testing my dva meter

[fisheymikey]

hi everyone!
I just finished builing my dva adapter and works great... tested on a few batteries and works!!
now I have a few question I did look at the outboard ignition web site and they clearly indicated witch wire to test from..
but the only question is do I do the testing during running? at ignition with plugs out? full throttle etc

thanks

 

[pnwboat]

Re: testing my dva meter

I've always wondered about the DIY DVA adapters that I've seen out on the NET. A battery isn't a very good test, as it is pretty much a constant level. The voltage output of the CD Modules is not at a constant level. It fluctuates, so it is difficult to get an accurate measurement. The DVA allows you to get a more accurate measurement of the fluctuating voltage.

I'm not 100% sure, but on a good working motor I have tested a commercially made DVA at idle speed and saw the correct voltages as noted in the trouble-shooting guides. There is some variation as you increase the RPMs. Voltage increases. As long as the voltage is in the neighborhood of the troubleshooting guides, and I see the same thing on all the CD modules, I assume that everything is good to go.

I haven't tested it at cranking speed, but I believe in theory at least, you should see similar voltage levels as you do at idle speed. Maybe slightly lower? I don't know.

 

[fisheymikey]

Re: testing my dva meter

ok perfect ill run it at idle just going to wait a few months -30c in quebec Canada

 

[Jiggz]

Re: testing my dva meter

The ignition system specs chart I use, indicates cranking DVA for the Trigger and CD Modules/switch box. Thus telling these are the minimum DVA readings. For CD Mods it is 150V+ while for the trigger it differs from mostly 0.5V+ and 4V+ depending on model. If you can repost your engine model and year, I can give you the required minimum DVA for each component mentioned. Remember, a DVA is only used because the voltage being read, as mentioned by PNW is not constant, but because it is so fast and rapid it is basically a spike, that a regular voltmeter cannot read it accurately.

 

[fisheymikey]

Re: testing my dva meter

The ignition system specs chart I use, indicates cranking DVA for the Trigger and CD Modules/switch box. Thus telling these are the minimum DVA readings. For CD Mods it is 150V+ while for the trigger it differs from mostly 0.5V+ and 4V+ depending on model. If you can repost your engine model and year, I can give you the required minimum DVA for each component mentioned. Remember, a DVA is only used because the voltage being read, as mentioned by PNW is not constant, but because it is so fast and rapid it is basically a spike, that a regular voltmeter cannot read it accurately.

here you go
1988 1251x8c
but are you replying that it has to be cranking? if so at nutral? full throttle spark plugs out? etc

thanks jiggz

 

[Jiggz]

Re: testing my dva meter

For your engine model: 88-125HP-C, cranking DVA's are:
Trigger - 0.5V+ (between each wire pairs)
CDM - 150V+
Stator Ignition wire output - 180V+ (each wire pairs)

 

[fisheymikey]

Re: testing my dva meter

I do have the colors so I could test between stator and trigger.
do I need to remove them from the connection bar?
and how do I test the cdm?
thx

 

[submariner1980]

Re: testing my dva meter

Here is a lot of information you need. Page 7.
http://www.ebasicpower.com/downloads/cditech/CDI-Troubleshooting_Guide-FORCE.pdf

 

[Jiggz]

Re: testing my dva meter

I do have the colors so I could test between stator and trigger.
do I need to remove them from the connection bar?
and how do I test the cdm?
thx

Since you are doing voltage testing there is no need to isolate the circuit unless the readings are out of specs. Then isolate both legs or sides of the ckt being tested and re-test. If reading is still unsatisfactory, then the component is most likely bad. You can only do this with the stator and trigger ckts. The CDM needs to in the ckt always while testing to prevent blowing it out. Test the CDM from each of its output wires and to ground. Here's a wiring diagram to help you.