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CDI -TCI -IGNITOR?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by skw1972, Aug 17, 2011.

  1. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    whats the difference in a CDI and a TCI or an IC IGNITOR? I followed polocks test and got alot of open stuff whats up with the difference in these things?
     
    skw1972, Aug 17, 2011
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  2. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    RickCoMatic, Aug 17, 2011
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  3. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    ok I get that (and the link will be good learnig) so a tci is a IC ignitor?
     
    skw1972, Aug 17, 2011
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  4. darkfibre

    darkfibre Member

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    When talking about XJs, yes
     
    darkfibre, Aug 18, 2011
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  5. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    In the parts fiche Yamaha seems to call all their ignition modules IGNITER. The parts list doesn't give any clues as to the technology in it.

    As far as I know there are three types of non breaker point ignitions Yamaha has used:

    CDI - Capacitor Discharge Ignition (mostly in the 70s)
    TCI - Transistor Controlled Ignition (mostly in the 80s)
    Computerized - One pick up coil and a processor that calculates when to fire each plug. Started to show up around 1990.
     
    MiCarl, Aug 18, 2011
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  6. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    As others have said, TCI and CDI are both types of igniters.

    CDI may have been used more in earlier Yamahas, but it was used much later in a lot of other bikes, and has, IMO, definite advantages over TCI.

    TCI is a solid state Kettering ignition system (like points, and vacuum advance, but without the moving parts). It uses 12V to charge induction coils (dwell), and fires them by stopping the charging.

    CDI uses much higher voltage (200V or so), built up in the igniter, to fire a pulse into step-up transformers (the coils). Because you get spark when you fire the pulse, rather than when you stop charging the coil, there are no considerations about dwell time, and, depending on how the higher voltage is built up, you don't have the diminishing time window to charge the coils that you do at higher RPM's under TCI.

    My '83 GPz, for example, uses CDI.
     
    SQLGuy, Aug 18, 2011
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  7. andrewlong

    andrewlong Member

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    The Seca II uses CDI

    It also uses magic, but all my magic is gone


    :(
     
    andrewlong, Aug 19, 2011
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  8. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    why do I feel like I'd rather have CDI? I guess I need to get one either way if this one turns out bad I'll need it and if it's o.k I'll worry about it going on strike when Im 60 miles from home. well the bike started its re-assembly tonight and as soon as I get my exhaust shims, doughnut gaskets, and a battery I guess Ill know for sure. just feel like its toast cause my meter read alot of opens. Ive learned alot with this "bring the old girl back to life project" and if I knew then what I know now I would absolutley go for it again. time and money well spent, just wish the money part would ease up a little.
     
    skw1972, Aug 19, 2011
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  9. todd

    todd Member

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    If you're having problems with your TCI, Pm Robert (site moderator). He's the man who can fix you right up. He fixed mine quickly and at a reasonable price. The dude knows his stuff.

    Todd
    1980 xj650 Maxim
     
    todd, Aug 19, 2011
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  10. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    Really? I was just surfing the net to see if it could even be done thanks man!
     
    skw1972, Aug 19, 2011
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  11. mmaxon888

    mmaxon888 New Member

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    Did Robert help you out?
     
    mmaxon888, Jul 16, 2013
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  12. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    hello. never got in touch. sadly my xj was totally destroyed this past December 20th, soon as the casts came off I was back riding, well a couple weeks after...
    but my seca is gone,
    I got a couple bikes to ride but I miss that one so so bad
     
    skw1972, Aug 1, 2013
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  13. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Hey SKW..........

    Sorry to hear THAT kind of news! So............what happened? I don't recall seeing or hearing anything about that.

    Now, here's a related question............happen to have any parts left over? I'm restoring a 650rj non-turbo now, and need a few things............

    Dave Fox
     
    hogfiddles, Aug 4, 2013
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  14. skw1972

    skw1972 Member

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    no bro, sorry I left the scene with my head taped to a board. last I saw the bike it was mangled pretty bad. Never went to the place that picked it up, I just let them have it. Would have broke my heart to see it that way.
    Im ridin a customized GL 1100 and a restored 1979 KZ 900...old one kick wonder..love it. Do miss my RJ 650 though
    I got hit on I 10, couldn't get out the way. Drunk guy in a dodge charger swooped in and I had pick up truck on my 6. I tied to catch the little shoulder but he just came over too fast, never looked to see if the lane was clear. Next thing I knew I was waking up with flash lights in my face and the chin piece of my modular was tore off, broke arm, 2 ribs and ankle, road rash and new bruises showing up everyday for 2 weeks.
    I got more power now though and the GL is nice and LOUD.
     
    skw1972, Aug 7, 2013
    #14

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