hi,
i need a starting wand for my BVM Ultra Viper, don't like the one BVM sells

i have seen a much better CAI brand (no longer in production)...

is there an alternative to BVM?

i would consider buing second hand in excellent condition, anyone?

JMP has one and Yellow carries it. Last time I tried to buy one JMP was out of stock and directed me to Yellow.

Chris, thanx for the info, i like the JMP wand better than the BVM

but i have seen another wand (don't recall the make) the shaft was much thicker (to prevent bending) and it was around $65.... does anyone know the link?

The JMP item is around a 1/2 inch thick. What do you want to do - drive your truck over it? I'm not entirely sure anything much thicker than the BVM style wand would slip through the starter probe door on a BVM kit...

jmp makes two lengths a long and a short. the long would probably be better for a viper. "hint" If you put some vaselene on the end of the probe before starting, it will not wear as fast. JMPs probe does not have a removable/soldered end like BVM Russ

Mine has a removeable end held in place with a set screw, it is double ended too so if you wear out the first end just flip it around.

Hi friends:

The thicked starter probe available is that produced by Trim Aircraft in Australia and this is the model I use instead of BVM´s on my BVM Maverick. I just bored of bending and repairing the BVM unit.

Unfortunately, I do not know who sells Trim products on USA; I got mine from Philip Avonds. And sure, you can not use trough the starter window but I only have to remove the cockpit assembly, not much trouble as you have already off the main hatch for energising the glow plug.

By the way, the end is removable via a screw instead of soldering.

Best wishes from Spain

Jesus Cardin

Jesus, I think that's the one I was looking for!

I have a listing where to buy ($45), but there's no picture. Can you send me a link to a pic?

Thanks, Vasek

TopGun Aircraft also makes a thick one. www.tgajets.com

The one I have is here http://www.jetmodelproducts.com/dynamax.htm about 3/4 down the page.

Hi Vasek :

Sorry but I have been unable of finding a link to a site where they sell the starting probe I use. Instead I have post a photo of both of my starter probes, the BVM (repaired) and the Trim Aircraft unit.


Technical data for each one is:

BVM
Length: 23-1/2� Diameter: 9/32�

TRIM AIRCRAFT
Length: 22-1/2� Diameter: 1/2�


As I explained above, I got mine from Philip Avonds in Belgium ([link=http://www.avonds.com]www.avonds.com[/link]), although he has no image of the starter probe on his web.

The manufacturer, on the other hand, may be found on [link=http://www.trimair.com.au]www.trimair.com.au[/link], but they include no information on it so I do not know if they still produce this accessory. If you contact them, please take it easy as sometimes they become slow on answering so perhaps it is better you try contacting them via phone.

Another possible source, this time from UK, is Mike’s Models ([link=http://www.mikes-models.co.uk]www.mikes-models.co.uk[/link]) , but my experience with them has been far from perfect. Anyway I know they have just changed ownership and perhaps now they have improved the service. Anyway it is always better to call them and confirm availability before confirming the order.

Finally I do not know the PMP unit originally intended for the Dynamax unit, but from one link above I have found it quite suitable, only requiring to confirm hex drive suitability with your D/F unit. Mine are equally well suited for both BVM Viojett and Trim Aircraft Ramtec units, both equipped with a ¼� steel hex drive.

I hope all this information is of help to you.

Best Regards,

Jesus Cardin

Vasek,

If you start the plane by hand you will never bend the wand. Most every non-BVM wand is too thick to fit in the slot on my Viper.

Mark M.

UMMM please explain/post pics video of starting a DF by hand im curious.............

Not pics... here are the steps.

Open throttle to full
Prime engine by blowing (or use a syringe) into the pressure hose
When fuel reaches engine close throttle re-connect pressure
Insert probe and turn through compression a few times
Connect glow driver
Flip probe (like snapping your fingers - right hand) so the weight goes clockwise against compression
Engine will kick against your flip and start
Go fly

Mark "I shouldn't be sharing my "WOW" secrets" M.

cool i always wondered if it was doable just never tried prety close to what i envisioned though!!!!!!! excellent tip

Hey Mark ever since I saw you do this on my A4 I think you should reserve the right. I always doubt the steps until I saw you started the damn skyhawk ( BY HAND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD ).

Lee

When I used to flip start my OS.91/Dynamax, it would start and run backwards about 1/3 of the time. So I usually just bumped it with the starter.

It was very cool to flip start my Starfire on the first try after watching one of the local guys flip his big gasser for about 15 minutes without starting. After mine started on the first flip, he glared at me and was saying something about sunny beaches.

valuable info, thnx guys!

Mark, I won't be doing the slot thing... [:'(] have a removable cockpit version, will be "probing" through there... so thickness is not a problem

I have seen the "start by hand" technique from a local flyer, impressive!

Thanks again to all for helping out

Cheers, Vasek