See my related post: "RAM 500 ECU Ques"

I don't have any of the suggested alternatives (MC9, R3, etc.) suggested off line by others. While I have some ballpark numbers to start with regarding glow plug drive level(s), I really don't want to "smoke" alternative plugs at $3 to $5 a pop trying to creep up on an optimum level (brightness). The "baseline" is clearly the Rossi R8 which (here in the US) are in scant supply or not available at all :angry:

The alternative seems to be narrowed down to an MC9 with a drive level between 028 and 030. Is that a reasonable consensus? Others have used the so-called Fox 2-Volt (non idle bar) plugs with success but I don't know about availability or drive levels independent of turbine ECU (500 or 1000). Is the Fox 2-Volt another option? Are they even available (where?) and what would the nominal drive level be?

If the R8s are falling into the category of Unobtanium then it seems we need (a) a factory sanctioned alternate choice with established/known drive level settings and (b) actual sources to obtain them from.

Also, I remember from the bygone days of my FD3/67 that glow plug element teasing was supposed to be preceded by heating up the plug element first (annealing?), THEN teasing out the coils. Is that still a recommended practice?

Mike

Added postscript: My request for a "factory" solution may now be a moot point - I just read all the implications of RAM's implosiion. WTbleep, Over?

See the following thread:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...226&forumid=26

Art's Hobby claimed to have 'em in stock. I had no luck in contacting them when I tried originally, but you may have better luck.

Regs,
Gordonn

Gordon, I tried Art's first -- he doesn't have any; stopped carrying them when he stopped carrying RAM stuff [;{ I was able to roll in on JD Fuente Enterprise (he carries a lot of homebuilt turbine stuff) and cleaned him out of what he had (5 ea. "cold" Rossis).

I'll call Patty tomorrow then try Steve at Top Gun - thanks for the tips.

(my email seems to be back up now)

Mike

McCoy MC 9 plugs work great-just set the ecu to 25-29-try it.


Jackjet

Mike,
I still have my original Fox 2v that was going strong after 50 runs on my RAM that you can have. I'll try to remember to bring it with me on Saturday. Also, got a Rossi, and a couple of the OPS Super Cold (thick filament) plugs you can try.

The last batch I bought was from Topgun Aircraft - maybe Steve still has some R8s... I think what we really need is for a gloplug manufacturer to start making some specifically for turbines. I'm not sure what would drive the design - perhaps a longer body to get the element deeper into the combustion chamber. Perhaps having the element more exposed, and longer, would help, with the element thickness similar to the R8.

Time for the turbine builders to chime in...

What's wrong with the present batch of plugs?

I think the main issue here is we're trying to push every last millivolt into whatever plug is being installed and hence the blown plug. I've had an old cheapo Fox 2V (no idle bar) plug starting my RAM 750 for over 50 starts and it still looks the same, and have tried MC-9's, OS-8's, OS A-3's, and Enya #3's (just to see if there was a difference) with success. My JetCat has lit off with an OS-8, and MC-9 so far. When my helo's no longer run well with the expensive Enya #3's, I'll retire them. They should then work fine as the Iridium that wears off in the plug is not required for turbine duty just a hot enough filament to light off the gas mix.

TomT wrote ...
What's wrong with the present batch of plugs?

I think the main issue here is we're trying to push every last millivolt into whatever plug is being installed and hence the blown plug.
>>>>

I don't think there's anything wrong with any of the alternatives. The challenge lies in getting into the ballpark on an optimum drive level for each flavor of alternative. If that information were validated and presented in one place it would be great. I did prep an MC9 and punched in a drive level of 028 and everything's great. However - and I'm splitting hairs here - the plug end of the wire seems happiest (i.e., more solid/better retention) when it's plugged on to a Rossi R8 which has a "nub" on the end (the MC9s and others don't have a nub).

Right now, having crept up on an alternate plug solution, my '500' is happy. It starts, ramps, and runs like a champ. There may be some room for tweaking or optimizing the Start PW number but I think even that would be along the lines of "season to taste ... "

All we need now is some rainfall (of Biblical proportions) to address the tinderbox conditions surrounding club fields where we fly here in CO Until that happens we've pretty much grounded ourselves in deference to the potential fire hazard.

Thanks, all, for the info/tips.

Mike

Mr. Mike,
How many R8's are you looking for? I will most likely carry them in my shop. I'll adivse you in the next couple of days.

Check MorrisHobbies.com

I have some in stock now.

I just ordered 10 from Morris Hobbies. 1-800- 599-6887. They indicated a good supply on hand. WHMC

We also have them in stock.