Halsey Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Hi, I am increasingly finding the "standard" Sullivan Hi-Tork starter type very difficult to use with an arthritic thumb/hand There are others about but what do those of you "of a certain age" recommend - I appreciate lightweight will mean lower performance but its more ease of use in not having to grasp a heavy lump of metal and simultaneously push/find a button whilst hanging on to a prized hand built model which is the issue - ie the general ergonomics Any suggestions based on actual experiences would be much appreciated J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryW Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 (edited) Try this one.. they are very good reliable starters https://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2688&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAoeGuBhCBARIsAGfKY7x6BUg8bvpUQBvOsSYRczYOLhaKg9cOperomBSz2WWAm3PULYsNjogaAiQnEALw_wcB Edited February 23 by GaryW 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrman Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 I would suggest one from "Just Engines" . They do two versions depending on what size engines you have. Both are excellent and in my opinion better than the overweight, overpriced and over rated Sullivan. My Sullivan wouldn't even turnover an OS 200 FS whereas the JE turns it with ease. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 (edited) What sort and size engines do you have ?, This on a 12volt battery or a lipo on 3s will start anything up to a 30cc petrol. Edited February 23 by Paul De Tourtoulon forgot picture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 Thanks all........ TT- F54s and OS FS-40S pref using 3s/4s lipo as power source Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 I gave up using a non-geared starter because when the battery was a bit low, it failed to turn over relative small engines. I use a starter like the JE one, it's cheaper than the Kavan type that's been around for decades, the one from Leeds. A 3s 2200mAh lipo serves for weeks before needing a recharge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 For those small engines a small geared one will do, I did have Gary's one looonnnggg ago ( 1970's), but it didn't last long, maybe the gears are better now, if not this one ?. https://www.justengines.co.uk/shop/accessories/starting-gear/jen-6-51-geared-starter-12-24-volt/?v=11aedd0e4327 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 Where is the start button/switch? I want it to work for easy single handed operation Found an Align on sale but the button seems to be behind the hand so 2 hands needed?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 The Leeds one looks good for true single handed operation - anyone disagree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 On price yes, I have one of these, very good. https://www.justengines.co.uk/shop/accessories/starting-gear/jen-geared-starter/?v=79cba1185463 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 Sorry but where is the switch/button?? Thanks J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Underneath, where your fingers grip, a nice slim starter. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 A number of years ago, I made a “hands-free” starter for 1/12 scale combat flying where every second in the air accrued points. The idea was to have a sprung front plate carrying the starter and a switch (some car contact breakers IIRC). After pre-tuning the engine, I would prime the engine and connect the glow before retreating for the Le Man’s type scramble, run and grab hold of the model sitting in front of the starter, press the spinner into the cone, energising the starter and apart from dislodging the glow I was able to (hand) launch within a couple of seconds. A real benefit is that you’re starting the model from behind which limits opportunities to hurt yourself! I think there might possibly be some designs published for similar arrangements but I can dig out what’s left of my old system from the depths of my workshop and photograph it for some inspiration if you’re interested. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 The Kavan starter as per the picture with Leeds link is an excellent ,powerful ,light and due to its smaller diameter is easy to grip. No drop in performance either . I have used one for years now . They are quite expensive and there are other similar types on the market . The Sullivan and others like them are IMO just an old outdated design Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 A thought while walking the dog, any cheap starter would do the job if you are willing to fiddle with it, make a "u" from aluminium bolted to each end and a couple of half rounds in wood and a switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Both the Kavan and the JE starter are good buys, apart from price the only thing to consider is the switch, one is thumb operated the other is via the finger grip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 OK - thanks all for your enthusiastic comments it really is appreciated. I will have to wait to try one as the two styles of switch will affect my choice - if the JE finger grip is a "light" switch and nothing like the Sullivan I think that will suit me better as my thumb is where the dreaded arthritis sits! Cheers J Anyone want a very little used Sullivan??? £25 plus postage 🙂 nothing wrong with it if you are fit enough to use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Wills 2 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 (edited) https://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4952 I use one of these now, has a 3s 2200 internally. Starts everything including my Moki 210 glow. Starting planes sits nicely in the hand and little finger sits on the switch. Edited February 23 by Richard Wills 2 link 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 4 hours ago, Halsey said: Where is the start button/switch? I want it to work for easy single handed operation Found an Align on sale but the button seems to be behind the hand so 2 hands needed?? Nope, a clubmate has one - one hand on starter, one on model. It's even advertised as such (see Paul's post above for link). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 (edited) 5 minutes ago, GrumpyGnome said: Nope, a clubmate has one - one hand on starter, one on model. It's even advertised as such (see Paul's post above for link). Sorry your "nope" is not quite clear (to me) are you "promoting" the Align or the JE in your single handed comment (Pauls link seems to be the JE) Thanks Edited February 23 by Halsey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 (edited) The Align starter is specifically designed for Helis, that's why the button is in such an awkward position for starting a plane engine. Edited February 23 by Andy Stephenson 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Halsey said: Sorry your "nope" is not quite clear (to me) are you "promoting" the Align or the JE in your single handed comment (Pauls link seems to be the JE) Thanks I've just confused matters - sorry. A friend has the Align starter that he uses with one hand on his model aeroplane and one on the starter. Richard's post has the link to it at Model Shop Leeds. They are rather pricy! Edited February 23 by GrumpyGnome 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halsey Posted February 23 Author Share Posted February 23 So given all of the above it seems that the JE is probably the best choice for me - thanks all. I was only pushing as I know of an Align as new on sale for £50 and it won't hang around for that but if its for hellis then that explains its switch layout Thanks to everyone. J 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Wills 2 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 The align switch is not heavy, and easy to press with little finger, very easy to use for planes as well as helis. At £50 it's a steal, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Yup, just requires some practice. My pal paid significantly more than that for his pre-loved example. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.