Programmable Ignition, Feelers and Possibilities

[DonTZ125]

As some of you may recall, I've been fiddling with and reading up on the MegaSquirt EFI system for a while. There may also be those who recall I'm in the process of setting up a repair & refurb program for damaged TCI (ignitor) boxes. The thought occurred to me - perhaps combine the efforts?

After a little reading, I believe I could create a custom spark-only board based on the MS1, fully assembled and populated and ready to install in the OEM TCI box, programmed with the latest MS1/Extra firmware, for ~ $150. It might be possible to offer this price as an installed service - you send me your box (damaged or otherwise), I install the new board and send it back, and keep the OEM board as a core for the TCI upgrade program.

I have floated the idea to B&G (the creators / owners of the MegaSquirt project), and they aren't terribly keen - they get a lot of tire-kickers who don't actually follow through, and they've pretty much given up on "Mom & Pop" level licenses. If I can show them I have 'x' number of potential customers, cash in hand, they might change their mind.

Thoughts? Comments?

[yamaha_george]

As some of you may recall, I've been fiddling with and reading up on the MegaSquirt EFI system for a while. There may also be those who recall I'm in the process of setting up a repair & refurb program for damaged TCI (ignitor) boxes. The thought occurred to me - perhaps combine the efforts?

After a little reading, I believe I could create a custom spark-only board based on the MS1, fully assembled and populated and ready to install in the OEM TCI box, programmed with the latest MS1/Extra firmware, for ~ $150. It might be possible to offer this price as an installed service - you send me your box (damaged or otherwise), I install the new board and send it back, and keep the OEM board as a core for the TCI upgrade program.

I have floated the idea to B&G (the creators / owners of the MegaSquirt project), and they aren't terribly keen - they get a lot of tire-kickers who don't actually follow through, and they've pretty much given up on "Mom & Pop" level licenses. If I can show them I have 'x' number of potential customers, cash in hand, they might change their mind.

Thoughts? Comments?

Don,
Certainly an avenue of thought that is interesting. I do see that the mega-Squirt guys have been stung by the talk is cheap syndrome in bikers. Having tried to get group buys and designs etc floated on this and other Forums I know EXACTLY how they feel.

In todays economic climate you are pushing against the general tide, IF I was working on this I would develop it for myself, prove it works well enough and then talk to individuals who you trust to buy it and not screw up the install (and blame you for their mistakes) and build on word of mouth to build it up on.

You may know there is an eastern European company doing this kind of thing already and they may have enough for you not to re-invent the basic wheel.

Stay in touch about this project as at this moment I am up to the hip in my new-techno 2stroke build which seems to have developed quite athirst for both time & money hence my not getting involved as of this moment.

Later who knows............

[DonTZ125]

Hi, George.

Yeah, asking for a 'personal' license for 1-2 boards for development and proof of concept is probably the best way to go. And yes, I've looked over Ignitech's website many times - that's pretty much what's driving the $150 price tag!

You're right too about the economical climate - not the best time to do any product launches, is it?


I'll keep you posted...

[buzzawak]

Hi, George.
Yeah, asking for a 'personal' license for 1-2 boards for development and proof of concept is probably the best way to go. And yes, I've looked over Ignitech's website many times - that's pretty much what's driving the $150 price tag!
You're right too about the economical climate - not the best time to do any product launches, is it?
I'll keep you posted...

Don you were looking at a CDI unit for the FZR a while back. Any progress on this ?