Correctly setting the ignition timing (IAF) is one of the main aspects of adjustment that allows you to achieve proper engine operation. Due to an incorrectly set OZ, the engine will work intermittently, and in some cases it will not start at all. You can use a strobe light to make adjustments. How to build a strobe light for installing the ignition with your own hands - learn from this material.

[Hide]

Description of the strobe

How to make a simple strobe for setting up an OZ on LEDs, what elements will the circuit of the device consist of? First, let's look at the main characteristics of the device.

Working diagram

The main constituent elements using the example of the above diagram:

1. The power circuit consists of switch SA1, diode element VD1 and capacitor device C2. The diode is used to protect other components from erroneous polarity reversal. The capacitor itself is used to block possible interference, thus preventing failure of the trigger. The purpose of switch SA1 is to activate and deactivate power.
2. An equally important component is the input circuit, which includes the controller, resistor elements R1 and R2 and capacitor device C1. The role of the controller here is played by the device clamp, which is called a crocodile, it is fixed on the first cylinder. If the connection is correct, then the above elements form a simple differential circuit.
3. Trigger circuit. This component consists of two single vibrators used to generate a signal of the desired frequency at the output. These components perform the function of frequency setting.
4. The output stage is made using resistor elements R5-R9, and transistors VT1 are also used for this purpose. VT2 and VT3. These devices are necessary to increase the output current of the trigger board. The resistor device R5 sets a certain base current of the transistor element number 1 (the video was shot by Maxim Sokolov).

Operating principle

The device for setting the advance angle is powered by a built-in battery or car battery. When the switch is activated, the trigger starts working first. At outputs 2 and 12 of the board, an increased potential is formed, and a low potential is formed at pins 1 and 13. At this moment, capacitor parts C3 and C4 receive power from resistors.

The signal from the controller goes through a differential circuit and is ultimately supplied to the DD1.1 input. Since it is a one-shot device, it results in switching of the device. Then the circuit redischarges C1, which again contributes to switching the trigger.

Element DD1.1 will respond to pulses supplied from the controller, thus generating new rectangular pulses at the first pin. In the case of the second one-shot DD1.2, the principle of operation will be identical - thanks to this device, the pulse duration at pin 13 is reduced by 10 times. This element operates under a load supplied from the amplifier stage of transistors, which open for the duration of the pulse. Thanks to the resistor components R6, R7 and R8, the current is limited, its value in total should not exceed 0.8 amperes.

The current value is not high, this is due to the following factors:

• the pulse duration is no more than 1 second;
• Usually, car owners need no more than 10 minutes to set up the OZ; during this time the crystals will not overheat;
• diodes used today have improved performance and features when compared to devices used more than 10 years ago.

Printed circuit board and assembly parts

In order to build a strobe light with your own hands, you will need a board with all the necessary elements.

As an example:

1. On the board we are considering, the diode function is performed by the KD2999V controller. In principle, you can use any other one, you just need to take into account that the diode element must have a minimum voltage drop.
2. Capacitors are also used. It is important that they are rated at 0.068 µF. As for the main capacitor device C1, it is a high-voltage part, the voltage on which is 400 V.
3. The trigger device - TM2 - has excellent resistance to possible interference.
4. It is necessary that the transistors used VT1, as well as VT2, have a high gain.
5. As for the diodes marked with the symbols HL1-HL9, they should have maximum brightness, and it is also desirable that the dispersion angle be small. Diode components are mounted on a separate circuit; their number should be 3 in a row.

Device setup nuances

Before using a homemade strobe light on a car, it must be configured correctly. Initially, you should adjust the trimming resistor component, this will make it possible to provide the desired visual effect. As you move the slider, you can see that due to the drop in pulse, the illumination of the marks will be ineffective, and if the pulse is too high, the lighting will be washed out. At this stage, you need to correctly adjust the effectiveness of the light flashes (video shot by Serj ZP).

Installation of UOZ with a strobe light

How to use a homemade device to adjust the OZ:

1. First you need to start the engine and warm it up to operating temperature. To do this, let the unit run at idle speed.
2. Then you will need to connect your homemade device to a power source. This can be either a built-in battery or a car battery.
3. Next, a copper sensor should be connected to the core of cylinder 1; to do this, wind it around the core.
4. After this, the diode light bulb should be aimed at the mark marked on the housing of the distribution mechanism.
5. When these steps are completed, you need to find a fixed point, it is located on the flywheel pulley.
6. In order to ensure that these points coincide, you need to rotate the switchgear housing. And when the points coincide, the body must be fixed in this position. When the points match, the diodes should light up.

How to make a device yourself?

Today, there are many different options for making a strobe light. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with one of the simplest and least costly manufacturing methods.

To implement it you will need the following components:

• transistor device KT315;
• thyristor element KU112A, as well as resistor components rated at 0.125 W;
• diode light bulbs or an LED flashlight, which will be used as a housing, and the number of diode elements must be at least 6 pieces;
• capacitor devices C1;
• V2 in the diagram is the low frequency diode component;
• you will also need a relay, its index should be RWH-SH-112D;
• power cable, its length must be at least one meter;
• clamps;
• You will also need a piece of copper wire approximately 10 cm long.

All these components can be purchased at any themed store or radio market.

How to build such a device yourself:

1. To begin with, you should drill a hole on the back side of the prepared case, through which you will lay the power cable.
2. Then the prepared clamps must be soldered to the ends of the prepared cords. It is advisable to mark on them in advance which will be positive and which will be negative; it will be better if the colors of the clamps are different.
3. The sensor itself is mounted on the left or right side of the housing. One more hole needs to be made on the side of the case; it will be used to lay the cord to pin X1.
4. Then a prepared piece of copper wire should be soldered to the main cable core. This wire is considered one of the main ones, since it will be used as a device sensor.
5. All that remains is to insulate the connections with electrical tape or heat pipes.

Photo gallery “Assembling a strobe light with your own hands”

Conclusion

As you can see, in general, building such a device is not a problem. It is enough to have some knowledge in the field of electronics and follow the steps described in the instructions. If you make mistakes during assembly, the device may not work correctly. If you do not have experience in making such devices, then it may make sense to think about buying a new strobe light.

An experienced motorist knows the value of correctly setting the initial ignition timing, as well as the proper operation of ignition timing regulators such as vacuum and centrifugal. If the ignition timing is set incorrectly (and a deviation of even 2-3° can play a significant role), this can lead to increased fuel consumption, loss of power and overheating of the engine, and even shorten its service life. Therefore, for every driver it is very valuable to be able to check and adjust the ignition system, although these processes are quite complex. But if the car owner has decided to implement these operations, then the first thing he should arm himself with is a strobe light for installing the ignition, which is designed to simplify the process of servicing the described system.

A car strobe light is a simple and affordable device that can be easily purchased in a store and which makes life much easier for the car owner. Indeed, with this mechanism, even a novice driver will be able to check and adjust the initial setting of the ignition timing in no more than ten minutes, as well as check both types of regulators (centrifugal and vacuum) for any damage.

The principle of operation of this device is the stroboscopic effect, the essence of which can be explained approximately in this way: if an object moving in the dark is illuminated with a bright and at the same time short flash, then it will begin to visually appear frozen in exactly the position in which the flash caught it. For example, if you illuminate a rotating wheel with flashes at a frequency equal to the frequency of its rotation, you can also visually stop it. This is easy to notice due to the position of some mark.

In order to set the ignition timing, you should start the engine at idle speed, and in the meantime, use a strobe light to illuminate the previously mentioned marks.

One of them, which is called “movable,” is located on the crankshaft (alternatively, on the generator drive pulley or on the flywheel), and the other takes place on the motor housing. Flashes occur almost simultaneously with the moment when sparking occurs in the spark plug of one of the cylinders. For this to happen, the capacitive sensor of the described device is attached to the high-voltage wire of the spark plug.

During flashes, both marks should be visible. Moreover, the following conditions apply here: if the marks are precisely located opposite each other, then the ignition timing will be optimal, and if the movable mark has moved, then the position of the distributor-distributor must be adjusted until the marks coincide.

From all of the above, it seems possible to characterize the operation of a strobe in this way (at the same time, its structure will be explained): after connecting the leads to the battery, the voltage converter, which is a symmetrical type multivibrator, will begin to work. The initial voltage is supplied from dividers based on transistors, which begin to open, and one of them necessarily does this much faster than the other. This causes the other transistor to close, which is explained by applying a blocking voltage from the windings to its base. After this, the transistors open one after another, which causes the connection of first one or the other half of the winding from the transformer to the battery. At the same moment, a voltage appears in the secondary windings, having a rectangular shape and a frequency of about 800 Hz, the value of which is proportional to the number of turns in the winding.

At the moment when sparking occurs directly, in the first cylinder a high-voltage pulse is supplied to the igniting electrodes located on the stroboscopic lamp, through capacitors and a special arrester plug from the distributor socket. With all this, the energy accumulated by the capacitor is transformed into light energy from the flash of the lamp. After the capacitors are discharged, the lamp also goes out, but the capacitors receive a charge thanks to resistors to a voltage of approximately 450 V. Thus, preparation for another flash ends.

Resistors also serve to prevent the windings from shorting out when the lamp flashes. And the diode is designed to protect the transistor of the converter if the strobe is connected in the wrong polarity.

The spark gap, which is switched on by the spark plugs and the distributor, ensures that the required high-voltage pulse voltage is obtained in order for the lamp to be ignited. In this case, the distance, pressure in the combustion chamber, between the electrodes of the spark plug and other factors do not play a role. It is thanks to the spark gap that uninterrupted operation of the strobe becomes possible even if the electrodes in the spark plug are short-circuited.

As you can see, the operating principle of the analyzed mechanism is quite complex, but this does not mean that it is impossible to understand it. Therefore, it is also important to understand how to set the ignition with a strobe light and try to carry out this process yourself.

Characteristics of a strobe light for ignition installation

The strobe has a certain set of characteristics that distinguish it from other devices, making it so unique and necessary. Among these, for example, is that the power source for this device can be either its own batteries (mini-accumulators or batteries) or the vehicle’s on-board network. This leads to the question of what is the best way - autonomous power supply or through its network. I will only say that this is not so fundamental, but it is necessary to point out that the first method eliminates the need for wires to be pulled behind the device.

Another distinguishing characteristic of a strobe light is that the minimum frequency of flashes it can produce must match the speed of the crankshaft, which rotates at its maximum level. The most commonly found strobe light has a frequency of 50 Hz.

Also, a strobe, as a rule, cannot operate for a long time in flash mode, which is due to the unique design of the lamps. Most often, this device is capable of operation that lasts no more than ten minutes. These indicators must be indicated in the instructions. In order to prevent unforeseen situations, the strobe, and above all its lamps, must be allowed to rest, the duration of which is equal to the operating time.

Homemade strobe

Before you begin the process of creating a homemade strobe light, I recommend remembering the safety rules. This is very important, since all parts of this device are under mains voltage.

Therefore, you should not allow any part to touch the walls of the housing (if it is metal), and the wires of the flash lamp should not be connected to the reflectors. It would also be ideal if a plastic handle was placed on the variable resistor. As for the wires for switching on, they must have a plug at the ends and be well insulated.

All parts of the future strobe (of course, in addition to the impulse transformer and lamp) must be mounted on a board made of insulating material. Their relative position does not play a significant role, but the obligatory condition is that the installation be carried out according to the basic diagram. The flash lamp together with the transformer should be installed inside a reflector, which can be used in larger sizes.

If there is no dinistor, then it can be replaced with a starter, which previously served for a fluorescent lamp. And if we take into account the fact that the starter is capable of operating at a higher voltage level than the dynistor, then another diode will need to be inserted into the device in order to obtain a rectifier with a double voltage. At the same time, the flare energy will also increase. Also, instead of a dinistor, you can use a thyratron with a cold cathode.

To all car owners who have made a firm decision to make a strobe light themselves, I recommend that you first make a detailed diagram, so that during the installation of the device you can be guided by it and not be distracted by anything.

Get to know your car, understand its structure, and then the problems during its operation will be significantly reduced.

Video “Do-it-yourself car strobe light”

The video shows how to make it yourself and how to use a strobe light for a car.

The process of adjusting the initial ignition timing is greatly simplified when using special devices. Their work is based on the stroboscopic effect. The meaning of this physical phenomenon is as follows: if you illuminate a moving object with a short flash of light, a visual illusion will arise that it remains in the same position in which this flash caught it.

Making your own LED strobe is very simple. There are diagrams of simple devices that even an inexperienced radio amateur can repeat.

LED strobe on timer NE555

The main component in this strobe circuit is the NE 555 integrated timer. This is a common chip often used in electronic homemade products.

A ready-made assembly of six LEDs from a Chinese lantern is used as a light emitter.

Strobe circuit on NE555 timer

Potentiometer P1 sets the pause time between pulses, which are supplied to VT1. Opening at the moment the signal is given, the field-effect transistor “lights” the strobe.

It should be taken into account that at the moment of flash, the current passing through the emitter exceeds two amperes. This circumstance forces the use of a limiting resistor with a power dissipation of at least 2W. There is no reason to worry about LED failure. Ultra-short operating times in such modes will not cause damage to semiconductors.

Instead of the transistor indicated in the diagram, you can use its closest analogues: IRFZ44, IRF3205, KP812B1 and others.

The requirements for the VD1 diode are high performance. 1N4148 is being successfully replaced by the domestic version KD522. Any Schottke diodes will also work well.

The capacitance of capacitors can be increased by one order of magnitude. This will not affect the performance of the circuit in any way.

This is what the assembled device looks like, with three high-power LEDs.

Stroboscope assembly

A small number of parts allows you to make a strobe from LEDs using the hinged method or using special mounting panels. If no errors are made during the soldering process, the circuit will work immediately, without additional adjustment.

Another variation of assembling a do-it-yourself car strobe light on LEDs is based on the TL494 PWM driver. The cost of the microcircuit is in the range of 10 - 20 rubles per piece, so it cannot be called scarce. In addition, you can remove the required component from an old ATX power supply from a personal computer.

LED strobe circuit on a TL494 PWM controller

As in the previous case, the emitter is controlled by a MOSFET transistor. Here it can be of any type that meets two requirements:

• Rated current – ​​from 2A;
• internal structure is N-type.

Examples of suitable field workers: AP15N03GH or IRLZ44NS.

Trimmer resistor VR1 sets the duty cycle (duration of flashes), and VR2 sets their frequency. It is more convenient to use potentiometers with a linear dependence, so the setting process is much easier.

The light source in this strobe circuit is one powerful LED. To connect a 12 volt LED strip, resistor R6 must be removed by installing a jumper instead.

The remaining elements of the LED strobe circuit can be anything with the specified ratings.

Device circuit board

The size of the structure can be minimized using SMD components. Some novice radio amateurs try to avoid using them, believing that installing small parts is too labor-intensive. And in vain! A little practice will help you cope with this task without difficulty. But the result will be an excellent reward for your patience.

A sample implementation of a printed circuit board for an LED strobe is shown in the figure.

Sample printed circuit board for a strobe light

A two-way wiring method is used here. Large radio elements are installed on top: a microcircuit, terminal blocks and electrolytic capacitors, on the bottom resistors and capacitors of size 1206, LEDs of size 0805, a MOSFET transistor in a DPAK package. Regulating resistors have been replaced with trimmers. This was done to reduce the size of the structure.

The appearance of the board of the finished device from both angles is presented below. To transfer a pattern with tracks onto foil-textolite, the LUT method was used. Etching was carried out in an aqueous solution of ferric chloride.

If you want to repeat the LED strobe circuit with your own hands, you can use the project for the Sprint Layot tracer, changing it if necessary to suit your own needs. .

The consideration in the article of stroboscope circuits is distinguished by their simplicity and low cost of electronic components. The total cost of materials will cost tens of times less if you purchase a ready-made LED strobe. In addition, using a homemade device is much more pleasant, and the experience gained in the process of work is irreplaceable and priceless.

Strobes are used on cars to install the engine ignition system. Such devices are sold at any auto store. However, you can make the device yourself. The process of making a strobe light will not take much time.

Simple strobe

A strobe light makes life much easier for its owner. Using it, it will independently adjust the ignition angle. The device works due to the stroboscopic effect - a moving object is illuminated with a flash of light.

It is beneficial to have this device, since it will allow you to adjust it yourself, without contacting service centers. And this will save money and time of the car owner. Some people don't trust homemade strobe lights, but they are no worse than simple store-bought ones.

Strobe light for installing the ignition yourself

It is difficult to adjust the ignition system with your bare hands. A strobe light speeds up the car ignition setup time significantly. The light in the strobe lamp signals that a spark has appeared, and this allows you to set the correct timing in the ignition system.

Factory devices work efficiently and reliably, but they cost a lot. Almost all such devices have an expensive lamp. If it fails, you will actually have to buy a new device. Meanwhile, even at service stations, some technicians use homemade devices.

The most popular factory strobes:

• multitronics C2
• focusF1
• focusF10
• astrol5

The price of such devices reaches 6,000 rubles. When making a strobe light with your own hands, it will cost you 600-700 rubles. Saving money by almost 10 times encourages you to make such a device yourself.

How to make a strobe for installing the ignition

There are many schemes on the Internet on how to create a simple strobe light with your own hands. Most of them are quick and easy to assemble, without requiring large financial investments. One of the most used schemes for creating a strobe light yourself requires the following elements:

• copper wires;
• LED flashlight;
• capacitors c1;
• low frequency diode V2;
• specialized clamps;
• thyristor KU112A;
• resistors 0.125 W;
• meter power cord;
• relay with index RWH-SH-112D.

Such elements are sold at any radio market or electronics store. The device body is small in size. You can use the base of an old flashlight.

Sequencing:

1. You need to drill a hole for the power cable;
2. It is necessary to solder clamps to the ends of the wires, observing the polarity;
3. The sensor itself can be installed on the left or right;
4. The copper wire must be soldered to the main core;
5. All contacts must be insulated.

This invention is used to test the spark plug and the operation of the regulator.

Car strobe light and LED manufacturing diagram

The basis in such devices is the 155AG1 microcircuit. To trigger it, pulses with negative polarity are required. In such circuits it is necessary to use resistances R3, R2, R1. They provide limits on input signal fluctuations. The duration of the pulses is provided by capacitance C4 together with resistor R6. According to standard settings, this value will be 2 ms. This circuit will be powered from.

Strobe using a timer

To make your own device using a timer, you need to put in more effort than for a simple strobe light. The main advantage of such a device is considered to be constant light pulses that do not depend on the battery voltage. A strobe light is used like a tachometer. To do this, you need to switch the regulator.

Device Settings

For the homemade device to work correctly, it must be checked. From the existing device it is necessary to set the advance angle.

To do this you need:

• warm up the engine and leave it on;
• connect the device to the battery;
• wind the copper sensor onto the cylinder core;
• orient the light source according to the special designation on the housing;
• find a fixed point on the flywheel;
• To make the two points coincide, you need to rotate the ignition housing and keep it in a certain position.

The main point when making a strobe light yourself is the correct assembly of the electrical circuit. Therefore, before starting production, it is recommended to first make a detailed diagram. It will help you avoid mistakes when assembling the device.

Don't forget about safety precautions. The strobe light operates under voltage. Do not allow internal parts of the device to touch its body, especially metal.

It would be good if the variable resistor was protected by a plastic handle. Well insulated The power cord must have a plug. All parts must be installed on a special board made of insulating material. The location of all the parts is not important, but they must be mounted following a special diagram. All parts must be fastened very carefully.

Reminder about the strobe

If difficulties arise in the manufacture of the device, it is best to contact a knowledgeable person. As an alternative to a “live” assistant, here is a detailed video tutorial describing the manufacturing process and operation of a strobe light:

The correct operation of a car engine depends on how the ignition is set. This is due to the fact that the combustible mixture entering the combustion chamber must be completely ignited. To install the ignition, a strobe light is used, which you can make yourself or purchase at a specialized store. We will discuss below how easy it is to make a strobe light for installing the ignition with your own hands.

The purpose of the strobe, the parts that will be needed for its manufacture

The strobe light for installing the ignition is used so that the car enthusiast can adjust the correct and timely supply of electric current, which forms a spark. It serves to ignite the incendiary mixture in the combustion chamber of the cylinders of gasoline power units.

The correct operation of the motor and its power depend on the timeliness of its supply. Therefore, correctly set ignition is necessary for the power unit to work well.

In specialized stores, this device costs from 1,000 to 7,000 rubles. Therefore, in order to save money, it is better to make a homemade strobe light to install the ignition with your own hands. To assemble it (I did it myself), you will need to spend up to 500 rubles.

In general, a strobe light is a simple circuit and design. It is based on the principle of the effect of a spark on the ice of a light bulb, which can be taken from any flashlight. Thus, it is easy to set the ignition angle, which will ideally meet the requirements for timely and complete ignition of the fuel mixture.

Let's look at the list of parts that you will need to easily make your own strobe light:

• transistor marked KT 315;
• thyristor, which is marked KU 112 A;
• copper wires;
• flashlight with diode bulbs (there should be at least 6 of them, more possible);
• timer, used for some homemade strobes;
• low-frequency diode marked V 2;
• resistors, with a power of 0.125 W;
• a relay that has the index RWH/SH-112D;
• 1 meter long cord to power the device;
• base for collecting the microcircuit, made of insulating special material;
• special terminals (clamps).

Here are the components you will need to install the strobe light yourself. They can be purchased in special stores or at radio markets.

The circuit of the simplest strobe looks like this:

It is important to remember that to make this device it is best to take the body of a simple diode flashlight, or from a flashlight. All the parts will fit there, including the microcircuit on which the parts will be located.

Strobe assembly

The assembly process takes place at home using a soldering iron, using the following algorithm (the body of the flashlight is taken as the basis):

• drilling a hole on the back wall of the flashlight body, this is necessary in order to route the power cord;
• soldered to the ends of the cord special terminals, the main thing is not to confuse the polarity (they are taken in different colors);
• sensor placement on the right or left side of the body;
• drilling a hole, it is done at the location of the sensor, a cord is inserted into it (a cord is laid), which is connected to contact X 1, indicated in the diagram;
• assembling a microcircuit, this is done according to the above scheme, using a soldering iron (if the car enthusiast is not good at assembling such circuits, then he needs to contact a specialist in this field);
• soldering copper wire to the main core of the wire, it will serve as a special strobe sensor;
• insulation of all connections special tape.

Here's how to make a strobe light with your hands with the lowest financial costs.

It is important to remember that such a device can be used not only for setting the ignition, but also for checking spark plugs and adjusting the regulator. That's how many useful functions it can perform for a car enthusiast.

Types of homemade stroboscopes

Above is a diagram and algorithm for creating a simple strobe light. Some craftsmen also recommend making such devices based on a timer or LEDs.

Let's look at the strobe circuit, which includes a timer:

This design is more complex, so if a car enthusiast thinks that he cannot assemble it on his own, it is better to contact a specialist and purchase all the necessary parts. If there is no domestically produced timer, it can be replaced with a foreign one, which should be marked NE 555. And it is better to use diodes for such a circuit with the designation KD 521.

It is interesting to know that having made such a device with a timer, you can install a regulator on it, by switching which it will begin to work like a tachometer. At the same time, even a weak battery charge will not affect its operation.

Now let's look at a circuit that allows you to make a strobe using LEDs. It should be noted right away that they are characterized by increased reliability; it can be used even in bright daylight.

The diagram of such a strobe is as follows:

The entire circuit will be based on a microcircuit marked 155 AG 1, which can be triggered by pulses that have negative polarity. Resistances suitable for it are R 1, R 2, R 3, resistor R 6. Resistances limit the amplitude of the incoming signal, and capacitance C 4 regulates the duration of the signal coming from the motor.

Setting up the strobe

After this device is manufactured, it needs to be configured. It happens this way:

• the engine is warming up, it needs to be started, warmed up, and then switched to idle mode;
• The strobe is connected by terminals to the battery;
• a copper wire (sensor) is wound around the core of the cylinder;
• the light that will be created is directed to a special point marked on the body;
• find a fixed plane (point) on the motor flywheel;
• Rotate the body of the ignition element so that the two points coincide, and then fix it in this place.

After these manipulations, the device is ready to perform its functions. The main thing is not to violate this installation order.

You can make a strobe light for setting the ignition yourself by purchasing the necessary parts. After that, it is customized and will serve the car enthusiast no worse than those sold in stores. In addition to setting the ignition, such devices, made using a timer or LED lights, can perform other useful functions.