spark ignition for turbines
 

For those of you that are still using propane start turbines , you might be interested in one of the project I have just finished, and that is to replace the glow plug start with a spark ignition instead.

A few reasons for this, one is in very tight spaces , it is easy to damage the glow plug and glow plugs have to be replaced sometimes.

The spark plug will last forever in this application.

Easiest start ever, reliable and in just about any temperature.

The downside, you do have to install the ignition module and it will add some cost to your model.

Just a thought...

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Jeff Seymour of SWB turbines has been using spark ignition for years.
Didn't the old JPX propane engines use spark ignition?

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Roger,

Bob Ritchey (Smart-Fly) and I are in production of a spark unit right now also. We started working on it when I posted the idea here on RCU a couple months back (I know others have used it too). Admittedly, introducing 20,000+ volts in to the sytem requires much caution and care. It is certainly not as easy as putting in a spark plug and electronic ignition unit (like I thought it would be).

Good luck!

Chad

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

WOW I had no idea others were using it, I can only tell you that what I have works flawelessly

I had no intentions of marketing it ..

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Interesting, you need to be careful of RF energy wiping the ecu eproms.

A more subtle but effective method is to use a combined ceramic glow plug with direct gas feed.

Rob.

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Roger, can we see some pics of the install, perhaps a video demonstration of a startup?

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Yes you are right, but what I have done is in sequence doing one thing at a time and going forward with the next step..

The ECU is opposite side of the ignition module.

I

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Of course I can take pictures of the installation but no videos at this time as I don't have any video camera, My digital camera is the Nikon D40 with no video possibility.

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Roger,

Which engine/s have you converted?

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Its the wren 44 turbo prop but its not really a conversion, didn't touch anything on the engine except removed the glow plug and installed a spark plug

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Actually it was the easiest thing I have done , very simple and trouble free.

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Cool!

I'd be interested in that. It is a pain to change the plug in my turbo-prop. I know you said you weren't marketing it, but I'd be interested in getting a couple set-ups. Any chance?

George

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

George,

We have done testing on Jet Central and Behotec engines with no problems (everyone that I know that has a JetCat has Kero start). We just want to ensure the high voltage doesn't damage any other components (ECU, receiver, etc.) The actual install and parts are simple, it making sure everything else is protected that will save a lot of headaches in the future.

Chad

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Thanks for the info. Chad.

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Chad I hear you but the question was towards me about which engine I have done , which of course is the Wren.

If there is enough demand I would make my system availlable to others just email me back channel.

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

OK here are a few photos , I hope this helps

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Very cool Roger, that ignition unit is MUCH smaller than I was thinking, awesome!!

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

It is very small but I hope you didn't think it was the little green thing, its not the module, that little green thing a ma jig, is what makes it all happen but the module is lower in the picture with aluminum case.

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

i wonder if i can use this on my AMT olympus hmm

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Why not....

Roger also in Ontario LOL

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Sweet, where abouts are you in Ontario :) I'm in Toronto, North York.

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

I'm about 100 km east of Ottawa and 100 km west of Montreal not far from the 401

Roger

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

ok cool :)

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

WOW...... no more burnt glow plugs. I want one :D

RE: spark ignition for turbines
 

Give me a shout LOL

Roger