View Full Version : Starting when cold?
OzarkCopterBum
12-01-2005, 03:38 PM
I've got a Hyper 50 thats been a beast to start now that its getting cold. I've got the small Hanger 9 starter with 2 7.2v NIMH.
I thought it was hydro locking as I'd had that problem before. I topped off the batts and was able to get it to start but havent had that problem when it was warm, I could start for days on a charge.
So my question is, can I go with a bigger starter like a Torquemaster 90 and run the same bats and will I still need to top off the batts everytime out? Or add another cell to the batts for more volts? Or both?
Kinger
12-02-2005, 08:08 AM
Do you leave the batts in your starter outside when it's cold? Everytime I've done that (left them in the trunk or something), the starter has been down on power the next time out.
OzarkCopterBum
12-02-2005, 10:31 AM
Probably was left in the back of the truck though covered. I suppose I'll keep it inside and top it off the night before and see if that helps through the winter.
flyinfool
12-02-2005, 10:33 AM
What mAh batts are on your starter?
Remember that the batteries will lose a lot of their capacity when cold.
Also when the engine is cold the leftover oil from the last flying seson will be very thick an be hard to turn over the first time of the day.
OzarkCopterBum
12-04-2005, 08:58 PM
3000 mah bats.
OzarkCopterBum
12-20-2005, 12:16 PM
Got a chance to fly again Sunday. Temps in the mid 40's and the .50 was a BEAST to start. I topped off the batts right before I went and I still had to back the engine up off the compression stroke to get enough spin.
Anyway, I need advice on whether I should get a Torquemaster 90 or go for the 180? Also have been seeing some really small planetary gear gear starters but they are a bit pricey.
I'll eventually end up with a .90 heli someday, that Evo .90 looks pretty sweet but for now am happy with the .50's.
flyinfool
12-20-2005, 01:27 PM
I am running a Sullivan Dynatron starter with 14 cells of 1900 NiCd.
I can go weeks in the summer without charging but have to charge every day in the winter. This is normal. Cold batteris lose power.
There are known durability issues with some of the gear reduction starters.
SteveL
12-20-2005, 08:54 PM
Go with the dynatron (proven) or the K$S. My K&S works great and the Dynatron is a household name in powerful starters. The torgue master 180 will really struggle with a 90. One of the guys at our field has one and he is always borrowing my starter.
DavidH
12-20-2005, 10:39 PM
The torgue master 180 will really struggle with a 90.
I have a TorqueMaster 180 that is several years old. I believe I got it in like 97 or 98. It has started many 60's and both YS and OS 91's. I have really never had any problem with it. I am using it with 16 2600 mah nimh cells. I have had to solder the wire back on the brushes a couple of times in the last few years. But other than that it has performed flawless. I would have to say I have gotten the $32 I paid for it out of it if it quits tomorrow. At the US Nats I have left it in the start box and many pilots used it during the days flights.
David
SteveL
12-21-2005, 09:13 AM
That would probably be the difference. Mark uses a flight box battery and long (`3') cords.
Greg Alderman
12-21-2005, 09:25 AM
I just replaced my old starter with a dynatron and 2 3000mAh 9,6 volt batteries and was out this past weekend in 35 degree weather and it started my YS 91 like no tomorrow...
What a deal...thanks to Will's Hobby Tower code he posted and a great deal on the batteries that I found on ebay...my new starter only cost $85...
SteveL
12-21-2005, 09:27 AM
That is a great deal. I have about 200 tied up in my K & S
OzarkCopterBum
12-21-2005, 10:20 AM
Huh, I have a small Dynatron that I found at a garage sale but the rubber insert won't hold my shaft "hehe, I said shaft," anyway, its the same size as the Hanger 9 so I wonder if it'll have that much more torque and where to get a replacement rubber "hehe, I said rubber."
I'll start shopping for the larger one.
Flying in the cold ROCKS. My little .50 flies like its on methamphetamines.
Greg Alderman
12-21-2005, 10:38 AM
Yeah...I thought so also...I found a guy on eBay selling 9.6 volt 3000mAh NiMH's for $30 a pair! he also had 12volt ones for $35 each...I thought about doing that but decided that if I couldn't spin the damn motor on 19.2volts...24 probably wouldn't either...
WillJames
12-21-2005, 12:02 PM
Be careful on 24V, if your motor is hydro'd the starter spins YOU! :shock:
I to have about 150 in my Dynatron setup.... Good buy Greg!!
The problem with 24v (20 cells) is not to much torque, it is too much RPM. I have to just bump the starter real quick because it will engage the clutch and try to spin the blades. You cannot run the starter constantly or it will kill the clutch. I run 3300 nimh and I charge about once every two months.
Mike