GeeBeeJim,

My first engine was semi-auto start JJ1400. I used a hand wand to start it. It was fairly simple if you followed the the instructions and read the ECU as it stepped through the sequence. The main stubbling block I had was remembering to wind the turbine to the start rpm, 25K, before removing the starter. Secondly, I learned that NiMH wouldn't get to the 25K rpm. They quit at 23K rpm. Then, the fun began. So I always used 2000 maHr Nicads with the hand starter. I also found replacing the chinese motor with a Gruapner Speed 300 made a world of difference. It was a bit spooky to have your fingers and a wand so close to a spinning impellor.

Then, the same engine, I invest $40 in a starter pod. Sure do like the stick up, stick down and off we go. Just watch the ECU for problems. Which, I have not had since the last upgrade.

For the extra few bucks, I'd go full auto-start. Once set-up, it is a breeze. Learning the setting is enough besides learning a manual sequence.

My two-bits,
DW_Crash