New Style CDI

[steveloomis]

As promised I will report on a new programmable CDI for the Early XT's. This will not replace the newer TCI type of igniter with the plugs on the unit.

Mine is being shipped as I write this. It is fully programmable but is plug and play out of the box as it is already programmed with the stock advance. If you wish to customize the advance, set an RPM limit or adjust the minimum starting RPM you will need either a standalone programmer or a USB interface cable and software for windows. Software is included. Programmer or USB cable is optional extra.

Since I did not know when this unit would be available I ordered a Hyperpak from New Zealand because MY 86 XT600 was dead due to no spark. I ordered the hyperpak with the simplest wiring which means no kick stand switch or neutral switch wiring. Most of these old kick stand switches are defective and bypassed anyway so why waste time even wiring them in. I did have to bypass the neutral switch wiring at the cdi plug and move the black ground wire to the CDI black ground wire using female bullet connectors. Very easy and could be cut, twisted together soldered and taped just as well.

I was decidedly nervous when it came time to start the bike. I had pulled the spark plug so I could ground it and watch for a spark while kicking. At first NO spark as I was just using my hand to turn it over. I then kicked it and WOW a big blue spark appeared. Of course it started fairly quickly, but since I had rebuilt the carbs completely, things were a bit balky at first. Once it fired up I let it warm up and set the idle. Now it starts usually on the first kick if warm and second kick if it has been sitting for a day or so.

Next installment will be about the.......wait for it....... scroll down.....V

















Zeeltronic PCDI-XT. It is not even listed on the web site yet. Mine is the first production unit serial number 1

[zigzag]

hi there im very interrested to here about this what sort of money were thay if you dont mind me asking , are both units from new zealand . are you in the uk and will you have to pay inport dutys on them . it great someone is making these i dread to think of the yamaha price thats if thay are still avaialabal . thanks again for sharing the info and look forward to your thoughts on the units . zigzag

[steveloomis]

The Zeeltronic is made in Slovenia. I believe the target price is 150 euros. This is cheaper than the New Zealand unit and shipping is quick. I am not sure if they have built up any extra units as mine is for testing on an XT600. Borut has purchased an XT550 to test on. Same unit slightly different timing.

Remember this unit is for the older CDI units, 1980's thru early 1990's. I am not sure when the change was made. If you unit has built-in plugs and not pigtais then it is the newer unit and not compatible.

I will report here when I get mine. I do have the program cable for another Yamaha I have one of his other units installed on and will use the new software and old cable to look at the program. I plan to set an RPM limit for safety.

Stay tuned...

I am in the USA and Slovenia is Eastern Europe so you may have to pay duty. Items sent to USA doesn't have to most of the time for some reason, not complaining mind you...

[steveloomis]

As promised I finally got around to testing the Zeeltronic CDI against the Hyperpak unit. I ran the Zeel unit and got the bike warmed up then as fast as I could, swapped the units out. I've run the Hyperpak already so it was a plug and play swap. I drove the XT around town and could detect a subtle reduction in torque. Roll on was brisk, just not pulling as hard. I then swapped back quickly and tried the Zeel again. Whoa, the power difference is there. Roll on was decidedly stronger at all speeds. I realize that only a dynamometer will tell, but I don't ride a dynamometer and could really feel the improvement. I think it is a combination of a hotter, fatter spark and a very accurate advance curve.

I would welcome someone else's testing as well. Hopefully, some units get sold this can happen.

Steve

[steveloomis]

I have spoken to Borut about building a unit for the newer TCI versions. He indicated that currently he does not have the time but is interested. I am sending him schematics etc. so can see what is necessary. I feel that once he sees how simple it will be, he can easily adapt an existing unit with little change.

When I get more info I will report.

Steve