LASAR Ignition System

[Jim Worley]

[charles Melot]

[Jim Worley]

[charles Melot]

[Ben Ayalon]

[Michael]

.

[charles Melot]

Just say NO! The Lasar system is a flop. Nobody is set up to install or maintain it. I find it unlikely that it is "hot" with the Van's crowd.

[DAVEG24]

Could you describe the failure for me? How much time was there on the mags? Did the mag actually fail, or was it the "box" that failed? These are important questions for me because I have a LASAR system on my engine with about 1,100 hours on both. The mags themselves should not be difficult to overhaul. Problem is there is only one place that I know of that is qualified to do the work. I agree the new pricing from Champion is outrageous. If my system fails, I will go back to standard mags. I talked with a Champion rep last week at the AOPA convention, and they realize that the price is way out of line. They are working on a new system that will use more common parts from their turbine division in an effort to lower the cost to a more reasonable level. He thought it would be about two years before it became available. Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer my questions.

Dave Gitelman

[Jim Worley]

Dave,
The problem I had was initially hard starts. Eventually culminating in a completely inop Left mag on the mag check during runup. I had the warning light illuminated in the cockpit as well.
The answer to your question is I don't know if it was the control box or the the mag itself. The A&P says it was the mag. THe whole system had been installed for about 12 years, but the system only had about 375 hours on it.
I recently purchased the aircraft. Prior to that it was hangered near San Francisco. Currently I am based out of Lakefront in New Orleans and the plane is tied down outside. I wonder if the drastic change in climate might have had something to do with the problem.
Couple additional things. I had had a few episodes of hard starting. But since the aircraft was new to me, I chalked it up to my improper technique. I think there were probably other clues leading up to the failure that I just didn't recognize because of my lack of familiarity. When the A&P took the LASAR control box off the firewall, he noticed that it seemed to have some water in it. You could hear it if you shook the box. That is something that there was no way to know until we removed the control box.
I am planning on trying to resell the components to recoup some of my mx costs. Hopefully that will make this whole episode a little less painful on the wallet. Champion quoted my A&P $2300 and 4 weeks for a left mag. I replaced the whole system for about the same price which also included installing a slick start to replace the vibrator.
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can help with any other questions.

Jim

[Jim Worley]

Dave,
One additional thing, the aircraft had an IRAN inspection about 150 hrs prior and the mags were removed and checked and they both checked good.

Jim

[DAVEG24]

Jim, Thanks for the info. When Unison had the product, you could send the parts back to them and they would check them out at no charge. You might want to contact Champion and see if they will do the same. My guess is the box is DOA. I've been told there is really nothing in the mag to fail, other than the mechanical parts themselves (like the rotor shaft). I'd be surprised if the mag is really NG. When I mounted the box for mine I made sure it was under a section of the cowl where it was protected from the elements. Water is not a good thing when mixed with electronics. Good luck with your new (to you) Comanche. It's a great airplane.

Dave Gitelman

[comancherookie]

Thanks for this thread. I was looking at installing the Lasar ignition on my factory new Lycoming when the two year warranty ran out. I think I'll forego that and just install an alternator and save the money for a set of Ausie stab horns. Maybe someday, someone will come up with a reasonable electronic ignition, but for now stock is fine.

[TurboPA30]