proctor

I have an old Tatone " Tick Off" engine timer but it weighs as much as some of the models I build.
Does anyone know of a very lightweight timer.

ffkiwi

In short-yes! look at: www.texastimers.com and see under 'micro' timer-this is based on a Tomy clock mechanism. There is also the 2-function texas mini. Alternatively check out: www.freeflightsupplies.co.uk and again look under timers. Mike Woodhouse sells a Tomy based micro shutoff timer with a different type of arm to Texas timers. I have several of each and can recommend them. Both-with a bit of fiddling-can be setup to add a temporary quick DT function for trimming purposes.

Some figures: Texas Micro-1 weight 6.4g max ER time ~25secs
Texas Mini weight 15.4g max ER time ~17 secs
W'house mini-timr weight: 5.9g max ER time ~30 secs
Tatone 1/2A tickoff wt:16.7g max ER time ~15 secs

All these weights and times from my own examples, and static running free (ie no effects from engine running vibration or fuel line drag). Though they do an equivalent job, the Texas and Woodhouse timers use their clock mechanisms differently, the Texas runs unslowed, the Woodhouse has the waggler slowed with weights, shown in the photo.

ChrisM
'ffkiwi'

proctor

Really appreciate your very thorough answer, exactly what I'm looking for.
BTW going in a Keith Laumer " Twin Lizzie" which I am hoping to fly at the " Bowden Contest"
at the British Free Flight Nationals
Thanks John

jessiej

My first free flight model used a glass eyedropper. It was very light. If only I had anticipated the need for a dethermalizer as well.

jess

BMatthews

Proctor, if your event isn't locked to a set run time then I'd suggest an eyedropper or some other small reservoir tank which you just run out.

For the eyedropper style if you make it from a fat section of clear plastic tubing with reducers in each end to fit fuel line then you can actually add on an external reservoir tank for test running and so you don't use up all the eyedropper fuel by the time you get it running and the needle set. Then simply remove the external tank and launch.

proctor

Thanks excellent idea, can't think why it never occurred to me all these years. The flight time is
timed but not the engine run. John

hobbychina2010

This is rare antique.

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

I think they need to change out the 3 screws that hold the big honkin' timer to the plane to much heftier hardware...like self drilling, grade 8 lag bolts, just to be safe.