Smoke system flow question.
 

I recently purchased a sullivan skywriter and installed it on a small plane ( 60 2-stroke) I was suprised at the volume of fluid this pump puts out. In fact it was so much the engine wouldnt run well. I borrowd a small plastic restrictor but it leaks like crazy. anyone have any advice to restrict the flow and possible source of supply on where to purchase parts.

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RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

I beleive that you can adjust the ammount of smoke oil by adjusting the end points on your radio. Good Luck, Dave

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Get an inline needle valve from a 60 size engine. Gives you the control you need if you only have an on off switch to your pump. Worked for me.

Alt solution would be to use a esc from an electric to drive the pump. Not tried this but should work.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Wheel collar over the line and you can adjust it with the set screw. I like the remote needle valve idea a lot, never thought of it but sounds like a good idea to fine tune.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

The remote needle valve is the ONLY way to go. It gives infinite resolution, so you can fine tune for enough, but not too much oil.

Les

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Like this.

Les

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

That would have to be quite a large wheel collar, I get the idea though, the set screw doesn't pierce the line?

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

+1. There is no need to add any additional hardware with this pump.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

DavidAgar and OldScaleGuy are correct. You want to turn the pump on and off with a switch and also slave the switch channel to the throttle so that the flow of oil is proportional to the throttle setting. At low throttle setting, the flow needs to be reduced to avoid killing the engine. According to Sullivan:

Set up notes for your Sullivan Skywriter Smoke Pump

The Sullivan Skywriter is a proportional device with a built in fail safe that
keeps it from turning on if the switch is accidentally in the wrong position when
your radio is activated. The Skywriter interprets the signal from your radio as
follows (the positive and negative values may be reversed for some radios).
ATV output from Receiver:

-140% to -15%: this is the desired signal when the switch is in the "off"
position. The Skywriter must see a signal in this range for at least 5 seconds
before it will activate.

0% to +40%: the Skywriter will not come on but this will not over-ride the
fail-safe, a negative signal is required for this (see above).

+41% to +100%: This is the proportional band of the control. The motor will
turn it's slowest at +41% and will be turning full speed based on the battery it has
at 100%.

+101% to +140%: This range is interpreted the same as +100%. The
skywriter will still run at full speed

Most people will slave a spare channel to the throttle then use a switch to
turn this function on and off. You need to set it up so that the when the switch is
off the output from the receiver is negative. (See sample program on next page)
Remember depending on the manufacturer of your radio the + and -
percentages could be reversed!

Some additional things to keep in mind:

***The Skywriter can operate at any voltage from 4.8 to 12V nominal. We do
however recommend that at battery of at least 6.0V be used until the pump head
is broken in (15-20 minutes of operation).

*** Sullivan also recommends the system is programmed and tested outside the
aircraft. At this time a substitute fluid can be used for testing such as nitro fuel or
water.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

"the set screw doesn't pierce the line?"

It can!!!!!!!!!! unless you grind the end of the screw rounded over.

Les

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Never has but once it's set it isn't ever touched again. I'm sure some people could get it to poke the line?

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Here is an update
After reviewing all the responses and contacting Sullivan I programed my transmitter / receiver to slave the channel that I have the smoke pump on the throttel channel. I tested the pump and it advances the flow when I advance the throttel and gives an even steady flow to the muffler. The end point adjustments helped me control the volume of fluid thru the pump and I was able to keep the engine running at peak rpm's

I cant thank you guys eough for your help I cant waite to fly it .

THANKS

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

I guess i am surprised a 60 sized two stroke(glow, i assume)can even get hot enough to make smoke! all my smoke gets pumped into gas engines. Thats very interrsting!

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Its not loads of smoke but its still way cool. I bought the pump for a 1/4 scale DR1 that I;ll be running a gasser on.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Are you doing anything to pre heat the oil? What are you using for smoke oil? Thanks Dave

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

Right now Im using a home brew for oil and I havent considered a preheat set up.

RE: Smoke system flow question.
 

I use a mix of 50% kerosene and 50% mineral oil. It makes real good smoke and works out to about $11 gal. You can buy the mineral oil from Tractor supply or a feed store, it's used as a laxative for horseshttp://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...sn/biggrin.gif