What do you use as a Glow Plug Igniter?

In the 3 years I've been playing with Cox engines, I've only burned out ~3 glow plugs.  Yes, I know I have it hooked up as 3V, I usually do for starting newly rebuilt engines or engines that haven't been run for a long time... I guess that's most of the time

For now I've just been using the stick type igniter that all the hobby shops have. Got a glow clip on the way though.

Travis:

Don't you find it somewhat bizzare the glo-plug and glo-head manufacturers Cox included recomment 1.5 volts?

If you've only burned out to plugs in two years using 3 volts you must have only run Cox engines twice.

True or false?  

Regards,

SD

SuperDave wrote:Travis:

Don't you find it somewhat bizzare the glo-plug and glo-head manufacturers Cox included recomment 1.5 volts?

If you've only burned out to plugs in two years using 3 volts you must have only run Cox engines twice.

True or false?   

Regards,

SD

Sorry Dave, I have run more then 2 engines in the last 3 years, as I've gone through 4 quarts of fuel just on my test stand My neighbors probably don't like me to run engines at 10 at night though LOL

Perhaps you should apply for "volume discount" from Bernie or Matt on Cox glo-heads Travis.

 



SD

SuperDave wrote:Perhaps you should apply for "volume discount" from Bernie or Matt on Cox glo-heads Travis.

 



SD

8 cc = 0.0084535057 quart (U.S. fluid)
118 tanks full = 1 quart

Now if I spill/waste half of that, that would be 59 tanks full @ 8cc/qt.
But I've run many at 1oz, so lets say I've done 1/4 at 8cc and 1/4 at oz and wasted 1/2, that would be 30 runs 8cc and 8 runs at 1oz.

Now x4 is 120 runs at 8cc and 32 at 1oz.

120+32=152, so that 152 runs and I've burned up 2-4 heads... Sounds more like that I need to be making my own fuel

well wingingit74 I agree a lot of times it take me 3.0 v to get things going and not perseptable to burn out plug 1.5 will burn but very hard to get un flooded If your ready to get in the air what ever works I say !!!

getback wrote:well wingingit74 I agree a lot of times it take me 3.0 v to get things going and not perseptable to burn out plug 1.5 will burn but very hard to get un flooded If your ready to get in the air what ever works I say !!!

I'm assuming you meant "amperes"... I set my glow-driver's meter in the mid-green scale... or 3 "amps" load, when cranking over.

G.O. Stang wrote:For now I've just been using the stick type igniter that all the hobby shops have. Got a glow clip on the way though.

Like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-Products-1-2A-Head-Lite-Adapter-Cox-MODM058-/400605539593?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d45f36d09

getback wrote:well wingingit74 I agree a lot of times it take me 3.0 v to get things going and not perseptable to burn out plug 1.5 will burn but very hard to get un flooded If your ready to get in the air what ever works I say !!!

1.2V @ 3A is just slightly brighter then my setup on 3V... one half dozen or the other... I think it all works

WingingIt74 wrote:

G.O. Stang wrote:For now I've just been using the stick type igniter that all the hobby shops have. Got a glow clip on the way though.

Like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-Products-1-2A-Head-Lite-Adapter-Cox-MODM058-/400605539593?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d45f36d09

No I've just been holding the igniter on the head when I start it. I have a real cox clip that came in yesterday. Just need to find me a battery box now.

No I've just been holding the igniter on the head when I start it. I have a real cox clip that came in yesterday. Just need to find me a battery box now.

Well, you can see how I built my own in the pic above, instead of finding one. I do have a stock one, but I prefer to use my setup.

WingingIt74 wrote:

No I've just been holding the igniter on the head when I start it. I have a real cox clip that came in yesterday. Just need to find me a battery box now.

Well, you can see how I built my own in the pic above, instead of finding one. I do have a stock one, but I prefer to use my setup.

Yeah I'll experiment with some things. See what RadioShack has and such.

Not a bad price, yet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COX-BATTERY-CASE-GLOW-PLUG-CLIP-rc-plane-control-line-free-flight-NR-/251377239056?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

crankbndr wrote:Not a bad price, yet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COX-BATTERY-CASE-GLOW-PLUG-CLIP-rc-plane-control-line-free-flight-NR-/251377239056?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

I'd like to get one of these. I like how compact they are.

Yep, that's the other one I have... I prefer to use mine though.

G.O. Stang wrote:

crankbndr wrote:Not a bad price, yet

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COX-BATTERY-CASE-GLOW-PLUG-CLIP-rc-plane-control-line-free-flight-NR-/251377239056?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

I'd like to get one of these. I like how compact they are.

My case/clip exactly.  The PARALLEL connection (Sorry Travis   ) has yet to fail me.

SD

That same seller has a TD .15 for sale.

I don't think voltage is what will burn out a plug, it's watts. I'd be more worried running 1.5V @ 3A....

Voltage x Amps = Watts

Parallel:
(1D) 1.5V x 1A = 1.5 Watts
(2D) 1.5V x 2A= 3.0 Watts

Series:
(2D) 3V x 1A = 3.0 Watts

Power Board Above
1.5V x 3A = 4.5 Watts

6V Lantern Battery (we know this will blow a plug)
6v x 2.3A = 13.8 Watts

9V Battery (I have used these in the past without blowing a plug and here's why. However, they don't have the power to last)
9V x 0.5A = 4.5 Watts

Rechargeable Glow Plug Ignitor (For larger nitro rc engines)
1.5V x 1.3A = 1.95 Watts



My theory is that a glow plug is good upto 4-5 watts before they blow. I have blown one on a 9V, but they can have up to 0.7A, which would be 6.3 Watts... poof...

The Shrike I just refurbished, I used 2 new D batteries at 3V to start and had no issues on a used glow plug.

Travis:

You need to check your definitions of electrical terms for accuracy.

Regards,

SD

SuperDave wrote:Travis:

You need to check your definitions of electrical terms for accuracy.

Regards,

SD

Instead of being vague, can you help me understand?

Don't use anything to "ignite" a glow-plug.  Never had reaon to.  Am I missing something I shouldn't??  I didn't realize that glow-plugs could be made to burn.

 

SD

WingingIt74 wrote:

SuperDave wrote:Travis:

You need to check your definitions of electrical terms for accuracy.

Regards,

SD

Instead of being vague, can you help me understand?

Travis:

Since they're in any standard dictionry I'll give you the pleasure of looking them up.  Knowledge gained that way tends to be more likely to be retained.

(Remember I'm a retired high school teacher and seldom one to "spoon feed".  It can become addictive)   

SD