ORIGINAL: Bob Pastorello
Well, I wasn't going to post in this one, since my thoughts/advice are clearly in the "Newbie to Gassers" sticky thread....but....after reading this one....
It is beyond foolhardy to ** NOT ** have some method that can kill that whirling meat cleaver if the throttle servo dies, comes loose, falls off, disconnects, breaks, etc.....absolutely FOOLHARDY.
The whole idea of a SECOND "remotely-operated" kill is to enable one to "save" the airplane (and everyone else's property, etc.) in case that throttle stick doesn't do the job. THAT is the whole purpose!!!
Whether or not it's a choke servo, electro optical, servo-operated mechanical switch, or an on-board self-destruct device.... PLEASE, PLEASE use *** SOMETHING *** that you can operate from your transmitter to kill that sucker.
I don't always agree with Bob but this time I'm in complete accord. I've always had a ignition cutoff switch on my gassers; usually a servo-operated micro switch to disconnect the battery on a CDI or to ground the mag coil on a magneto-equipped engine. My latest project is a Lanier Extra 300L 120-size with a ST 3000 on ignition, which I'm going to try on E85 fuel just for the hellluvvit. It'll have an ignition cutoff for sure. I may try that RCATS relay setup. Looks pretty neat.
CR