Onboard Glow for under $30 or spare parts

[patrick181]

I have had several PM's asking how I did this.

I have set up and tested for one year, on the same plug, a light, onboard system based on a cheap GWS speed control and spare parts. This system has the capability of switching on/off from the TX, throttle mixing and have a backup glow jack incase the battery is dead.

Parts needed:

GWS ICS50E - (Must be the "E" model without low voltage cutoff.)
Radio Switch harness - (any switch will probably work)
Remote Glow Plug Adapter - (could be homemade, I like the Hangar 9 unit)
1.2v Sub C battery (2500mah should net about 7 flights)
An extra channel on your RX.

The attached diagram should be self-explanitory, just keep the polarities right. Also note the Reserve Glow Jack represents the jack on the Hangar 9 remote glow adapter. Adding 2v give or take to this jack does not hurt the speed control FYI.

I have set a mix on my 9C for 95% power to the ESC at 0-15% throttle, as you increase throttle the ESC power reduces to 0% at 35% throttle. Obviously there is no need for the glow power past this point so its worth it to set the mix to save the battery. You could also set a switch to it with the mix. Make sure to test the system with a spare plug, 100% power looked a bit hot to me. I will post my 9C mix if anyone is interested.

[skyhawk1]

Can you please post the mixes.

Thank you. Todd

[patrick181]

Can you please post the mixes.

Thank you. Todd

On my 9C:

ESC on ch 8

AUX2 not reversed

MIX 5...
THRO>AUX2
Rates 100% / 100%
Offset 50%
SW>B
MAS>3:THRO
SLV> 8:AUX2

To set the glow mix rate, just set the End-Point limit on AUX2 H to around 30-40.

The ICS50E has a fixed throtle range so it will see this adjustment if you make sure the TX switch is off before you switch it on from the airplane. I have mine set to 100/32, your results may vary so set the system with a glow plug to determine whats best. A slight annoyance wth this system is with the ICS50's throttle resolution, don't expect a perfect fine tune that will fade power evenly.

Make sure to test the system with same length of wire you intend on installing into the airplane. Wire resistance plays a big factor.

Good luck,

[patrick181]

Now that I've put some more thought into this system, I think it might be more effiecient to put the reserve glow jack in-line from the battery to the switch. In this configuration you could just charge the battery through the glow jack instead of adding another port to the side of your airplane.

[bhchan]

A friend of mine has a simpler solution, he hooks a D nicad to the glow plug and leaves it there for the whole day of fly, then he removes it after he is done. No switch, just a battery holder.

Brian, an EAJ

[patrick181]

A friend of mine has a simpler solution, he hooks a D nicad to the glow plug and leaves it there for the whole day of fly, then he removes it after he is done. No switch, just a battery holder.

Brian, an EAJ

Don't try and jerk my thread, I spent alot of time bringing this info to the table. Have your buddy post the setup if it's better. If there are people who want to add a load of weight and replace burned plugs daily, then that setup will do.

[plasticjoe]

this looks pretty cool.... I have some old GWS speed controls layin aro.... sounds and looks easy enough to manage

[patrick181]

I just added this to my 60 size Extra 330 which has had deadstick issues doing waterfalls and other spirited moves. Totally resolved! I can even get my Saito to idle at 1700rpm for an infinite time. Good for waiting on the slow guy to clear the runway without having to hold your plane! I must revise my instructions above.

Stay with at least 22awg or bigger wire and keep them as short as possible. Resistance is a big issue at this voltage. 1500mah sub C nets me 10 flights. 2500mah should in double that with additional weight cost.

The newer ICS50E's now have a throttle safety feature that will prevent it from running if the throttle is not at 0% when switched on. Since the radio programming of the ESC calls for 100% glow at 0% throttle it will not arm when you switch it on. You can always just roll the throttle but this simpler:
Set (9C) AUX-CH, the channel you assigned the ESC to the same switch you assigned in the mix. This will override the mix and keep it at 0% no matter where your stick is at.

[dmccormick001]

Just curious, how do you charge the 1.5v sub C battery? What kind/type of charger?

[patrick181]

Just curious, how do you charge the 1.5v sub C battery? What kind/type of charger?

I have a Hobbico ICE and a Turnigy Accucel 8. Both will charge single cell Nicads. My setup has its own radio switch with charging jack on the side of the plane.