What has been the experience using Li-ion batteries and kero start ?

Last year kero start was pretty new & the few I saw all used niMh.
How Li-ions handle and hold up to the current draw on start is my main concern.

I currently use 4000 mAh Duralties & plan on using Fromeco's in my next jet.

Thanks for any info,
Scott

JetCat is recommending NiCad or NiMH for kerosene start motors. Some of the smaller motors (P-60) might work fine with Lipo, but the bigger ones (P-180 and P-200) will not.

I think Li Ion will not work on any of the motors.

Hope that helps,

Is it purely the amount of amps the liions are being subjected to? I have a P180 kero start on the way.... I cannot use a 4000mah liion pack?? need to know!

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike,

Yes it is the current drain. A Lipo on the smaller motors (up to P-120) might work if rated for high enough discharge. A Li Ion on a P-180 will not work, I just asked Bob to double check.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Got my kero start and a 4000 Duralite would not start it. Changed the ECU battery to a 3300 NiMH and the P120 started on the first attempt and two more after that. Now I have to wait to fly because of the extremely dry conditions around here.

talked to Bob @ Tucson and he gave the thumbs up to a 4000mah Duralite pack for the P60 only. Watch Chris Balling use it on his Baby Boomerang with Kero P60. worked like a champ

L8R

Matt, Whats the minimum battery capacity for kero start on a P180... Mine came with a 2400 pack, how many starts should I be able to get?

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike,

Battery capacity is only one consideration, you need very low internal impedance as well in order to get acceptable results.

The stock 2400 mah pack will safely yield 2 complete cycles (start/fly/shutdown) on a P-180. The other advantage of the stock pack is you can charge them at a very high rate (like 5+ amps) with no problem.

Very simple and robust the way I like batteries!

Hope that helps,

Personally, when it comes to a project that requires much time, money, effort and dedication, why risk it with a product that has proven faulty besides the fact that it is not recomended by the manfacturer.

Jason

The Fromeco Peerless 2s2p 4-cell pack:

4800mAh capacity
7.4V nominal voltage rating, 8.4V fully charged
13A continuous discharge
14ga. Wire

For more Info on these batteries please visit http://www.fromeco.org/ShopNEW/apeerlessAdvantage.htm

If you guys are trying to figure out how to get more capacity on board in order to deal with the extra drain caused by the pre-heat for kero start...

I had a discussion with Bob Wilcox a while ago about using a BMT-like approach of being able to use an auxilliary external power pack hooked up to the GSU during start-up or cool-down, so that your onboard pack did not get used up as quickly. IIRC, he indicated that while Jetcat wasn't currently providing a pre-configured approach for this, he believed it was OK for a user to manual hook up an extra pack during the start. If that appeals, you should double check with him first to make sure that I understood him correctly.

Dunno if that helps or not.

That sounds like a good alternative! I just bought a P120 Kero Start!

Hi Matt,

I had trouble starting my P-70 Kero start in 25 degree weather. How does the cold affect the starting process. Is it diminishing the effectiveness of the battery -or - is it the kero plug and turbine - or - all of the above? We'd really love to keep flying even if it's cold but but have run into this problem. (using both the stock 2400Nicd and the NimH 3300 ECU battery)

Thanks for your help,

Steve

Hi Steve,

This temperature should not be a problem for the turbine (they have been tested to much lower temperatures).

First, what is the specific symptom? Does the start time out (slow acceleration?) or is it low battery signal?

In any case, the most likely culprit is the battery. Are you sure it has a fresh charge?

Regards,

Hey,

Just an idea but why not use Duralites Li-Manganese. I have run them on my P-120 with Kero start from start up , running, to shutdown(cooldown) six times in a row before I had to charge again and I have even heard of guys doing it up to 8 times... now thats a battery!! anyway just a thought, hope this helps.

Matt,

We went out again to brave the cold n(30degrees this time). We once again could not fire up the P-70. After initiating the starting sequence it would click a few times and then preheat for 4-5 sec. (it would only get to 1-2 degrees then back to 0), then it would rev up fast and ignite and then shut down, leaving a "low RPM" reading on the ECU. I had to mount the turbine so that the kero plug is on the side and not oriented at the top. I don't know if this affects it or not? Anyway, it works fine when warm but won't start in the cold. I don't want to tear it up to go back to gas, but don't know what else to do??

Thanks in advance if you can provide any help,

Steve

Matt,

Do you think we need to increase the acceleration delay, so that it has more time to heat the fuel? It seems like the starter engages way too soon and revs it up.
????
Thanks,

Steve

The key samo is to make absolutely sure it is igniting. (if you listen closely you will hear it).

We assume it is, and that the pump is a bit sticky and is not turning fast enough in the cold to get the turbine up to spped. If the turbine is not igniting then ignore the following.

First, hold "Limits" then press "+" button.

You will get a 3 item menu. Select Uaccel1 and increase it maybe 2 to 3 clicks.

Select Uaccel2 and do the same.


Try it now and see how it goes.

Regards,

Thank you for your help, I appreciate it

Hello, I just bought a new P60 with Kero Start.
I use HYPERION LIPO battery (3300mAh with a high current rate 20C continuous !! so I hope to have a rate of at least 50A !!)

I read what you wrote on the LIPO battery and I would like to know if the P60 will start with this kind of LIPO

Thanks a lot guys

Jeanfi (from France)

Hi Matt,

Once again thanks for the suggestions. I changed these values and tried 2 then 3 then 4 clicks and it didn't help. It starts after the plane has been in the warm house, but if it sits out in 30 degree weather or lower, it won't start. This system is a pain in the behind. I'm having a hard time realizing the value of my investment: burns more voltage on startups, won't start in the cold, only gives approx. 150 starts then another purchase and installation is required []. I like to fly this time of year and am considering replumbing with a gas system. Also, when I call Jetcat for answers, there are none. What shall I do?

Steve

Hi Steve,

Sorry for your troubles.....I just called the shop and I hope you are the same Steve from Idaho that Bob just talked to !!

Regards,

Hi Jenfi,

That battery should be fine on a P-60!

Good luck,

I am,

I talked to Bob and he too was very helpful. I adjusted up Uaccel1 from 2 to 7 clicks and the same problem persisted. After looking through all of the ECU parameters, I found that somehow my pump voltage was set to .37 instead of .50. After bumping that up it started right up.
It might sound screwy but NOW WE CAN FLY IN THE COLD!
Thanks for your help,
Steve

I have a P120 and have no problems at all with the HYPERION LIPO battery (3300mAh). Works every time so far without any delay..