We've been personally using one of these for more than 30 years, which is
why we don't hesitate to recommend this kick-ass electric starter. Yes, some
consider it expensive compared to an import, but it's not if you understand
the difference between price and value. Finally, take note of two things.
First, this top notch Made in USA electric starter is the only one offered on
our website. Second, the quality remains long after the price is forgotten.
Enough said?
ProTip: starter with a
ProModeler PDR0055 StartProbe for
helicopters.
- The ProModeler Start Probe fits snugly in the
starter's rubber cup
Q. I have an Trainer 60 with an OS-MAX .61 2-stroke engine, how do you recommend starting it?
A. This starter on 12V (or 3S LiPo for greater convenience) will easily start model engines as large as 1.20 four-stroke, and gassers to 20cc.
Q. I have an Extreme Flight 85" Gamebird powered by a DA-50. How do you recommend starting it?
A. Regarding starting the big DA-50, honestly? Sullivan say 40cc engines on the box but it's my opinion this starter on a 6S pack likely spins the DA50 just fine (I've used mine to start a G-62). Anyway, and no matter what, my advice is don't hand prop it to start the engine
(yes, you can learn, but don't). Buy this electric starter, instead, and power it with 24V (6S).
Further to this business of starting engines with electric starters, we
sell this Sullivan brand Dynatron
unit for a reason but whether you buy it from us, or someone else,
doesn't matter, our business is to do with servos, not starters. Look, we own a machine shop so the easiest thing in the world for us is to buy 12V DC motors in bulk, make the drawing in CAD and machine up spinner adapters (just like we produce our helicopter StartProbe) and Bob's your uncle, we have a new product!
- PDR0055 StartProbe details for those interested in mechanical minutia
Reason we don't is because a) starters aren't our business, and b) this one is great, so why reinvent the wheel? And because we're not a hobby shop, we only offer this one unit as a convenience instead of a variety to shop from. Anyway, it's my further opinion (and opinions are like bellybuttons, we all have one, so this is mine) you should not screw around with import 12V units to save a few bucks. Too many unknowns. Please trust me, I
know what I'm talking about and there's a reason this massive 24V-capable Sullivan is the
only starter we offer. Yes, it's expensive. Doesn't matter, you'll only
cry about the price the one time.
What's more, it's also my opinion you shouldn't mess around with starting that big gasser by hand! And get someone to help
you! Believe me, you absolutely MUST have someone else to help you hold it - or -
that engine driven prop may eat your ass alive, pardon my french. Don't believe me? Review
this article titled; Regarding props - heads up!,
because this is what happened to a good friend not long ago while
starting his gasoline powered model (and yes, also equipped with
ProModeler servos).
Note; the pictures are gory so if you have a weak stomach,
don't look - but - we share this because it's important to realize just how badly props can hurt you. Added to which, it's especially important to realize he's a HIGHLY experienced modeler who has been
dealing with gassers for decades. Prop injuries can happen to anybody,
believe me. So buy a good quality starter, get someone to help hold the model, and be done with it. And if you're still whinging about the price, look at my
pal's hand and reflect on what that cost him! Word to the wise, eh?
We also sell the brackets to make attaching a 3-6S LiPo easier (I'd
advise a 6S). Also, if you don't have them, buy connectors (we have XT90 on the site). And no, you can't just buy the brackets from us because we won't ship them alone, they're an option if you buy the starter from us (and only at the time of purchase, not after the fact, please don't put us in the position of bad guy about this, because we're warning you ahead of time).
- Steel brackets make life easier for mounting a 6S LiPo, I use a 5000