SPLIT S

Manual start vs. full auto start. I realize that full auto is probably the way to go, but is the manual start that much different? Safety standpoint in start up? Ease of start?

Dan

WrenTurbines

We've got some answers under "Frequently asked questions" on the website,

http://wrenturbines.co.uk/faq.php

but I'm sure the Wren owners will chime in here too.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

Wren Turbines USA

My Feedback: (39)

Dan,

Many things to consider:

Is weight a concern... if using a wand type manual start

Access to the front of the motor...if using a wand type manual start

Cooldown is much more convenient...and consistant

In the event of an unscheduled shut down...you would have to either have your starter by your side, or if using the pod starter with manual start...you would need to plug in the battery supply in order to start the cooldown.
For instance, lets say you have an onboard starter...with a manual start system. You have landed and roll off the end of the runway breaking the nose strut. You immediately shut down the motor to eliminate the ingestion of fod...and there it sits...until you can get to it..plug in the battery and hit the switch..

Resale will be easier

On full auto, simply initiate the start...with manual you must learn to keep the RPM at the correct speed until running.

Management of the propane flow

hope these suggestions help

SPLIT S

Hi Ron,

That explains it perfectly, hadn't thought of the cool down procedures....

Dan

DocYates

My Feedback: (102)

I have both versions in the Wren engines. The hand held wand is a PITA for me, so I had them converted to air start. It works much better, but when colling down I still have to either use a leaf blower or hook up the air in order to prevent overheating the engine. I love the autostart function, and on the Wren SS, it is smooth as silk, fires right up and works great. The manual start is not difficult to learn, but I have scorched the underside of my plane before during the learning process by not giving enough air as it ramps up. I am defintely not a poster child for manual start turbines...haha...so if you were asking me I say go with the autostart, I think you would be happier in the long run.
Tommy

WrenTurbines

It won't hurt the engine to miss the occasional cooldown - one flier I know well says "If it lands at the other end of the field - well it's cooled down by the time I get to it!" Most fliers taxi the plane back to their feet and then plug the starter motor in or use the wand for a cooldown.

Some guys like the manual start because they feel they can monitor the start better. They also like the fact that there's less weight and fewer parts to install, although with the advent of the smaller Lipos the weight issue isn't so great.

Sara Parish
Wren Turbines

GrayUK

I have used all methods available; I like the auto start it works really well.
But all of mine are manual start with the onboard starter motor.
Starting is easy, no need for a hatch and I am in control right through the sequence.
That’s how I like it, but all work perfectly.