Hello All,
Wasnt sure where to ask this, its not Mercedes, or even car related..but kinda is...
So in the 'tuner' world, we now have people putting out "standalone ECUs" - a computery box, with open-source or otherwise accessible software, that you can plug into the car where the factory ECU was. Big names right now are "Megasquirt" and "Speeduino"

I ran across a guy making a small, 1 cyl standalone system called nanoEFI (https://www.nanoefi.com/ )

He's still early in development, but I love this idea - every cheap small engine comes with a basic carburetor, which is often the most problematic part. Now, attaching a standalone ECU doesn't make things simpler or cheaper, but I like the "easier starting" and "more efficient" potential here.

My problem is this (and I'm only half serious, but still like the idea) - If I wanted to put a standalone on my lawnmower (just to see if I could do it) Id need a 5v or 12v power source - which most simple small engines dont have.

Small engines (think 5hp Briggs and Stratton) do have a flywheel with a magneto.

I could just attach a 12v UPS battery, but I'd have no way to charge it, unless I could use the magneto (or somehow attach magnets to the flywheel and use it to make power???)

Has anyone ever tried to make a usable charging circuit out of the magnets on a magneto-type ignition ? (doesnt need to be 12v, could be 6vdc if that'd work better)

thoughts ?

-John

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You might check out the world of Radio Controlled Aircraft. I know that people use the Weed Eater motors and I think have electronic ignition systems for them. I have some, but haven't messed with them. They use LiPo batteries usually, for the weight savings. I could ask, is you don't come up with stuff. Also, there are kits to update the points distributors to electronics for older cars.

The one or 2 magnets embedded in the Flywheel/Fan are only in a small area of the Flywheel.
Suggestion to take a look at Motorcycle Alternators and how they are constructed and not worry about using the single magnet on the Flywheel.

You would have to make a stationary Stator that fit inside of the Flywheel close to the travel of the magnet. There would be a gap where the Ignition is. Is there eonough Magnatism to cause sufficent current to charge a battery? good question.

The you did fabricate a Stator and it worked it would have to be able to withstand vibration.

I don't know if it is possible to make a Genrator instaed of an Alternator.

If it is a large single cylinder engine you might find there is other models of the same engine that has an electric start and therefore a charging system parts that would actually fit.

Or you might find some way to attach shaft extension to the end with the Flywheel/Fan.

It is likely much easier just to use a Battery small enough that you can remove it and charge it from you vehicle while you are driving before and after you use the 1 cyliner engine.

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