Kavan Starters

[RC Steve Sterling]

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries do not have the really high, short term
output current that is available in a NiCad. To turn a 160, that Kavan
really needs 25-30 Amps without a lot of voltage drop, at least to get the
engine turning.

A 1600ma pack of high current NiCads can put out the necessary current.
Needs to be the high-current versions, not the receiver types. I don't know
that there is a Nimh equivelent.  Some might argue that you can get 25-30
amps out of a Nimh, but the internal resistance will lower the output
voltage of a 10-cell pack to 5 or 6 volts while drawing that current, which
isn't enough voltage for the Kavan to do its job. So then you got guys
adding extra cells to make up for the voltage drop, yada yada.

Of course, your brushes might be shot also.
  -----Original Message-----
  From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
Behalf Of Jim_Woodward at beaerospace.com
  Sent: Monday, October 04, 2004 10:42 AM
  To: discussion at nsrca.org
  Subject: Kavan Starters



  Hi All,
  After 3 full seasons, my Kavan battery powered starter was going down
hill, and displaying less power, and less # of uses in between charges.  It
simply would no longer turn over my Webra 160.  Thinking this was the sign
of an overused Nicad pack, I purchased a new Nimh pack.  Now with two
charge/use/charge cycles, the 3 year old Kavan and new battery still will
not turn over the 160.  My flying parter has a new Kavan starter with new
nicad pack, and his turns over my 160 no problem, as well as his DZ 160.

  Is it possible that something in the actual starter has started to fail?
Or, should I just wait untill the starter gets some more charge cycles on
the battery pack?  Anyone else experience this?  It has been used quite a
bit, and has been an excellent product.

  Thanks,
  Jim W.

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