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On Board Glow Plug Driver (OBGPD)
by: Dave Kovensky
I put together a modified version of the original "Simple On Board Glow" article in the General Tips secton of the Aircraft Proving Grounds. This derivative design permits starting from my power panel and then switching over to the on-board NiMH rechargeable "C" battery. The reason for starting up from the power panel is that this allows current adjustment if the plug is a little fouled with fuel or the engine is somewhat hard-starting. I didn't elect to install an electronic switch to only allow glow plug heating at idle as this would bring up my cost to the units being sold on the market.
The following is a summary of how I assembled my OBGPD:
Parts Needed:
1. McDaniel/Sonic-Tronics 5/8" Remote Glow Plug Adapter Kit
SKU/Part Number MCD443 ($9.50 +Postage from RadicalRC.com)
2. Single Pole/Single Throw Toggle Switch
3. One Pair Banana Plugs
4. Miniature Plug and Jack Assembly
5. Crankcase Grounding Lug
6. Heat Shrink Tubing
7. "C" Plastic Battery Box for NiMH Battery (Local Radio Shack Store.)
8. Rayovac Charger and NiMH Battery (Or Equivalent)
Assembly:
- Arrange the above items and connect them per the schematic drawing. Do this outside of your model to make it easier to check that you have them correctly assembled. Then cut the connecting wiring (from the McDaniel/Sonic-Tronics Kit) to appropriate lengths to suit your model.
Note: You may need additional teflon wire from Radio Shack to complete the
hook-up.
- Hook up and solder the red lead from the Glow Plug Cap to the positive
connection of the Battery Box. (Install a short length of heat shrink tubing on the wire about 2 inches away from the termination, solder the joint, slip the heat shrink tubing to the end of the wire and over the solder joint and apply heat shrink the tubing.)
- Hook up and solder the Crankcase Grounding Lug to one end of the black
wire and the other end of the wire to a post of the Toggle Switch. (Install a short length of heat shrink tubing on the wire about 2 inches away from the termination, solder the joint, slip the heat shrink tubing to the end of the wire and over the solder joint and apply heat shrink the tubing.)
- Hook up and solder a black wire to the other post of the Toggle Switch.
Hook up and solder the other end of this wire to the negative connection of
the Battery Box. (Install a short length of heat shrink tubing on the wire about 2 inches away from the termination, solder the joint, slip the heat shrink tubing to the end of the wire and over the solder joint and apply heat shrink the tubing.)
- Splice and solder a wire into the step 2 red wire and solder the other
end of this wire to the Positive Lug of the Miniatiure Plug. (Install a short length of heat shrink tubing on the wire about 2 inches away from the termination, solder the joint, slip the heat shrink tubing to the end of the wire and over the solder joint and apply heat shrink the tubing.)
- Splice and solder a wire into the step 4 black wire and solder the other
end of this wire to the negative lug of the Miniature Plug. (Install a short length of heat shrink tubing on the wire about 2 inches away from the termination, solder the joint, slip the heat shrink tubing to the end of the wire and over the solder joint and apply heat shrink the tubing.)
The driver circuit that goes into the airplane is complete. Make sure none of the wires are rubbing or touching the engine or exhause. Next we assemble the power panel adapter. Solder wires to the Miniature Jack and Banana Plugs.
Usage:
With the toggle switch in the on position, power is applied to the glow plug at all times. In the off position power is turned off to the glow plug. You can use an expanded voltage meter and the power panel adapter to test the charge on the on-board battery. Make sure the toggle switch is in the off position. You can also use the power panel adapter to charge the on-board battery with your peak charger. Again, make sure the toggle switch is in the off position.
Below is a picture of the circuit:
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Developed by Geistware of Indiana© ., 1999.
Updated October 10, 2006
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