ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

VDI CDI - Capacitive Discharge Ignition Copper Head Beta Tests. All products used in this field test have been provided by VDI - Velocity Devices from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The VDI Copper Head is here at ATVProductTests and we are testing the Beta Units. We are finding the new CDI's to be everything that we have been waiting for! When you start your machine, it cranks up immediately with vigor. 

Cold weather starts appear to be a thing of the past with this VDI CDI installed on your ATV. I compare the starting now to be on par with my Test ATV, the BRP Bombardier 800 XT Outlander which is fuel injected. Bare in mind you still have to use the choke on the Kawasaki. But my machine in this cold Michigan weather has started first time every time since I installed the VDI CDI CopperHead.

I have run it from idle, to my machine's top rpm and found it works flawlessly. It is really incredible how my midrange has picked up. From 25 mph I can roll the throttle and it feels like I have hit a passing gear. This must attribute to the MSD Ignition firing such a great spark. With all the features that the VDI CDI offers to the consumer, I feel this company has raised the bar for everybody else to rise too.

 

VDI CDI Copper Head Product Overview:

Copperhead CDI
Product Overview: The modular Copperhead Ignition Core (CIC) allows the Copperhead to be platform, brand, and engine size independant. Capable of controlling ANY single cylinder engine, ANY twin cylinder engine utilizing a waste spark design, and up to eight cylinder engines utilizing their OEM distributor.
 
The Copperhead uses a high performance, advanced RISC processor,  providing precise ignition triggering up to 12000 RPM, while processing at a lightning fast 16,000,000 instructions per second.
 
Future proof - The Copperhead can be later upgraded to integrate Electronic Fuel Injection with the Fusion EFI kit (future development).
 
Product Availability: The Copperhead DPM-550 will be available very soon for the utility version of the Kawasaki V-Twin engine line (Prairie, Arctic Cat, Twin Peaks).

Product Features:

Multiple timing maps - to compensate for different levels of desired performance, fuel quality, and modifications. Supports dual timing maps for on the fly changes.

Fully Configurable Timing Curves - adjustable from 0 to 12000 RPM in 50 RPM increments. The dual timing map feature is selected via an optional remote switch. The timing maps are programmed by your personal computer, and stored in a VDI Memory Pod. The pod is loaded into the CDI on powerup. Multiple timing maps allows you to store a map for regular fuel and a second map for premium fuel, for example. In addition, our configurable outputs allow you to trigger any negative grounded accessory at a particular RPM. This is useful to trigger a NOS system, and retard the timing to ensure safe operation, or for a shift light. For users with degree keys installed, the map can be retarded by the key amount to prevent detonation.

Tunable features - allows the user to turn on/off safety features, such as low end timing retard, reverse over-ride, configure belt limp mode, etc.

Plug and play - quick and easy installation utilizing factory harness and connectors -- no cutting or splicing required!

Future proof - The Copperhead can be later upgraded to integrate Electronic Fuel Injection with our Fusion EFI kit (future development).

@Note@ The  VDICopper Head utilizies a high performance, advanced RISC processor.  The VDI Copperhead provides precise ignition triggering up to 12000 RPM, while processing at a lightning fast 16,000,000 instructions per second.

CopperHead TM CDI Calibrations

The CopperheadTM CDI is shipped with the following default configurations:

Map #1 (Original type configuration):
Timing: 5 degrees BTDC @ 1100 RPM to 28 degrees BTDC @ 5000 RPM
Low Speed Retard: Enabled
Restrict Reverse Speed: Enabled
Limp Mode: Enabled

Map #2 (Optimized for 87 octane gasoline):
Timing: 11 degrees BTDC @ 1100 RPM to 34 degrees BTDC @ 5000 RPM
Low Speed Retard: Disabled
Restrict Reverse Speed: Disabled
Limp Mode: Disabled

Both maps and configurations can be changed using USB Memory Interface (available
separately).


In addition, the CopperheadTM CDI comes equipped with six (6) optional connections:


1) Engine kill tether switch connection. Active high input.

2) Tachometer output interfaces to off the shelf, 12V input tachometers that require one (1)
pulse per revolution.

3) Four (4) configurable outputs to control shift lights, NOS controllers, or any other RPM
sensitive outputs. Requires optional USB Memory Interface for configuration.

The CopperheadTM CDI indicates system failures by displaying error codes on the belt light (if
applicable) as well as the integrated status LED.
Advanced belt failure detection that only enters limp mode IF THE BELT SWITCH TRIP's. Limp
mode automatically resets once the unit is powered off.

Specifications:
[Subject to change without notice.]

Dimensions: (without wiring harness) (Lx WXH): 145mm x 115mm x 42mm
Weight: 500 grams

Input Voltage: 5 VDC to 20 VDC (minimum of 9 VDC required to start)


Input Current: (engine not running): 330mA RMS @ 25oC


Input Current: (engine running): 1.7A RMS @ 25oC


Output Voltage: (to coil): +/- 170 V Peak


Output Energy: (per coil): 14.5 mJ


Firing Duration: 15 degrees via Multi-Spark Discharge


Operating Temperature: -55oC to +100oC


Maximum engine speed: 12000 RPM


Maximum advance: 50 degrees BTDC @ 8000 RPM, with software roll off to 46 degrees BTDC@
12000 RPM

Installing your VDI-CDI Copper Head Ignition Module.

Installation


Installation couldn't be simpler.

1:  Remove the seat

2:  Unhook the positive side of the battery.

3:  Remove the rubber holder that has the stock ignition attached.

4:  Be careful when you separate the stock ignition from the harness, so you don't wreck the connectors.

5:  Slide the VDI CDI into the protective rubber boot.

6:  Plug the VDI CDI into the correct connectors ( no brainer, even Tim Allen from Tool Time could do this installation).

7:  Place the rubber boot with the assembled VDI CDI back on the tabs. Make sure it is pushed all the way down the taps, so it will not jiggle free.

8:  Install the battery connections.

9:  Replace the seat, and remember to catch both seat tabs, so your seat will not fly off with you on it.

10: Start up your quad and get ready to enjoy your new VDI experience, of smoother power throughout the rpm range.

VDI CDI Copper Head

I wanted to tie wrap the module down instead of using screws. It would be much easier to remove, if I needed to.

Copper Head ready to fire up.

Copper Head Installed ( close up pic)

Copper head installed and very ready for it's Beta Testing. If you could only hear how sweet my engine sounds right now!

The VDI CDI Copper Head getting a hole shot !!! What Ignition do you wish you had in your quad ?

VDI Contact Info:

VDI CDI to view the hottest ATV CDI available this side of the Canadian Rockies.

VDI CDI Purchase Program to check for pricing, an availability of product.