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The capacitors used in the Brightspark EasyCaps are specified by the
manufacturer as having characteristics which remain perfectly acceptable after
being operated for 1000 hours continuously at 120% of their rated voltage and at
their maximum operating temperature (i.e. 1000 hours at 760 V and 125 °C).
Brightspark EasyCaps have been tested for many thousands of
miles on the Brightspark Mule (a BSA A10) and on other bikes. A Lucas K2F
magneto fitted with an EasyCap has also undergone endurance testing on the
Brightspark rig, having clocked up many hundreds of hours running at various
speeds up to an equivalent of 6,400 rpm at the crankshaft and at various
temperatures, spark gaps and spark chamber pressures. It has to be said that we
have abused that magneto, and blown a bobbin and a slip ring in the process.
However, in all of those tests, we haven't been able to break or blow an EasyCap.
A capacitor cannot, however, be expected to last forever when
on magneto duty. But the beauty of the EasyCap concept is that the condenser can
be replaced in a couple of minutes, at the roadside if necessary, without
requiring complete disassembly of the magneto, reassembly, and re-timing of the
ignition. Furthermore, since the EasyCap is so accessible and is relatively
inexpensive, we recommend either checking (if you have a capacitance meter and
Megger) or replacement as a regular service procedure so as to keep your magneto
in tip-top condition.
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Brightspark Magnetos