I recently converted my air start AMT180 to electric start. I used a Behotec start unit. I had to turn down the three stand-off's to fit. I used an external 3s 800 LiPo battery with a push button to spin up the turbine. It starts easily with no need to cart around a scuba tank. Cool down is also a breeze.

Congrats Gary! I did the same thing when I had mine but instead I used a ram 500 starter.
Man a person would have to stop and say "If a couple of guys are doing this on there own than why couldnt AMT USA do this a long time ago"? Makes me wonder........ Again great job and good luck!

Ben

HI Gary, great fix up of the nose, I think you will enjoy the Bobcat.
Rcpete

Gary, how ya been, bro?

Where did you obtain the Behotec starter, why did you choose that one, and how much $$$ is it?

Keeping busy, still traveling.

I used the Behotec because Peter from Altecare had one. I was at his shop and saw it. Thought it would be a good idea. It was about $90.

the three stand off's were too long, so I chucked it into a lathe and turned them down using a rounded cutter. I turned it down until the three stand-off's fit into the opening of the engine. It is self centering due the curve left on the end of the stand-off's. Mark and drill the three holes. Bolt them from the back.

Then I put a plug on the starter. Put a small LiPo and push button in a hobby box available at any electrical outlet. Now it has a remote battery and start box that unplugs after you start.

Works great....

I have an AMTUSA 180 that was converted to electric start by AHTUSA this year and it works great.
It cost me $850.

Great Job Gary,
There is not a lot of magic in starting an engine with an electric motor. The way you did it is very simple and it works for you. For those who want it to be full auto, we have had AT-180 electric start engines for over a year. Our complete line has been available with full auto electric start. The price of the conversion is $850.00. It includes the latest generation ECU, Battery, Electric Start Hardware w/New Intake, and Labor. The start-up is done from the transmitter and the start-up and cool-down if fully auto.
We also have and brand new ECU and Engine Data Terminal. They were designed by Andy Low (Electro Dynamics). If you know Andy the owner of Electro Dynamics, His work is the highest quality and known throughout the industry as rock solid. Having Andy on our team has allowed us to take our electronics to an unparalled level in this industry. The new units will start shipping within the next 30 days. They have been field tested over the last couple months and have performed outstanding. With one channel operation they save you one more channel on your receiver for things like smoke and moving pilots. Contact the factory if anyone has any questions.



John Ligons
V/P AMT USA
Hitec/Multiplex
CAI

I may be interested in doing this. I used the manual/electric start method for years with TJT-3000s. Does anyone have a link to a site where I could purchase the starter motor/housing/Bendix?

Thanks.

Get them from Wren - they have been real good about supplying parts for home builders.

And they usually deliver fast and as requested.

I just replaced the electric starter and bendix on my Modelbau t-500,if this starter would work for you guys it was only $30.Alberto had it to me in 4 days.

Does anyone know if that is big enough for an AMT 180?

A costumer of mine updated two AMT (NL) 180 to full FADEC autostart and he used the Wren starters (280BB motors). He is pleased so far.

GAspar

I am no expert but Modelbau only list one starter for all three sizes of thier turbines.I assume this starter is used on the larger turbines also.The sticker on the starter reads-Graupner speed 300