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Strobe gun recommendations.

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Stevex View Drop Down
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    Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 11:54
I'll be setting up the ignition timing on my LM2 soon, post distributor refit, points replacement and Gammatronix fit. I've set up the static timing and am looking for strobe gun recommendations. There are so many available from about £20 to over £100. Just looking for the cheapest that will do the job accurately.
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Richard Hyatt View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard Hyatt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 12:14
If you can find one that uses a 2nd battery to amplify the flash of the strobe , then they are better.
the ones that go inbetween the plug and the lead can tend to be a bit on the dim side.

a quick look gave me this-
clip onto the HT lead and 12 volt clips to an EXTERNAL battery (not the bike battery as you may get spurious flashes of charge)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stevex Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 12:41
Thanks Richard, have you actually used this kit on your bike?
I've seen loads on the web, which is why I've looking for tried and tested recommendations.


Edited by Stevex - 11 Feb 2021 at 12:58
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Glawster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 13:38
I have a similar one to Richard but a Gunson - about £40 from Machine Mart.  I use it with the bike's own battery and it works very well with a really bright light.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 14:05
What Richard said, avoid the neon type which just go onto the plug connection, they are useless in anything but pitch black.

Any one with a proper xenon strobe light will be fine, as in the example he gave. If it has battery connectors then it will be the right type.
You don't need any bells and whistles included, so you should be able to get one at under £20.

Any car spares shop would have them, there is nothing specific to motorcycles.
Mine is an elderly Gunson one.

I've only ever used the vehicle battery, and never had a problem so far.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard Hyatt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 14:57
Thanks Richard, have you actually used this kit on your bike?
I've seen loads on the web, which is why I've looking for tried and tested recommendations.

I must admit not that exact one - but varying types similar to it. all 12v dc powered.
I did use one years ago which gave me the option of dialling in the Degrees advance into a know on the back - but we were looking at big money then.

you don't have to spend big money - one beauty is that you can see the timing mark moving as the advance retard springs and bobweights move
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 15:24
Best used with a timing disc fitted to the front end of the crankshaft. Then you can see the exact timing, and dont need to worry about the marks on the flywheel.
Brian.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stevex Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2021 at 12:29
Originally posted by Brian UK Brian UK wrote:

Best used with a timing disc fitted to the front end of the crankshaft. Then you can see the exact timing, and dont need to worry about the marks on the flywheel.

Well I ended up buying the one in the pic above having read the bumf about it. It worked great and the price was excellent, so thanks for the recommendation. 
I've had a timing disc on the engine as my lightened flywheel came without any marks on it; using a piston stop I marked each cylinders TDC and worked from there to stamp the timing marks on. 
Nice to know the timing marks are spot on now compared with the originals which were about 2° out.


Edited by Stevex - 04 Mar 2021 at 12:32
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2021 at 17:01
Nice to know everything is now correct.
Throuble is, having set it up properly, you probably won't used the strobe again.
Can't think when I used mine last.

Oh, hang on, it was when I was trying to get a petrol strimmer to run. So yes, they can come in useful after all.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stevex Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2021 at 19:26
Yes, with new points fitted and the Gammatronix replacing the condensers (eliminating the usual pitting on the points) I'm hoping not have to revisit the timing for a long time. The £17 that gun cost was worth it, even if it sits idle for the next few years.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard Hyatt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2021 at 21:05
These little electronic boxes are very good indeed. A bit of copaslip on the can to manage the fibre heel wear and you're sorted.
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