Red,
I did not imply that the Sachse system uses optical triggers. It is well known to me that Volker changed to Hall-effect sensors quite a while back due to temperature related problems with his units.
Temperature related failure of DMC triggers is a rare occurance, at least over here in "sunny" Europe. Higher ambient temperatures all year round might make a difference, you tell me please.
DMC systems have been around a lot longer than Sachse, the original Bosch pick-ups were still in good shape and in plentiful supply when the DMC I system was launched in the early 80's. (The war in former Yugoslavia stopped all future supplies as the pick-ups, along with a range of other Bosch products, were produced there.) The DMC II evolved in the 90's to eliminate the then aging Bosch items.
I fail to see the need of a 39 or 40? degree advance curve for a Laverda triple, perhaps for Clems' 5.8:1 CR 1200, but for real life? Hardly, so that's 3 curves already wasted. Personally, I'm not sure Volker has a full understanding of the workings of a Laverda triple. Of course the majority of curves available on both systems is never used, but the more practical curves and fine-tuning capabilities of the DMC has helped me iron out quite a few persistant bugs on tuned engines.
Yes, any half-decent ignition system is a major improvement over the crude stock system, and yes, your clever alternator conversion definitely makes it more desirable than the DMC for MkI triple applications.
Re set-up; It may be a piece of piss with the Sachse, but most owners still don't get it right. Have had at least 3 bikes in the shop that showed up OK with the LED, but the strobe told a different story. It then turns to a pain in the butt to correct it, especially the MKI!
As for production numbers, Sachse has a long way to go. Ther's still a helluva lot of Ducatis and Guzzis, twins
and singles, running the DMC, as well as the odd Beemer, H-D, Benelli, Yamaha or Honda.
BTW, nice to see you back, even if it is only to give me a decent spanking! 8)
piet