Hot field accessories for RC pilots

Model Airplane News, Dec 2002 by Yarrish, Gerry

Megatron electric starter, $267.48

Fuel Management

Fuel pumps range from simple mechanical hand-- crank units and rubber squeeze bulbs to electrically powered and pressurized types. But the mission remains the same: to fill and empty the model's fuel tank. Whether you use gasoline or nitro fuel, several pump types and fuel containers are available. Always use a container with a screw-on cap; you don't want to spill fuel all over the inside of your car on the way to the field. To prevent your fuel lines and carburetor from becoming clogged, use a filter in your fuel can as well as an in-line filter in the delivery line for the fuel going to your model's tank. Also, use fuel line that is compatible with the type of fuel that you use.

SLIMLINE

Using items that are designed to work together helps simplify your field equipment setup and makes everything neater and easier to use. Several excellent fuel-- management accessories are available from Slimline.

Boxxer pump, $49.99

Battery base $49.99

Pro Caps, $16.99

F1 Pro Cap glow bottle, $18.99

SL1 2000 fuel pump, $69.99

N1 gas pump with container, $48,99

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Power panels greatly simplify the wiring required to power other field accessories. They route 12 volts to the starter jacks as well as to the fuel pump jacks. The panel also supplies power to an adjustable output for energizing the glow-plug leads. Some panels have a meter to show the current powering the plug; other panels emit an audible tone to indicate positive continuity in the glow-plug circuit. Available from several sources and ranging in price from under $20 to as much as $75, a power panel is one accessory you should consider owning.

As already mentioned, energizing your glow plug can be done with leads from the power panel or by using a handheld glow starter. Typically, these units use either a rechargeable 1.2V Ni-Cd cell or a regular disposable 1.SV battery. Both types have an adapter that clamps onto the end of the glow plug and supplies it with enough power to start your engine. This is perhaps the most popular field accessory used by RC modelers.

HANGAR. The power panel is the nerve center of any field box. It helps to manage all of the electrical equipment.

Deluxe power panel, $22.95

DU-BRO

A Du-Bro Glo-Plug Ignitor is a great addition to any flight box. Just slip in a disposable 1.5V battery, and you'll be set to go. They are available in short- and long-reach lengths.

Glo-Plug Ignitor, $16.99 (short), $17.99 (long)

HOBBICO For smaller field boxes. the MicroPanel Plus from Hobbico is just the ticket for your starting needs. Supplying 12 volts for a starter, the panel also supplies power for your glow-plug driver and has a recharging jack for your Ni-Cd-powered glow igniter. That's a lot of convenience for such a small package.

MicroPanel Plus, $19.99

McDANIEL

The ever popular McDaniel Ni-Starter glow-plug igniter from Sonic-- Tronics comes in several versions. It's available in 12-- 21/2- and 31/3-inch lengths, with and without a current meter, and with or without a charger. Every field box needs at least one of these!