Amps
 

I am looking at a control panel http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXACW8&P=7 that powers the glow plug and starter. I will be powering it with a 12v 7Amp battery will this battery supply sufficient current to power both glow plug and a Hobbico Tourqemaster 90 starter. (Evolution .46NT)

RE: Amps
 

Yeah that battery should last all day with no issues. They have a hard time starting some of the big engines .

RE: Amps
 

Of course, the more crank-hours you have the longer it will last. And, it will keep it's "strength" longer. And, of course, this all depends on how long you do your cranking. I often watch people turning and turning their engines over with the electric starter without the thing starting. If they don't start right away, there is usually a reason for that. If this is the case, stop, take a step back and try to see what's wrong. Often you will find that you have a dis-connect on your glow plug, or didn't prime it enough (when cold) or something simple like that.

But, your 7 amp hour batterh should be fine for a day if not abused.

CGr.

RE: Amps
 

One thing that you will find that most of us have found, the wired glow drivers are somewhat of a pain in the butt. Just one more wire to get in the way of the prop.

Radio South has an excellent re-chargeable glow driver that is excellent and has the LED's on it to show connection and the level of current flowing to the glow plug. A great gadget, in my opinioin.

As far as the starter is concerned, well, the self contained starters with the battery pack attached is another great invention. Again, no wires hanging in the way of a rotating prop.

CGr.

RE: Amps
 

I use our 7 amp, 12v hobby type battery for several flying days before recharging. Usually it's 20 or more starts of 46 sized engines before I even consider recharging. I carry a chicken stick, just in case, but have not used it in my recent memory.

I have two glow drivers and use one until it dies, then switch to the other and charge the first one that night.

Jack

RE: Amps
 

One thing for you to think about. When you have the glow driver cord hooked up, and the starter cord ready to start the engine, look at how close those wires are to the soon to be spinning prop.

That power panel has a charge port for a Ni-starter, and that would make one less cord in the way.

I did the same thing for a short time, till I started thinking more about safety.

RE: Amps
 

Yeah, I found this a nusance too. I thought the Hobbico power panel really convienient until I actually used it for the first time.

It is still OK and reliable, but the cord from the glow starter and the cord from the 12v starter have to be fanagled (<technical word?) around the prop, just so, as to avoid a prop strike.

Oh well, I am stuck with what I got... for now at least.