or internal
alternator) is offering greater power. Should it ever be called upon in an emergency
(aircraft power failure), the P-MAG internal alternator will take over automatically.
There is no need for operator action of any kind.
Emergency Prop Starting
– Both the E-MAGs and P-MAGs need outside electrical
power to start. You cannot prop-start the engine with either ignition if the battery is
missing, or totally dead. However, a low battery that barely “bumps” the starter
motor, or can only “click” the solenoid will likely have enough energy to power the
ignition for prop starting.
Caution: Do not attempt a prop start unless you are
trained and are comfortable with the procedure.
The following is NOT a
thorough or complete guide on how to safely prop start an engine.
At start-up
the E-MAG’s first fire will ONLY happen at TDC on the index cylinders (every other
compression stroke). Finding the index bank is easy if you can see the ignition.
Turn buss power ON with the ignition switch OFF. This will put the ignition(s) in
Setup Mode with the red LED lit (see section on “Installation and Timing”). In Setup
Mode, the sparks plugs should not be able to fire, so you can pull the prop through
one or possibly two compression strokes. Pause to rock the engine back and forth
over the engine TDC mark. When doing this over the index bank of cylinders, the
ignition(s) GREEN LED will light up. You can then back up the prop, and it will be
“set for start”. Then (and only then) turn the ignition switch ON and you are ready to
prop-start the engine. If you can’t see the ignitions, you can always prop start as
usual, and simply accept that you have a 50/50 chance of being properly set to fire
on any given attempt.
