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tidedriver
02-14-2009, 04:39 PM
Hi, We can not make our unit work in a McLaren M6B running a magneto. Neither could ESPN at Monterey. Any thoughts? the unit is mounted in the passenger foot well about as far away as practical from the engine.
We are powered off the on board gellcell that powers the electric fuel pump at low speed.
he unit will function with the engine off, occasionally at idle but as soon as the rpm increases it shuts down.
We are thinking of a separate powerpack as the AA's seem to die in 5 minutes, what other battery solution is practical?
Also, we are considering shielding the camera cable with a copper woven braided sleeve...should anything else be shielded?
Any ideas??? Thanks!
PS we have another unit working just fine in a MSD ignition car.
BroussalM
02-18-2009, 12:20 AM
Hi Tidedriver,

Very nice car ! And what a sound...
Did you check the 12v when the RPM increase ?
The good power of your PDR is essential.
For the AA accu you must used AA rechargeable one, Ni-Mh and with a minimum of 2700mAh. They absolutly don't "die" after 5 minutes, but the size of that Accu are not very standard and you could have some flaw with the electrics contact, as I had ( vibrations or fast curves).
Prefer using an external clean 12v power and only for the PDR. You'll find on the market some small rechargeable 12v pack which have the good connection for the PDR ( round 12v IN ).
Also, we are considering shielding the camera cable with a copper woven braided sleeve Realy don't think it change something.
If the PDR stop completely, it's the power.

Hope it's help you
Regards
Michel Broussal
RandallNoll
02-27-2009, 11:10 AM
Tidedriver,

Sorry I missed this earlier.

Yes, shield the camera cable. It can act as a big antennae for the magneto and cause the PDR to switch off.

Michel is correct about the batteries. Don't use normal alkaline AA's or NiCads. They lose voltage very quickly and drop below our minimum requirement, which is why they appear to 'die' in a few minutes. You'll have much better luck with Lithiums or NiMH rechargeables.

Hope this helps!