Beta alp: lighting the bonfire

[Tim Kingham]

My beta Alp let me down at 2am on a trial
The sparks department is US
now a new ignition box is £250 (assuming I can find one)and I am not certain if it will sort things and if it did how well it would last
I would rather fit a more recognized aftermarket kit pazon, etc any one fitted anything to a 200 Beta Alp?
any other stories of woe in that department?

[Paul K]

If ignition box is the problem, you have nothing to lose by taking a look inside.  Admittedly, that cold prove difficult because it might be sealed with an epoxy resin.  However, if you can dig the epoxy out or cut the unit open, you might be able to see the component parts.  If the unit is a capacitor-discharge type, a lot of the times it is just the capacitor that's gone faulty, in which case you could try replacing the capacitor for a few quid.  If the unit's knackered, there's nothing to lose except a bit of time.

[Stephen Bailey]

My beta Alp let me down at 2am on a trial
The sparks department is US
now a new ignition box is £250 (assuming I can find one)and I am not certain if it will sort things and if it did how well it would last
I would rather fit a more recognized aftermarket kit pazon, etc any one fitted anything to a 200 Beta Alp?
any other stories of woe in that department?

Betas in particularly the 350 and 200 Alp are very reliable. Best to waterproof and seal all the electrical connections for trials.

John Lampkin BetaUK is the main importer for Bikes and spares. Generally within a couple of days of phoning him your order arrives...

[Paul Wheatley]

Tim, was it yourself who only got as far as Carsington during the Edinburgh in 2018? I was running the time control there and recall that a travelling marshal's bike  suffered failed ignition.

From past experience of trying to fix wobbly electronics, I'd just try to find a replacement part of the same type (possibly get a used one from a dismantler?). By the time you've messed about modifying the wiring system and the bike to accept it, it might cost you just as much time and money as a new OE part.

[Tim Kingham]

Yes it was me (Tim)  and its sat languishing ever since (too many bikes so little time) I did manage the lands end in my normal road car (wife driving) which was surprisingly enjoyable  but I must make an effort this season I do have another bike option but its best to have a backup I am acutely aware I dont have many more trials as I did my first about 55 years ago (there's an idea, an old timers award!)

anyway I found these guys
http://www.carmoelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=493_4686_2711_4636
looks costly, anyone ever used them?
Tim

[Paul K]

anyway I found these guys
http://www.carmoelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=493_4686_2711_4636
looks costly, anyone ever used them?
Tim

They've got some good reviews on facebook if they're true reviews https://en-gb.facebook.com/pg/Carmo.electronics/reviews/ .  Their website says that the repairs are carried out in the Netherlands; their UK address is just a collection point.  £211 is a bit cheaper than £250.

[Tim Kingham]

Well I have posted if off....

[Tim Kingham]

Carmeo have emailed me they have tested the unit and found it OK!
I haven't got it back yet but seems a good service after all they could have said NBG and charged me another £250.00
now to get one of my 2 running projects off the benches and start examining all the Beta electrics again.
Trouble is Lands End regs wont be long should I go for a full trial and hope Beta is ready or go for class O and use my 1952 Trophy if its not?
Any alternative raises the question whether you can change bike classes there is not much guidance on that.....
decisions decisions

[Stephen Bailey]

You can change bike or / and bike classes of the main trial on the night of the trial if you want.

Not too sure about main trial to class zero or R or visa versa tho….

(Might be the same with cars as well, now, now that we are not subject to having to have to pay a particular insurance company.).

[Paul K]

Carmeo have emailed me they have tested the unit and found it OK!

Good news!  So back to basics with the multimeter  . http://www.themotorcyclingclub.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=189.0 .  I can email you a 2006 model wiring diagram if you haven't got one.

[Tim Kingham]

Paul K  did you get my email?

[Paul K]

Tim, I got your email.  Now you’ve got an ignition spark and with fuel present, the engine should start.  I’ve sent a pdf of a 2006 Beta 200 wiring diagram to your email; it’s a better image than that below.  Let us know how you get on.