Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
 What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter? >

What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Community
Search
Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-09-2010 | 10:10 PM
  #26  
Mustang1971's Avatar
My Feedback: (30)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Lakeland, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

The PACaeromodel unit recommended several posts ago is an excellent unit. 21.6V (3 X 7.2V) battery slung right under the small starter. I have used it to start a G62!
Old 07-09-2010 | 10:32 PM
  #27  
JohnBuckner's Avatar
My Feedback: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,441
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
From: Kingman, AZ
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?


ORIGINAL: VF84sluggo

For the mechanically challenged (i.e., me): How do you convert the end of the drill to an airplane starter? I sure like the pistol-grip style with a battery base that also serves as a stand.

Sorry the link I provided in post number 22 for the cheap drill as described in my post number 21 is to just use the battery and charger to be used with an ordinary starter The whole idea is to increase the voltage you are providing to a standard starter.

As far as using a drill or screw gun for a starter goes because of the pistol grip which is the wrong ergonomics for use as a starter they can be very dangerous if one tries to use it with one hand. They can only be used safely with the operator using both hands and someone else holding and pushing aginst the starter man.

At some point when flying say 40/60 sized airplanes someone will attempt to use one by himself and one handed with the other holding the fuselage and this is where it becomes very dangerous. Just try it, pick up a drill and hold a fuselage of an airplane with the other hand and try to line up the drills axis with the prop shaft axis and then pull the trigger.

Its for this reason I strongly reccoment not useing any pistol grip device for an airplane starter.

John
Old 07-09-2010 | 10:48 PM
  #28  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Euless, TX
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Thanks! You guys are awesome!
Old 07-09-2010 | 11:34 PM
  #29  
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Victoria, MN
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

I have the heavy duty sylvan, but think it may be fried, even though I took it apart and looked at the
motor brushes...

Can't wait to see what happens when companies start making BRUSHLESS starters?? Price increase?

Also, I may call up sylavan, and get the motor for the DYNATRON (50$) and stick it in the HD sylvan starter...
Costs half what it would to buy it new...

The grear reduction starters typically do not spin the prop fast enough to start the smaller engines..
can't remember the exact synario....but one guy couldn't get one going, then realized that the starter was TOO big
and slower for big GAS engines...ect..
Old 07-09-2010 | 11:36 PM
  #30  
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Victoria, MN
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0q0q5E2IMR4

THis is a good idea for you old farts....
Self made smart starter!!

Heck I will be a old fart soon too!...

Better start making it now!![:-]

I think HE pulled the plans for it because someone, was selling a version of it.... hosed him off apperently!!!!

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	Ca80879.jpg
Views:	61
Size:	40.0 KB
ID:	1465670  
Old 07-10-2010 | 05:11 AM
  #31  
VF84sluggo's Avatar
My Feedback: (55)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?


ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner


ORIGINAL: VF84sluggo

For the mechanically challenged (i.e., me): How do you convert the end of the drill to an airplane starter? I sure like the pistol-grip style with a battery base that also serves as a stand.

Sorry the link I provided in post number 22 for the cheap drill as described in my post number 21 is to just use the battery and charger to be used with an ordinary starter The whole idea is to increase the voltage you are providing to a standard starter.

As far as using a drill or screw gun for a starter goes because of the pistol grip which is the wrong ergonomics for use as a starter they can be very dangerous if one tries to use it with one hand. They can only be used safely with the operator using both hands and someone else holding and pushing aginst the starter man.

At some point when flying say 40/60 sized airplanes someone will attempt to use one by himself and one handed with the other holding the fuselage and this is where it becomes very dangerous. Just try it, pick up a drill and hold a fuselage of an airplane with the other hand and try to line up the drills axis with the prop shaft axis and then pull the trigger.

Its for this reason I strongly reccoment not useing any pistol grip device for an airplane starter.

John
John,

I understand your post now. Thanks, and also thanks for the good safety info.

Randy
Old 07-10-2010 | 06:07 AM
  #32  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Deland, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?


ORIGINAL: VF84sluggo


ORIGINAL: dignlivn




Have you thought about uping the voltage ?
I use 4 cell lipo (30C 3200 mAh's) for my
hobbico 180 starter. Works great and last
all weekend and then some.

Bob
Bob,

Do you have any pics of your starter you could post. I just picked up a plane that has a 26cc RCGF motor. I don't think my current starter (maxed out turning a Saito 100) will work. The Hobbico 180 looks big enough, but I'd like to get away from cords, too.

I'll try and post some later today,

Bob
Old 07-10-2010 | 06:46 AM
  #33  
Martian Spy's Avatar
My Feedback: (6)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: West Paducah, KY
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

I have been using the Kavan starter (B&P sells it as linked in post #16) for years and love it. I don't have any problems with it starting glow engines up to 90 2 stroke and 120 4 stroke (largest I have). I am currently using it with a B&P battery pack at 14v.
Old 07-10-2010 | 07:08 AM
  #34  
My Feedback: (34)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: tishomingo, OK
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

hello......go to hobbypeople.net and search "magnum starter".......they are small, light and start my 180 4 strokes.......49 bucks.......they are similar in size to the kavan starter only cheaper......i have had mine for over 5 yrs.........i have arthritis in my hands and have difficulty using the standard size starters........you will like these....i use a wally world lawnmower battery at the field to power it.........pault
Old 07-10-2010 | 07:47 AM
  #35  
w8ye's Avatar
My Feedback: (16)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 37,576
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

<span style="font-size: larger;"><u>M A G N U M S T A R T E R</u></span>



http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/237960.asp
Old 07-10-2010 | 08:42 AM
  #36  
My Feedback: (43)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 236
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
From: Tucson, AZ
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

I got rid of my heavy starter and got the Magnum starter. Have been using it a year to start .90 2-cycle and 1.20 4-cycle engines. Works great, and is much smaller and lighter!
Old 07-10-2010 | 09:15 AM
  #37  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,769
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
From: FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

KAVAN, KAVAN, KAVAN!!! Yes, that is the best starter available for it's size and power. It will easily start any 1.20 on 12 volts and is small and easiy grasped by even the smallest hands. It cost a couple of bucks more than some but is well worth the extra price.
Old 07-10-2010 | 10:14 AM
  #38  
RLPageMD's Avatar
My Feedback: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Norman, OK
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

I understand your need for lightweight, but as has been mentioned already, the Kavan is the lightest weight I know of but needs higher voltage. The link below is for an adapter that allows the use of slide on 18v Makita battery packs. May not be as light as you wanted, but certainly has the power to turn almost anything. It also is surprizingly well balanced.

www.afineredgemfg.com


Rick
Old 07-10-2010 | 11:04 AM
  #39  
Bill Rademacher's Avatar
My Feedback: (77)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Rineyville, KY
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

I have two finer edge adapters, on on a sullivan dynatron, and the other on a reduction belt starter.

I use one Makita lipo between both


For weight, get a Kavan. Really.

1. lightweight
2. easy to hold even for small hands
3. great switch
4. Even with a lipo, still light weight


that combo is hard to beat.


I use a sullivan mostly, but the switch stinks. period.

billrad
Old 07-10-2010 | 11:41 AM
  #40  
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Paulsboro, NJ
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Two guys at our field have this made by Align. It did start my Da 50 as a test. Portable,Small and powerful.

http://www.completeheli.com/Align-Su...plane-HFSSTQ02



Old 07-10-2010 | 05:01 PM
  #41  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Andover, MN
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Man for that price it should come with a human starter to do the grunt work LOL
Nice if ya can afford it , but us po folk have to use the tower stuff
Old 07-10-2010 | 07:27 PM
  #42  
VF84sluggo's Avatar
My Feedback: (55)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

ORIGINAL: dmowery

Man for that price it should come with a human starter to do the grunt work LOL
Nice if ya can afford it , but us po folk have to use the tower stuff
I just looked at 'em...man you got that right. For that price it ought to also wipe the glow slime off the bottom at the end of the day.
Old 07-10-2010 | 08:31 PM
  #43  
w8ye's Avatar
My Feedback: (16)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 37,576
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Was out at the flying field all day.

Tried my Sullivan Dynatron w/12v garden tractor battery a few times on a Saito 220 and it started it right up

Also hooked up two emergency light 12v gel cells together in series for 24v and started the same Saito 220 using a Hobbico 90 starter.
Old 07-11-2010 | 06:50 AM
  #44  
My Feedback: (27)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Bloomington
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Have made lots of starters in the past, have learned a lot and find Outboard motor starters are great, cheap and plentiful, have 3 here ready to go. Send note if interested.
Old 07-11-2010 | 07:10 AM
  #45  
VF84sluggo's Avatar
My Feedback: (55)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

ORIGINAL: w8ye

Also hooked up two emergency light 12v gel cells together in series for 24v and started the same Saito 220 using a Hobbico 90 starter.
I also use a Hobbico 90, right now for starting a Saito 100. I see you've used it to start a 220. That's got me wondering, if I hook it up to one of [link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9963&Product_Name=ZIPPY_ Flightmax_5000mAh_4S1P_40C]these[/link] batteries which was referenced in an earlier post (and I already have some for an EDF), would it work for starting a RCGF 26cc? This 26cc is my first gasser, BTW.

Also, is the Hobbico 90 motor durable enough to handle the extra volts? Right now I use it with banana plugs and the stock 12V battery that all came with the field box kit.

I will say this: After using the 90 with a cord plugged into the field box, I can now see why guys at the field have all these duct-taped starter/battery contraptions that free them from being tethered to a battery in a field box.
Old 07-11-2010 | 07:59 AM
  #46  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Deland, FL
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?



This is not mine put very similar,


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9837751/tm.htm


Bob
Old 07-12-2010 | 03:55 PM
  #47  
opjose's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12,624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Poolesville, MD
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Based upon an idea someone posted here, one of our club members put together a nice adjustable starter system that does NOT require you to lift anything as you start a plane.

The electric starter is mounted on a post with a moveable height adjustment, and there is a trip switch on the post.

The idea is that while holding the plane on the ground you push the spinner cone into the starter cone, causing the electric motor to start and turn.

Since he only had to lug the battery out to the field and back, he ended up using a motorcycle battery. Once in place he had no need of moving the starter.




Old 07-13-2010 | 09:45 AM
  #48  
Indy Park Flyer's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Mooresville, IN
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

Here is a link to a great lightweight cordless starter. They are expensive in my opinion, but I bought one used from a club member and I love it. Plenty of power and lightweight.

http://bpassociates.homestead.com/STARTERpacks.html

Indy Park flyer
Old 07-13-2010 | 10:07 AM
  #49  
w8ye's Avatar
My Feedback: (16)
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 37,576
Received 11 Likes on 10 Posts
From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?


ORIGINAL: Indy Park Flyer

Here is a link to a great lightweight cordless starter. They are expensive in my opinion, but I bought one used from a club member and I love it. Plenty of power and lightweight.

http://bpassociates.homestead.com/STARTERpacks.html

Indy Park flyer
There are two different basic starters in that link

The Magnum at $39.99 which is also available from Hobby people

The Kavan at $54.90 which is also available from Hobby Lobby

These are both excellent starters. I have experience using the Kavan. Eventually, after many years, the planetary gears will let go

Old 07-13-2010 | 01:06 PM
  #50  
Indy Park Flyer's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Mooresville, IN
Default RE: What is the best LIGHTWEIGHT starter?

w8ye,
The prices you listed are for the starter only, without the battery pack. Unfortunately, when you add the battery pack, the price jumps significantly.

Indy Park flyer


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.