Reply To: 1936 Sportfour Imperial Electric, Model 9017

[Buccaneer]

PM T2, regarding……

I think you will find the toggle switch controls the power to the ignition system. Thats how it should be at any rate.

My toggle switch, a simple two pole, “ON / OFF” switch, does not tie into the ignition system.
Both leads from the switch go directly atop of the Owen motor / generator terminals, and
one wire then goes thru the endcap of the unit. 
I got the idea of a “HI / LO” charging switch, from the photo posted above of the Speedifour.

Charging was either on or it wasn’t, as it was always understood that it was an automatic cutout point that the electrical system controlled relative to engine RPM. At speeds above (approximately) 1000-1200 RPM, the charging system kicked in and was governed thereafter by the regulator circuit.

Not sure what magic causes one of those units to start charging around 1000 ish rpm’s, but perhaps
that’s when the residual magnetism builds up enough to excite it into charging?

My Super C electrics have a three position switch; One is RUN, the middle one is “CHARGE” and the third is “START”.  They were also equipped with a key switch for turning the battery juice on and off. The switch on the later model electrics was a lil different, as you’ve found out.

My key switch’s (key missing) sole purpose appears to be to power the coil, via a 100 ohm resistor,
which I presume is to cut the voltage down at the point sets. Will have to study the ohms
law to see if 100 ohms makes any sense.

Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!