Whatever became of the smartplug that was supposed to work with about any engine. I have not seen anything about them lately???? Capt,n You know ...http://www.smartplugs.com/about.htm

This is the first time I've heard of them in years (I think it was in Popular Science).

Am I correct in understanding that once the engine is running, no ignition source is required? No flywheel & magneto, no electronic ignition and battery... Watch out CH

At those prices I'll keep what I have!

Did you see the prices :stupid: I really dont see the need in a Diesel either????.

The way I understand it is similar to a glow plug and they talk about it needing a moderate load. Would there be "flame out" problems similar to a glow engine?? Running a "glow" engine on inexpensive gas/oil mix sure sounds good.

It just sounds like one of those things that may be to good to be true

Adam

Adam,
But at $125! Man, I thought for VERY brief moment that this would be cool in my big Tecumseh conversion, but again only for a VERY brief moment. Of course it looks like it's rather large too. Also, $125 is a LOT of spark plugs! What about a control? Seems a standard ignition system would not work? BTW, if my Tecumseh proves to do what I want, I will be contacting you about a muffler if you're interested.
Brian

What's wrong with paying $125 to replace the weight and complexity of a $200 electronic ignition? Once the engine is running, it doesn't need an ignition system anymore.

As for the smaller engines, they ran it on a standard Methanol-Nitromethane engine (glow fuel) with a stable idle of 300 RPM. (click here or on image)

they tested these in full-size aircraft and now sell kits for rotax engines so it must be the real deal. it would be great to get rid of the battery and wiring we have to use with electronic ignition (no-i will NOT go back to magnetos!) BUT the smart-plug has to be matched to the specific engine it's used on, just changing to a different exhaust might mess things up. seems like too much of a hassle for it to worth the asking price. if they came out with an adjustable model that cost $10 they would be rich!

dave

Actually, the customization is to match the threads, thread depth, fuel type, compression ratio, and plug seat. Your muffler won't affect those (except maybe compression ratio). Assuming all your gassers are approx. the same compression, and use the same spark plug, you would only need one smart-plug.Maybe the price will drop (guessing $25-$35) once they are more mainstream

Smart Plug: $125 and not proven in RC engines.
C&H or RCIgnition: around the same price and VERY proven in RC engines.
My choice, Electronic ignition.
300rpm idle? never seen anything other than a hit-n-miss do that.

Someone has to be first to try it - I would if I wasn't $$$ strapped and had more than one engine.

I've personally seen a 750RPM idle... wouldn't even roll on pavement. Apparently it also gives more RPM with less fuel.

If it does work it would be great for a gas 2 stroke for sure. I certainly wouldnt put one on a glow motor as they already work fine setup the way they are.

Personally I would wait for an "independent" review from a source I trusted before I dropped my $$$ on one.

Adam

Ha! All you nay-sayers take heed! Check out the idle on this baby:

http://www.jerry-howell.com/12-Cylinder.html

"Overspeed testing, 101.5 RPM"!!!!!

Sheesh, 300 RPM; this thing would be hitting the redline!

Pretty impressive; but that is a narrow powerband :stupid:

Looks promising... bit it doesn't say if they have a conversion kit for RC though. I think the 12cyl version would work great for my 1/4 scale USS Nimitz.

That's 166 GALLONS for a 6 minute "flight". I think you need a bigger tank Volfy.

... and a bit more wing-span to carry it all.

Well, maybe it's a fuel hog, but I wonder....

Will it make my Laser hover? What prop would you use?

It would take alot of gearing... max continuous power = 100 RPM

It would also require some lightening...

i want to see the starter....

but seriously, don't they start these with compressed air?

dave

I wonder how the "Smart pulg" is selling now? Capt,n