MSefi.com read only forum (Jan.15,2018)

is there anyway to measure the ouput from a COP (coil over plug)? i have a scope, just dont know what points to measure.

also what will be the easiest way to fire up a coil on the bench? i have a function generator, ps, scope.

i have 3 different audi coils and a bmw coil, just trying to compare if one give out a better spark than the other.

Probably not very scientific but you could measure the gap it will jump.

To measure the actual spark energy with sensors on the HV side is requiring instrumentation that I think no DIYer has at home.
If you work at a fancy lab you may be able to borrow a HF power meter equipped with high frequency HV sensors for voltage and current

However , there is an easier and less accurate way. Connect a COP and trigger up on a bench setup and measure the input voltage and input current with true RMS instruments ( A moving iron ammeter would be ideal) that goes to the COP unit at say 3000 rpm. Use identical spark plugs and let each COP unit get warm before you note the readings.
Make comparisons of the V*A that equals W input to the COP. The COP with the highest Watt is likely to have the most energy rich spark.
Crude, but useful method.
My guess is also that you will be able to distinguish between the different units based on sound level, at least with some practice. A blue fat spark is always nice.
You may want to be careful with the spark gap that you use. Trying COPS with a several mm long spark gap is tempting and looks cool, but may lead to partial discharges and shorts in the COP unit HV winding. For at least one make of COPs, worn out spark plugs and COP failures are very much interrelated.

Best regards

Heribert