Ron Gray Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 For my Laser engines which are usually mounted inverted, I prefer to have a remote glow connection so that my digits are well away from the prop. Over the years I have tried seven different types and my favourite ones were the South Herts ones with a brass barrel surrounded by a spring coil which kept a small (very small) ball bearing in place that provided the locking function to the plug. Unfortunately these went out of circulation a couple of years ago so I looked for an alternative. This one from Fastrax, unfortunately, due to its angle construction, it is very difficult to fit to a Laser engine as the cylinder fins are in the way and there is a danger that they will cut through the insulation leading to the lead getting a short. Next I tried another Fastrax one, this one being straight. Fixes to the plug OK but is a bit bulky and to remove it you have to pull on the lead which can sometimes break away! I then looked for an alternative and have just received these ones made by Traxxas. There is a spring in the end which you, if you can, push / screw onto the plug but boy was it an effort to fit one onto the OS Type F plugs, probably alright on ones with a thinner plug top. But this got me thinking, I've got lots of springs kicking around, and I found several of the right size. Fitting this to a plug was very easy And removal And the great thing is that I can make several from the spring and can use a small bolt to screw the power wire into it rather than solder - result! 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cotsford Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 I used to use lengths cut from the old-fashioned curtain wire, the plastic coated spiral wound stuff. It looked a lot like your spring once the plastic sleeve was cut off and was a good fit on most plugs. I used a self-tapper screwed into the other end to connect the lead via a crimped tag. Cheap, easy to make and any length you like. I've also used a biro spring inside a length of fuel tube on smaller engines. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 Yeah the old net curtain wires would be great for this too. I forgot to add to my post that the spring should be insulated with heat shrink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 It's also a good idea to put a fibre washer on the post first to stop the spring touching down on the body of the plug. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted February 24, 2021 Author Share Posted February 24, 2021 9 minutes ago, Andy Stephenson said: It's also a good idea to put a fibre washer on the post first to stop the spring touching down on the body of the plug. Although I wasn’t able to screw the spring right down to the base of the plug, but a good idea nonetheless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low pass Pete Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I have a Laser 155 and and a 70 so have needed remote glow for both. I used a croc clip covered in fuel tube for insulation. I cover it in 2 -3 bits so that you can still use as a croc clip and easily remove. So far they have stayed on. I like the idea of a spring however. Neat. Now where to get the correct size of spring.... Cheers LPP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Somerville Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 Now where to get the correct size of spring.... Pull yourself together Pete, Bob already mentioned old fashioned curtain springs as a good fit. Seriously though its a great idea that I am going to try as the one I fitted yesterday to my Laser is less than ideal due to being pressed up against the fins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 A way I have used is to take an electrical "chock bloc " section [ the right size ] and remove the plastic cover. One screw holds the wire and the other clamps onto the glow plug pin in one of the groves. Works well with Enya plugs which are different from most. Cover with heat shrink or if enough room leave the original plastic on and trim a bit to get it on. Not suitable for plugs in a deep recess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 53 minutes ago, J D 8 said: Not suitable for plugs in a deep recess. Unfortunately that's the 'problem' with Laser engines! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Blakemore Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 singahobby.com, who took over South Herts excellent Advanced Glow System is still showing these items on their website. https://www.singahobby.com/index.php/shop?filterBrand[]=SOUTH+HERTS&rangeslider=0%3B0&filterFromPrice=0&filterToPrice=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Gray Posted February 25, 2021 Author Share Posted February 25, 2021 Nice prices too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Blakemore Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 I wouldn't disagree! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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