Motortech SparkView User manual

SparkView −
High Voltage Indicator
Operating Manual
P/N 01.10.045-EN | Rev. 12/2019

Original instructions
Copyright
© Copyright 2019 MOTORTECH GmbH. All rights reserved.
Distribution and reproduction of this publication or parts thereof, regardless of the specific
purpose and form, are not permissible without express written approval by MOTORTECH. Infor-
mation contained in this publication may be changed without prior notice.
Trademarks
MOTORTECH products and the MOTORTECH logo are registered and/or common law trademarks
of the MOTORTECH GmbH. All further trademarks and logos displayed or used in this publication
are the property of the respective entitled person and are used for reference purposes only.

Rev. 12/2019 3
1 General Information .....................................................................................................5
1.1 What Is the Purpose of this Operating Manual? ......................................................... 5
1.2 Who Is this Operating Manual Targeted to?...............................................................5
1.3 Which Symbols Are Used in the Operating Manual?...................................................5
1.4 Which Abbreviations/Acronyms Are Used in the Operating Manual?...........................6
2 Safety Instructions ......................................................................................................7
2.1 General Safety Instructions ..................................................................................... 7
2.2 Electrostatic Discharge Hazards ..............................................................................8
2.3 Special Safety Instructions for the Device ................................................................9
2.4 Proper Disposal.....................................................................................................11
3 Intended Use ............................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Functional Description .......................................................................................... 12
3.2 Applications......................................................................................................... 12
4 Product Description ................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Technical Data ...................................................................................................... 13
4.1.1 Certifications ..................................................................................................... 13
4.1.2 Mechanical Data ................................................................................................ 14
4.1.3 Warning Notices on the Device............................................................................ 14
4.1.4 Product Identification – Labeling on the Device.................................................... 15
4.1.5 Electrical Data.................................................................................................... 16
5 Operation .................................................................................................................. 17
5.1 Unpacking............................................................................................................ 17
5.2 Start-up ............................................................................................................... 17
5.3 General Operation ................................................................................................ 18
5.3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................... 18
5.3.2 Voltage Display .................................................................................................20
5.3.3 Status Display ...................................................................................................20
5.3.4 Preferences ....................................................................................................... 21
5.4 Measuring High Voltage........................................................................................22
5.4.1 Measuring with SparkScan1 High Voltage Clamp..................................................23
5.4.2 Measuring on Ignition Coil with Diagnostic Interface............................................ 25
5.5 Evaluation of Measurement Results ....................................................................... 27
5.6 Shutdown ............................................................................................................ 27
6 Errors ....................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Possible Faults .....................................................................................................28
Table of Contents

Table of Contents
4 Rev. 12/2019
6.2 Customer Service Information ...............................................................................28
6.3 Returning Equipment for Repair/Inspection ........................................................... 29
6.4 Instructions for Packaging the Equipment..............................................................29
7 Maintenance ..............................................................................................................30
7.1 Changing the Battery ............................................................................................ 30
7.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................................. 30
7.3 Spare Parts and Accessories ................................................................................. 30
8 Index......................................................................................................................... 31

Rev. 12/2019 5
Read through this operating manual carefully before use and become familiar with the product.
Installation and start-up should not be carried out before reading and understanding this docu-
ment. Keep this manual readily available so that you can reference it as needed.
1.1 What Is the Purpose of this Operating Manual?
This manual serves as an aid for the installation and operation of the product and supports the
technical staff with all operating and maintenance tasks to be performed. Furthermore, this
manual is aimed at preventing dangers to life and health of the user and third parties.
1.2 Who Is this Operating Manual Targeted to?
The operating manual provides a code of conduct for personnel tasked with the setup, opera-
tion, maintenance, and repair of gas engines. A certain level of technical knowledge with respect
to the operation of gas engines and basic knowledge of electronic ignition systems are neces-
sary. Persons who are only authorized to operate the gas engine shall be trained by the operat-
ing company and shall be expressly instructed concerning potential hazards.
1.3 Which Symbols Are Used in the Operating Manual?
The following symbols are used in this manual and must be observed:
Example
This symbol indicates examples, which point out necessary handling steps
and techniques. In addition, you receive additional information from the
examples, which will increase your knowledge.
Notice
This symbol indicates important notices for the user. Follow these. In
addition, this symbol is used for overviews that give you a summary of the
necessary work steps.
Warning
This symbol indicates warnings for possible risks of property damage or
risks to health. Read these warning notices carefully and take the
mentioned precautionary measures.
1 General Information

1 General Information
6 Rev. 12/2019
Danger
This symbol indicates warnings for danger to life, especially due to high
voltage. Read these warning notices carefully and take the mentioned
precautionary measures.
1.4 Which Abbreviations/Acronyms Are Used in the Operating Manual?
The following abbreviations/acronyms are used in the operating manual.
Abb. Term Description Explanation
BNC Bayonet Neill
Concelman
Special design of coaxial con-
nectors
CE Conformité
Européenne
Conformity with EU
directives
Mark based on EU legislation
for certain products in conjunc-
tion with product safety
EMC Electromagnetic
Compatibility
Compatibility of electrical or
electronic equipment items
with their surroundings
LED Light Emitting Diode Light emitting electronic semi-
conductor
RoHS Restriction of
Hazardous
Substances

Rev. 12/2019 7
2.1 General Safety Instructions
The following safety instructions must be followed in the area in which the device is operated:
High voltage! Danger to life!
While the engine is running, the area around the ignition system especially
holds the risk of danger due to high voltage. The following parts should
therefore not be touched or removed unless explicitly stated otherwise:
–Ignition coils and caps
–Wires of the high voltage circuit
–In- and output wiring of the ignition controller
–Pickups and their wiring
Danger to persons with pacemakers!
Electromagnetic impulses in the wiring of the ignition system may exceed
the permissible limits of pacemakers. Persons with pacemakers must
therefore not be present in the vicinity of the ignition system being oper-
ated. Mark the operating location of the ignition system with the corre-
sponding standardized warning symbol.
MOTORTECH equipment is manufactured as state of the art and therefore safe and reliable to
operate. Nevertheless the equipment can cause risks or damage can occur, if the following
instructions are not complied with:
–The gas engine must only be operated by trained and authorized personnel.
–Observe all safety instructions of the system and all safety instructions of the system opera-
tor.
–Operate the equipment only within the parameters specified in the technical data.
–Use the equipment correctly and for its intended use only.
–Never apply force.
–For all work such as installation, conversion, adaptation, maintenance, and repair, all equip-
ment must be disconnected from the mains and secured against unintentional reactivation.
–Perform only such maintenance and repair work as is described in this operating manual,
and follow the instructions given while working.
–Only use spare parts supplied by MOTORTECH for the maintenance of the device.
–Further work must only be performed by personnel authorized by MOTORTECH. Non-compli-
ance with the instructions will void any warranties for the proper function of the equipment
as well as the responsibility for the validity of the certifications.
–Safety devices must not be dismounted or disabled.
2 Safety Instructions

2 Safety Instructions
8 Rev. 12/2019
–Avoid all activities that can impair the function of the equipment.
–Operate the equipment only while it is in proper condition.
–Investigate all changes detected while operating the gas engine or ignition system.
–Ensure compliance with all laws, directives, and regulations applicable to the operation of
your system, including such not expressly stated herein.
–If the system is not entirely tight and sealed, gas may escape and result in explosion hazard.
The inhalation of gas can also lead to death or severe health damages. Therefore, upon
completion of all assembly works, always check the system's tightness.
–Always ensure adequate ventilation of the engine compartment.
–Ensure a safe position at the gas engine.
–There is a risk of burning on hot surfaces. It is imperative that you avoid contact with hot
spots and wear safety gloves.
–Personal protective equipment (PPE), e.g. safety shoes and gloves, must be worn during all
work on the engine.
–Noise from the system can cause permanent or temporary damage to your hearing. Wear
suitable hearing protection at the system.
–Your behavior can reduce possible residual risks to a minimum. Observe responsible han-
dling of the gas engine and the gas-carrying system.
2.2 Electrostatic Discharge Hazards
Electronic equipment is sensitive to static electricity. To protect these components from damage
caused by static electricity, special precautions must be taken to minimize or prevent electro-
static discharge.
Observe these safety precautions while you work with the equipment or in its vicinity.
–Before performing maintenance or repair work, ensure that the static electricity inherent to
your body is discharged.
–Do not wear clothing made from synthetic materials to prevent static electricity from build-
ing up. Your clothing should therefore be made of cotton or cotton mix materials.
–Keep plastics such as vinyl and Styrofoam materials as far away from the equipment as
possible.
–Do not remove the circuit boards from the housing of the device.

2 Safety Instructions
Rev. 12/2019 9
2.3 Special Safety Instructions for the Device
High voltage! Danger to life!
While the engine is running, there is danger to life through high voltage
particularly in the area of the ignition system. Do not touch the spark plug
lead with your hands while the engine is running. You can safely touch the
grounded SparkScan1 high voltage clamp even when the engine is running.
High voltage! Danger to life!
Without proper grounding of the SparkScan1 high voltage clamp, life-
threatening high voltage can occur. For your own safety, observe the
following:
–Ensure at all times that the SparkScan1 is properly grounded to the
engine via the grounding clamp.
–If the grounding clamp of the SparkScan1 comes loose during measur-
ing (e.g. by tripping over the cable to the grounding clamp), do not
touch the measuring clamp and the cables of the SparkScan1 or the
BNC connector of the SparkView. Switch off the engine, and when the
ignition is inactive, restore proper grounding before proceeding with
measuring.
High voltage! Danger to life!
In a wet environment, the use of the SparkView high voltage indicator, the
SparkScan1 high voltage clamp, and of the BNC cable poses a danger to life
through high voltage. Likewise, wetness can destroy the products. There-
fore, do not use the products in a wet environment.
High voltage! Danger to life!
If the SparkView high voltage indicator, the SparkScan1 high voltage clamp
or the BNC cable show any visible signs of damage in particular to cables
and connectors, there is danger to life through high voltage and the meas-
urements may be faulty. In such a case, refrain from using the respective
product under any circumstances.

2 Safety Instructions
10 Rev. 12/2019
Risk of injury!
To avoid injury, make sure that you do not trip over the cables of the
SparkScan1 high voltage clamp or the BNC cable when using the SparkView
high voltage indicator.
Risk of destruction!
Excess voltage may destroy or damage the SparkView high voltage indica-
tor. Stop the measurement immediately if continuously values above 25 kV
(set measuring range up to 25 kV) or above 50 kV (set measuring range up
to 50 kV) are measured.
Risk of destruction! Operational safety!
Third-party products can destroy the SparkView high voltage indicator and
lead to incorrect measurement results. Operate the SparkView solely with
the MOTORTECH SparkScan1 high voltage clamp, with high-quality
MOTORTECH BNC cables and with MOTORTECH ignition coils featuring a
BNC diagnostic interface.
Risk of destruction!
When the battery compartment is open, moisture and dirt may get into the
SparkView high voltage indicator and destroy it. You should therefore only
use the device with the battery compartment cover firmly screwed shut.
Risk of damage!
Hot engine parts can damage the grounding cable of the SparkScan1 high
voltage clamp, the BNC cable or the SparkView high voltage indicator. Avoid
contact of the products with hot spots. Do not use damaged products.
Danger of radio communication interference!
This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may
not provide adequate protection to radio communication services in such
environments.

2 Safety Instructions
Rev. 12/2019 11
2.4 Proper Disposal
After the expiration of its service life, MOTORTECH equipment can be disposed of with other
commercial waste, or it may be returned to MOTORTECH. We will ensure its environmentally
friendly disposal.

12 Rev. 12/2019
3.1 Functional Description
The portable SparkView high voltage indicator measures and visualizes the high voltage de-
mand of spark plugs while the engine is running. For this purpose, the SparkView measures the
negative voltage transmitted by the connected measuring equipment through its BNC connector.
The measurements can be carried out in two ways:
–With the SparkScan1 high voltage clamp from MOTORTECH on the spark plug lead
–With a special BNC cable from MOTORTECH on the diagnostic interface of specific ignition
coils from MOTORTECH
From the measured values you can draw conclusions about the condition of the ignition system
and of the spark plugs. Regular measurements can thus also contribute to reducing
maintenance costs.
3.2 Applications
Danger of radio communication interference!
This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may
not provide adequate protection to radio communication services in such
environments.
The portable SparkView high voltage indicator measures the high voltage demand of spark
plugs while the engine is running. Depending on the set measuring range, it is designed for
measuring voltages of up to 25 kV or 50 kV. Measurements can be made with a MOTORTECH
SparkScan1 high voltage clamp on the spark plug lead or with a special MOTORTECH BNC cable
on the diagnostic interface of special MOTORTECH ignition coils. The SparkScan1 high voltage
clamp or the BNC cable must not be longer than 3 m (118").
The SparkView high voltage indicator is suitable for all industrial gas engines operating with
negative ignition voltages.
Any use other than the one described in the operating manual shall be considered improper use
and will result in the voiding of all warranties.
3 Intended Use

Rev. 12/2019 13
4.1 Technical Data
4.1.1 Certifications
The SparkView high voltage indicator is certified as follows:
CE
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
–EN 55011:2016 + A1:2017 – Industrial, scientific and medical equipment - Radio-frequency
disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement
–Group 1, Class A
–EN 61000-6-2:2005 + AC:2005 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-2: Generic
standards - Immunity for industrial environments
–EN 61000-6-4:2007 + A1:2011 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-4: Generic
standards - Emission standard for industrial environments
–EN 61326-1:2013 – Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC
requirements - Part 1: General requirements
RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
4 Product Description

4 Product Description
14 Rev. 12/2019
4.1.2 Mechanical Data
The SparkView high voltage indicator has the following mechanical characteristics:
Feature Value
Dimensions 175 mm x 84 mm x 41 mm (6.89" x 3.31" x 1.62")
(length x width x height)
Weight 210 g (0.47 lb) without batteries
Shape of device See section Overvie
w
on page 18
Mechanical environmental
conditions
Protection: IP20
Climatic environmental
conditions
Working temperature:
–20 °C to +50 °C (–4 °F to +122 °F)
Transport and storage temperature:
–20 °C to +70 °C (–4 °F to +158 °F)
Max. 95 % humidity without condensation
up to 5,000 m (16,403') above sea level
Housing material Plastic, shock-protected
4.1.3 Warning Notices on the Device
Battery Compartment Cover
Ensure proper grounding of attached tools
Do not operate with battery door open
Use only specified leads and tools

4 Product Description
Rev. 12/2019 15
4.1.4 Product Identification – Labeling on the Device
The numbers required for unique product identification are on the device:
Abb. Meaning
P/N Part number of the high voltage indicator
S/N Serial number of the high voltage indicator
Battery Compartment Cover
Rear Side of Device

4 Product Description
16 Rev. 12/2019
4.1.5 Electrical Data
The SparkView high voltage indicator has the following electrical characteristics:
Feature Value
Power supply 4.5 V DC, 3 Mignon batteries (AA), no rechargeable batteries
Required current Max. 1 A
BNC input Voltage range: –50 V to 0 V
Measuring range 0 kV to 50 kV
Resolution Measuring range up to 50 kV: 1.25 kV
Measuring range up to 25 kV: 0.625 kV
Accuracy of the display ±2 kV
Maximum pulse frequency 60 Hz (corresponds to 7,200 rpm for a 4-stroke engine and
3,600 rpm for a 2-stroke engine)
Higher frequencies may lead to a faulty display.
LED scale Three-color, two brightness levels

Rev. 12/2019 17
5.1 Unpacking
Unpack the SparkView high voltage indicator taking care not to damage it, and ensure that the
operating manual is always near to the device and is easily accessible. Check the contents for
completeness and verify that the equipment meets your application requirements.
Scope of supply
The scope of supply of the SparkView high voltage indicator consists of the following compo-
nents:
–SparkView high voltage indicator
–Mignon battery 1.5 V type AA (3x)
–Operating manual
–Transport case
Accessories:
–SparkScan1 high voltage clamp including operating manual (optional)
–BNC cable (optional)
5.2 Start-up
To put the SparkView high voltage indicator into operation, insert the batteries. Proceed as
follows:
1. Loosen the battery compartment cover screws on the back of the SparkView with a screw-
driver and remove the battery compartment cover.
2. Insert the three supplied AA batteries. Ensure that the polarity is correct.
3. Put the battery compartment cover back on and secure it by tightening the battery compart-
ment cover screws with a screwdriver.
▸The SparkView is ready for operation.
5 Operation

5 Operation
18 Rev. 12/2019
5.3 General Operation
5.3.1 Overview
Front View

5 Operation
Rev. 12/2019 19
Pos. Designation
Voltage display (LED scale, also see section Voltage Displa
y
on page 20)
Adjustment buttons for the bottom value of the red range
Adjustment buttons for the bottom value of the yellow range
Status display (see section Status Displa
y
on page 20)
SET button
On/off button
BNC connector
Plan View
Pos. Designation
BNC connector
Switch for selecting the measuring range
–Position : Measuring range 0 kV to 25 kV
–Position : Measuring range 0 kV to 50 kV

5 Operation
20 Rev. 12/2019
5.3.2 Voltage Display
The voltage display of the SparkView high voltage indicator shows the currently measured
voltage. With activated maximum value indication (see section Preferences on page 21), maxi-
mum values are kept for 0.5 seconds in the voltage display.
Risk of destruction!
Excess voltage may destroy or damage the SparkView high voltage indica-
tor. Stop the measurement immediately if continuously values above 25 kV
(set measuring range up to 25 kV) or above 50 kV (set measuring range up
to 50 kV) are measured.
If values above the set permissible measuring range are measured, all LEDs of the voltage dis-
play light up red. In such a case, stop measuring immediately, as inadmissible measured values
can destroy or damage the SparkView.
5.3.3 Status Display
The status display of the SparkView high voltage indicator lights up as soon as the device is
switched on and it goes out when switched off. The different states of the status display have
the following meaning:
Status display Meaning
Green light The batteries are fully charged.
Y
ellow light The batteries have a medium charge level.
Red light The batteries are weak.
Flashes red The batteries are almost flat and should be
replaced (see section Changing the Battery on
page 30).
Flashes red once and goes out The device has been switched off manually.
Flashes red three times and goes out The device has switched off automatically after
5 minutes of not being used.
Flashes red five times and goes out The device has switched off due to flat batter-
ies. The batteries must be replaced (see sec-
tion Changing the Battery on page 30).
Flashes red more than five times There is a fault.