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Old 02-15-2010 | 09:04 PM
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From: Marion, IA
Default Engine Starter

I'm looking for a starter with no cords to hook to the box, just on that runs on a battery. Anyone know of any brands to check out?

Thanks
Old 02-15-2010 | 09:14 PM
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From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: Engine Starter

The Sullivan Dynatron is a great starter but you would have to convert it to a self contained battery and I have several that I bought at swap meets

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...XFT88&P=ML

This self contained battery adapter kit requires 12 sub C batteries

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...LXFT85&P=M

This one requires a charger

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...XL372&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...LXL354&P=M

This one would work for up to 30cc but a battery would have to be adapted

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/237960.asp

These work well and some are self contained

http://ecsvr.com/wrc/shopdisplayprod...p;cat=Starters
Old 02-15-2010 | 09:26 PM
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From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: Engine Starter

It came from http://www.hodgeshobbies.com/


I have one of these. I have arthritis in my hands and no longer prop by hand


Original: Mac Hodges

The Miller Dynatron unit does not have to be a two hand affair. I have one that I put together that I have been using for over 10 years and it is a one hand operation that is easy to use and will start anything from a 20cc to over 150cc engine. [img][/img]
First, I join two 12 volt 7 amp. gell cell batteries with a couple of strips of thin double sided tape. Then using double sided tape, I mount two 2 1/2" muffler clamps on top of the batteries. I slit fuel tubing and put over the edges of the clamps to protect the starter. I then strap the starter to the batteries with a couple of large plastic tie wraps. But before mounting the starter, I remove the strip switch and add wire to connect to the added switch and bracket. This places the push button switch conveniently under your thumb for easy one hand use. And then wire in series for 24 volts. I sell the switch and bracket for $20. The Miller reduction unit is $125. I sell the complete starter for $275.

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Old 02-15-2010 | 09:38 PM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

The best starter for Giant scale engines (up to 50cc class) is the ALIGN Superstarter STQ 100...
If you do a search on it, you will find numerous sources for them.

They use 3s1p 1900 - 2300 mAh/16c lipo batteries..

I start numerous engines every week, many of them new right out of the box. Starting them by hand gets tiresome. This starter is awesome.
It will easily start our YD-A 56cc engines. It is good for LOTS and LOTS of starts before a charge.

They aren't cheap... but the are most definitely worth the cost. They are about $130 + cost of the battery.

Over the years, I have tried most every starter in the market place. This one is the only one I use now.....

Hey w8ye I had the dynatron setup like yours...... too heavy for me..... honestly, if you ever get the chance go look at the ALIGN.

Cheers
Henry


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Old 02-15-2010 | 11:01 PM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

I use a Hobbico ToqueMaster for less than 30cc and the Dynatron for the bigger engines. I use the "A Finer Edge" battery adapter and the Makita LXT LiIon battery for each.

http://www.afineredgemfg.com/
Old 07-22-2011 | 08:50 AM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

I would like to post a follow up on my rendition of the Hodges style starter using a Miller reducer on a Sullivan Dynatron and two 12 volt gel cells.

I took my Dynatron with the Miller reducer and made it up exactly like the one Mac Hodges has. Two batteries, 24V and all.

I used the same exact switch that he used in his picture, but I put the switch on the other side for left hand use as you push the switch with your thumb. It weighs 17.8 pounds

Here is the Mac Hodges version



The switch is this Dorman one

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...633-P_N3618D_P|GRP60036_____

I managed to only get a couple starts out of the device before the side of the switch blew up. The reactance of the motor armature was apparently too much for the switch?

I then replaced the switch with this heavier Dorman switch

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...905-P_N3063A_A|GRP2020A_____

I also added an audio crossover 10 uF non polarized axle lead capacitor from Radio Shack across the switch contacts and so far - so good - we'll see.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102481

Now my starter looks like this with the new and different switch.



In the near future, we are going to find out how it holds up?

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Old 07-22-2011 | 09:32 AM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

I'd agree on the Dynatron Super High Torque version starter, with 2 - 12v batteries,
but instead of the heavy gell cells, use 2 3S1P LiPo's.

Much lighter!
Old 07-22-2011 | 09:40 AM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

If you can pick up nearly 18 pounds with one hand, there is going to be no torque response with those batteries hanging down there. Makes this set up a true one handed operation.

You need someone to hold the big plane though.
Old 07-22-2011 | 11:02 AM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

I have a back up starter in case the Miller/Sullivan switch fails again.

Just a minute, let me turn my truck around so I can hook it to the truck battery.




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Old 07-22-2011 | 11:58 AM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

18 pounds???? Waaay too heavy!

Switch to twin 3-cell LiPo's and shave off around 11 lbs.
Plenty of torque too!
Old 07-22-2011 | 12:28 PM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

At only 7 pounds, you would have to hold it with both hands to keep it from twisting
Old 07-22-2011 | 12:36 PM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

Wow,what size engine did he say?
Old 07-22-2011 | 01:14 PM
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Default RE: Engine Starter

I've been using those starters on 50 and 60 cc engines. I have a Zenoa G62 and a friend used the Megatron on his DA 50's.

Those 12V gel cell batteries are only $5 ea at the ham radio swap meets and at the surplus store up town.

Here's a video of Mac Hodges using a Dynatron/Miller with two gel cells on his B-29 which uses four ZDZ80 twins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0DxPo5tWGg

Old 07-23-2011 | 09:26 AM
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From: Putra NilaiN. Sembilan, MALAYSIA
Default RE: Engine Starter

Hi,
Looking for starter? How about making your own?

refer these 2 threads in RCU itself....

1. [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10613348/tm.htm]200cc class starter[/link]

2. [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10386282/tm.htm]100cc class starter[/link]
Old 07-23-2011 | 09:43 AM
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From: Shelby, OH
Default RE: Engine Starter

In this country, it is much cheaper and less labor effort to purchase a special purpose model airplane starter from a swap meet, flea market, or garage sale like I did for all the starters i own.

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