Dyna Electronic Ignition Question

[photorider]

I recently installed one of these on my bike ('76 R60/6). After trying several different locations for the module, I decided to put it under the tank where it was not visible (I guess where the master cylinder would be in disc brake models). I've since heard this was a bad idea because it is too hot. Is this really the case? Should it be moved? Where do people normally place these when doing the upgrade from points? As always, any input is greatly appreciated.

[cathdeac]

Cool electronics last longer... the cooler the better is usually good for longevity and good performance and dependability.

[20774]

I put mine on the extra cross bar on the front down tubes. Not sure if the /6 has that bar...it may have been added on the /7 frames. I would also work to put it somewhere up front for added cooling. Maybe you can fab some kind of bracket which connects to something to the frame near the front of the tank. Or possibly put it on a plate where the plate is connected on either to side to rubber-lined clamps on the down tubes. What about just attaching it one of the two down tubes, as high as you can get it?

[vanzen]

I ran one of those strapped onto the starter motor
and out of sight under the starter cover.

20 years later – the system is still completely functional.

[amiles]

I too think cooler is better, I attached mine on the right side frame downtube just below the tank where the breeze hits it directly.

[Bill Burke]

My /6 came with a Dyna and 44K on the bike. Don't know how many miles the Dyna had on it when I acquired the bike. I've since put about 35K additional miles on. My Dyna box is located on the right vertical tube, just below the tank, as Kurt has suggested. The jury is apparently out on this question as some owners have hidden their box at the end of the main spine (and out of the cooling airflow) without (any reported) loss of longevity. So far as I can tell, the box is designed with heat-dissipating "fins". To me, that says it should be exposed to the wind.

[kstoo]

I had a R75/6 in March that was non-op dual-plugged when I got it. It looked like it was being converted from Accel points booster to Dyna Electronic. The PO had never gotten it running in the few years that he had it. I did get it running by fixing some of the installation problems but it was not running very well at all when it was running. In the course of make adjustments and such the final thing that made this bike reliable was moving the Dyna control from under the tank, at the rear just over the air cleaner, to the front on the crash bar. After that it ran flawlessly. If you were to mount one under the tank I would suggest keeping it forward and in as much air flow as possible. Mine did prove to be heat sensitive.
What ever works.

[vanzen]

I ran one of those strapped onto the starter motor
and out of sight under the starter cover.

20 years later – the system is still completely functional.

of course the box can be stuck out in the open anywhere ...

but

The area under the starter cover DOES receive cooling air
by virtue of the vents in the front cover & the holes in the case behind the diode board.

Perhaps easy to think "more is better"
Perhaps wiser to think "what will be adequate ?"

[amiles]

of course the box can be stuck out in the open anywhere ...

but

The area under the starter cover DOES receive cooling air
by virtue of the vents in the front cover & the holes in the diode board.

Perhaps easy to think "more is better"
Perhaps wiser to think "what will be adequate ?"

It must work so good for you. I don't know how much cooling it gets from the sources you mention, but I'll bet it gets mighty hot when you shut her down.

[krpreston]

The control box for my Dyna unit has always been on the frame downtube of my
R100/7, right out in the airstream. With my Windjammer fairing it is hardly noticeable and my first unit lasted about 15-16 years. The current one has the magnetic trigger and I love it; bike starts better than it did when new and no points to wear out or adjust.

[vanzen]

... but I'll bet it gets mighty hot when you shut her down.

Actually, no more so than the bean can, alternator, diode board, or starter motor.

DYNA's advice as per their installation instructions:
"Attach the module to the frame in the location selected."

Point being:
DYNA makes no reference to the necessity of placing the unit "in the air-flow".
No specific or 'appropriate location' for mounting the booster is recd. by the manufacturer.

Putting the booster under the starter cover happens to be a solid, well protected, and out of sight place to consider.
Wires to the coils can be routed through the starter cover vents,
an extremely short run that is also protected from the elements and abuse.
... and overheating in this location will still not be an issue.
This method has been popular with builders for 30 some years –
sorry, not even my idea.
Just one that works well.

For that matter, the box could be attached virtually anywhere ...

[amiles]

Actually, no more so than the bean can, diode board, or starter motor.

DYNA's advice as per their installation instructions:
"Attach the module to the frame in the location selected."


And we know that the bean can, starter and diode board never suffer any ill effects from heat. I can't think of which frame member it is that is inside the starter area.

FINIS

[bunkyone]

Hey all; My R90-6 came with one of these E-boxes. The paper work I recieved with the bike says it was put on back in '90. It's work well for the 20 thou I have put on the bike. It's mounted on the right downtube where it isn't too noticable. What is the average life span for one of these systems anyway? Vaya con Dios, Dutch