Engine Starter

[RC Steve Sterling]

What is probably happening is the Kavan isn't getting all the voltage it
needs, due to resistance. Resistance can come from wire size(too small), or
the jumpers between the batteries (too small or not well connected), or
resistance in a connector, or the internal resistance of poor or failing
batteries.

These big-boy starters, whether Kavan or Sullivan or ?? draw a lot of
current- 20-30 Amps or more.
They want 12 vdc at the brushes. If you start with a 12 volt pack, then have
a 6 volt drop between the small-gage wires, small inter-cell jumpers, a
banana plug or two, plus the internal resistance of the battery, the
remaining 6 volts that actually gets to the starter just isn't enough.

Some people make up for resistance losses by adding cells. It helps, but
make sure you got some real big wire throughout the path as well, and the
battery is capable of putting out 30 amps without a big voltage drop.

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org
[mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Alan Hewson
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 4:34 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: Engine Starter


I tried a Sullivan Dynatron starter on my OS160 last summer with limited
success.
I was told this starter would have NO problem on an engine that size.It will
not turn it over at all when I plug it into my power panel powered by one of
those "hobby" sized flight box sealed lead acid batteries.
The only way it works consistently is when I power it DIRECTLY from a 600
Cold Cranking Amp car battery........Problem.....The flight box gets very
heavy with a car battery inside it.
My first contest with that engine, which was only the fourth flight on that
engine and plane, I had to borrow starters from other pilots. Five out of
six of the Kavan starter setups would NOT start my engine.
I'm still looking for the answer......I don't like flipping engines by
hand......I like my fingers the way they are.
Alan Hewson



----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Davis" <lee at piedmontmodels.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 6:26 PM
Subject: Engine Starter


> I've got a Hobbico Torquemaster 180 and a Kavan with the 12 nicads.
Neither
> cranks my Webra 1.60 worth a flip (note pun).  Any suggestions?
Preferably
> an off the shelf solution.
>
> Lee Davis
>
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