Update August 6. 2007: A single Kohler PTI (photo-trigger-ignition) prototype has been in the field since May 5th installed in a 107 Cub Cadet tractor. It has been performing perfectly, and its owner frequently checks the timing for confirmation. He had been running the PointSaver Classic as the original distributor of that product, but jumped at the chance to try out the one-off proto.

Hi Dale,

Put a little over 1.5 hours on the system this weekend, running it in my 107 Cub Cadet. I never shut the engine down during this time, and the tractor was used to pull a sweeper. This actually loads the engine quite nicely and temperatures were at the normal operating region. I would estimate the block temperature in the vicinity of the ignition mounting point is around 180 deg F.

The engine performed perfectly...initially started right up and I never detected a single misfire. No complaints thus far. I like it!

This PTI (photo-trigger-ignition) will do away with the breaker points and condenser used in a conventional battery powered (Kettering) ignition altogether. Magneto powered systems may also be replaced, however a charging system will be necessary to provide consistent power to the coil and maintain the battery.

Using a coil-on-plug automotive IGBT with a photo-interrupter as a trigger, this system will offer maintenance free operation and hi-performance with a Bosch Blue coil. The back end of this system has been in the field for better than 1 year now on HET (hall-effect-trigger) ignitions - only the front end is changing.

This system will offer an integral built in LED used for static timing and system diagnosis. Although the system will be nearly timed out of the box, engine manufacturing tolerances will require some set up to ensure the utmost in performance. At the precise moment that the coil energy collapses, the LED will turn off. Conversely, the LED on is a clear indicator that the coil is energized.

As I am writing this, a K91 outfitted with a crude prototype is maintaining a steady beat outside my door in South-Eastern Wisconsin. It is expected to reach a low of 7 degrees F this evening, and I expect the K91 to be running when I wake. I began testing his morning at 9:15AM, with a 24 hour test in mind. After nearly 15 hours of run time, it is just about the witching hour now.

As usual, I would expect the entire system with the Bosch coil to sell for $100 USD give or take. If you have any questions or would like to be a beta-site tester, please feel free to send an inquiry.