GAS ENGINE IGNITION MODULE
GS8 Ignition Module
An economical inductive ignition module for gas engines from 1 to 8 cylinders, with up to 3,000 microseconds of continuous spark duration.
GS8 works with high-speed and low-speed gas engines of all horsepower and sizes, with up to two coils per cylinder. Timing can be set globally, by individual cylinder or through 2D and 3D timing maps, and three integrated status LEDs confirm correct operation.
1 to 8 cylinders
Up to two coils per cylinder
Up to 3,000 µs spark
Continuous spark duration
Flexible timing
Global, per cylinder or 2D and 3D maps
IP67 rated
Rugged control unit
WHERE IT SITS
GS8 in the gas engine controls range
THE DIFFERENCE
What makes the GS8 different
GS8 sits between the compact GT6 and the 12-cylinder GS12. Against GT6 it doubles the maximum spark duration and adds individual cylinder timing, load-based timing maps, more trigger options, shutdown ground and fuel valve sequencing. GS12 offers the same feature set for engines up to 12 cylinders.
SPECIFICATION IN BRIEF
What the GS8 provides
SPECIFICATION
Full specification
Figures from the GS8 Ignition Module datasheet, issue 2. Confirm the current issue before ordering.
Ignition
| Number of cylinders | 1 to 8 |
|---|---|
| Spark duration | 500 to 3,000 µs continuous spark duration |
| Timing | Global, individual cylinder, dual fuel |
| Timing maps | 2D (speed and timing) or 3D (speed, timing and load) with 5 maps |
| Trigger methods | Single, dual, or pickup with up to 60 teeth or holes plus reset |
| Coils | Up to 2 coils per cylinder |
Application
| Engines | All horsepower and engine sizes, low speed or high speed |
|---|
Power and interface
| Power | 12 / 24 V DC, 5 A |
|---|---|
| Communications | RS232, DB9 female connection |
| Outputs and features | Tach output signal, shutdown ground, fuel valve sequencing |
| Status indication | 3 integrated status LEDs confirming correct operation |
Software
| Software | Free Windows-based set-up software, with multi-level security from basic to advanced |
|---|---|
| Programming | Configuration files can be set up, saved, sent and stored, or emailed |
| Logging | Verification and troubleshooting logs that can be emailed to Gill support for review |
Environment
| Operating temperature | -40 to +90 °C |
|---|---|
| Ingress protection | Sealed to IP67 |
| Maximum speed | 4,000 rpm |
COMPARE
GS8 against the other ignition modules
| GS8 | GT6 | GS12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinders | 1 to 8 | 1 to 6 | 1 to 12 |
| Spark duration | 500 to 3,000 µs | 500 to 1,500 µs | 500 to 3,000 µs |
| Timing | Global, individual cylinder, dual fuel | Global, dual fuel | Global, individual cylinder, dual fuel |
| Timing maps | 2D or 3D, 5 maps | Not listed | 2D or 3D, 5 maps |
| Trigger | Single, dual, up to 60 teeth plus reset | Single inductive pickup | Single pickup, OEM disc, A3 or A5 kit, GM distributor kit, drilled flywheel, 2-stroke |
| Features | Tach output, shutdown ground, fuel valve sequencing | Tach output | Tach output, shutdown ground, fuel valve sequencing |
| Engines | All sizes, up to 2 coils per cylinder | Up to 13 L | All sizes, up to 2 coils per cylinder |
Show the 4 rows that are the same
| GS8 | GT6 | GS12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 12 / 24 V DC, 5 A | 12 / 24 V DC, 5 A | 12 / 24 V DC, 5 A |
| Maximum speed | 4,000 rpm | 4,000 rpm | 4,000 rpm |
| Communications | RS232, DB9 | RS232, DB9 | RS232, DB9 |
| Environment | -40 to +90 °C, IP67 | -40 to +90 °C, IP67 | -40 to +90 °C, IP67 |
AF120 is an air/fuel ratio controller rather than an ignition module, so it is not compared here. Compare the whole range
BEFORE YOU SPECIFY
Is the GS8 the correct module?
Before specifying, confirm:
- the number of cylinders, up to 8, and coils per cylinder, up to 2
- the spark duration the engine and coils need
- the trigger method: single, dual, or a pickup with up to 60 teeth or holes plus reset
- whether the engine needs individual cylinder timing or load-based 3D timing maps
- whether shutdown ground or fuel valve sequencing is needed
- the 12 or 24 V DC supply available
If those match, the GS8 provides that configuration.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
What is the GS8 ignition module?
The GS8 is an inductive ignition module from Gill for gas engines with 1 to 8 cylinders. It delivers 500 to 3,000 microseconds of continuous spark duration, supports up to two coils per cylinder and is set up with free Windows-based software.
Which engines does the GS8 suit?
The GS8 is used on gas engines of all horsepower and sizes, low speed or high speed, with 1 to 8 cylinders. For engines with more cylinders, the GS12 offers the same feature set up to 12 cylinders.
How can GS8 timing be adjusted?
GS8 timing can be set globally, by individual cylinder or for dual fuel. It also supports 2D timing maps based on speed, or 3D maps based on speed and load, with five maps available.
What is the difference between the GS8 and the GS12?
The GS8 and GS12 share the same spark duration, timing options, software and features. The GS8 covers 1 to 8 cylinders and the GS12 covers 1 to 12. The GS12 also lists additional trigger methods, including the GM distributor timing kit and 2-stroke engines.
Which documents cover the GS8?
The GS8 datasheet covers the specification and the GS8 and GS12 user manual covers installation and set-up. Both are linked in the documents panel on this page, with the Gillfire set-up software.
Have an application to discuss?
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