I would like to get some feedback from the guys that use
a small battery pack that bolt directly onto a starter.

I would like to simplify my starting procedure (no wires to trip over)
and I would like to know how they last power wise, are they good to start
a .61 2 stroke or a .91 4 stroke or will it just start the engine a few
times and die quickly.

I have one that I've use to start everything from my old Evolution 40 up to an OS 1.20 AX. It will last several starts, then begins to get sluggish. I then have a 'booster' cable that I connect to a field battery I bring with me to use as a source to charge my radio batteries using a field charger.. a Sears gizmo that is used as a car booster starter in case of a dead battery. But as often as it is, I often fly enough then head home before I have to rely on the booster setup. But, in cold weather, well, all bets are off for just about anything.

DS.

I saw a guy at the field that strapped a 7ah gell cell battery (the same one that's in my field box) onto his starter. It actaully worked quite well and didn't look dumb. You'd have no problems with short run time that way.

I've got one and it's a double-edged sword. As CG said, it will do several starts before running out of steam. I use it for .90 size four strokes. I would define "several" as less than 20. It's nice to have the convenience, but it is not as powerful as a flight box battery. Also much worse in cold weather.

Here's what I do. Have all the power I need. No cords to get in the way and very mobile.

Alot of the large scale guys use starters with 10 nicad or nimh cells ranging from 2000-4800 mah,
these starters will kick over 1.20-2.10 2-4 strokes all day long. 4 of us used the same starter all
day starting a .46, .61, 1.10 4stroke, and 1.60 2 stroke were started at least 6 times each and
some other people used it also. I will post a link to the company that makes them soon.

how long will that last you with that set up, cruzomatic?

Honestly, I don't know, a full days flying for sure though. I charge it up on a battery charger/maintainer maybe every other week or so and it's never failed me in 3 years now. A buddy of mine has the same setup and he charges his once a month at the most and his is 3+ years old too.

What I like most about it is that it's really mobile. In the pits, on the flight line, here or there, no problem. It's always ready and no need to lug the flight box around.

Those 7ah gell cells are just about bullet proof. I've never seen how far I can go between charges, but if I had to bet it would probably be a few months or so. I just like to keep it up on the charger.

Here is a link to the high amperage starters. http://bpassociates.homestead.com/STARTERpacks.html

I use a gear reduction starter w two 6 cell car packs wired in series, have no proble startin up to a 120 4/s and only charge it every couple of months

The most popular starter at my field Which means I am always looking for it as it continually walks away. About 10 others have copied it now.

Simple ply brackets. The seven cell stick packs are held in with rubberbands. One on the right use two 5000 NiMh seven cell packs for portable DVD players.

16.8 volts provides awesome performance from the cheapest starters unlike anything you ever experianced. The one on the left is five years old and has always been fed 16.8 volts. Uses two seven cell packs. 3000 Nimh. The starters handle the current well.

John

Hi everyone, I would like to thank you for your replies.

I have ordered a 12 volt 7ah battery and I will zip tie this to my motor
just like cruzomatic. It looks nice and portable without having to haul
around the complete flight box. When you are new at this it is easy to
get carried away and buy all the cool gadgets out there but you dont need
half this stuff at the flight line and it just gets in the way.

Now I keep all my hardware like spare props, rubber band, tools ect. in a
fishing tackle box the kind with drawers so every thing is organized and close
by if I need it.

Attaboy grizwald. It's cheap, simple and quick. If you need any additional help shoot me a PM.

take care, good luck.

Using a portable is also safer. No leads from the flightbox that could get caught in a prop.

And using NiCd's in the portable make it even easier to deal with. The switchover to NiCd seemed to give the starter better power when trying to start the big engines compared to the original sealed lead battery. And the lead was a 1A and the NiCd's are 1.1A. And my AccuCycle can recharge the NiCd's with no effort. Don't even have to swap connectors.

what do you guys think about this?
is it worth anything, is it working?

Hello fellow modellers, i am using a H T Racing starter made by Hobby Taiwan Corporation. It is powered by 2 2700mah batteries housed in the body, has 2 electric motors geared to the output shaft. It starts YS160 motors with ease. I fly 6 days a week, 5 to 6 flights a day and i only recharge the batteries once every 3 months , and it has never failed me. Cost in Australia was $72.00
I highly recommend these starters.They would turn over a Mac truck if it had a spinner on the front.
Bill

Alex,
I've been using that exact battery pack for the past 3 months. I probably don't tax it very hard, as I'm using it to start a .46 2 cycle. Your mileage may vary on how often you need to charge it. I get out to the field usually once or twice per week. On that schedule, I've only had my starter on a charger once so far and it is still going strong.

Cheers!

Well you don't see any of the old pros at you field using them. Use NiCads like they do.

Thanks guys,
i was just thinking how to avoid purchasing and installing and carrying a field box with a power panel, battery etc’ etc’... [:-]

Alex

Thanks John,
its the best answer. [8D]

Alex