Hubin, Burger and Renicle are the big names at the moment.  Any of them should do.

Will Hubin's timers are good basic and all-around (and there's also more than one of them, so find a list of options and study it).  It needs Will Hubin's programming box.

Igor Burger's timer wins world championships (I've seen more than one, but I think we only get the super-zoot one over here).  It needs a JETIBox, and works best with a specific, obsolete, JETI ESC.

Kieth Renicle's timer is specifically designed to work with inexpensive ESC's that do not provide governing mode.  I'm not sure if it needs a programming box or not.

Duke, the E-timer is pretty primitive. Igor's will be expensive, Keith's more cost effective and some of Hubin's timers are programmable with a screw driver and run form around $10 - $20.

Hubin's FM-9 timer series does require a programmer box (around $80 but the timers are $10 - $20 or so) and Keith's timer also needs a programming card.

I have and love the KR timer from RSM.  The advantage of the KR timer is that it works well with a cheep speed controller.  Also if the motor stalls (such as during a noise over in grass or a bad bearing) the timer instantly turns off.  It is virtually burn out proof.  I also love the fact that it gives a 5 second warning burp just before the end of flight.  Programming at the field is easy with the program module.  I do keep the instruction sheet in my flight bag.  I don't remember instructions well so I do have to read the instructions each time I use the programmer.  However it isn't complicated and goes quickly. If the KR has a disadvantage it is the fact that you have to solder a wire to one of the motor leads.  However E-flight requires that you learn how to solder sooner or later.
 

This is all good info guys, thanks.  What's the reason for using the phoenix esc with the Hubin timer?

Duke,  The Castle Creations Phoenix ESCs have a "control line" mode that allows you to set governor values and in one case you can set three different RPMs you can select with the Hubin timer. If you used the governor mode you can also set the RPM with the Hubin programmer box. The ESC can be programmed using a PC and a Castle link USB cable and changes can be made at the field using a laptop computer.

John, The Hubin timers also give a warning RPM change a few seconds before the end of the flight.

I would suggest (if you haven't yet) looking through the "list your setup" and "ESC Settings" topics and find a model similar in size to yours and see what works. Castle's new line of Phoenix ESCs is the "Edge" series. I got one of the Phoenix Edge Lite 50 which seems to be a replacement for the Phoenix 45 Lite. Much as I support the LHS I would be surprised if your shop has in stock the sort of thing you need. Ask to have the right one ordered if they don't stock it.

I have been using the Hubin F-9 with the Hubin programmer box for about two years, hundreds of flights with no problems. I like it very much. Will Hubin stands behind his products in a big way.

No experience with Keith's timer but the apparent ease of programming and instant shutoff in case of a prop strike sound like good features. If you fly off grass where a noseover on takeoff is more likely, the Keith/RSM timer may be the one for you.

Igor Burger's timer wins world championships (I've seen more than one, but I think we only get the super-zoot one over here).  It needs a JETIBox, and works best with a specific, obsolete, JETI ESC.

Yes I have also "usual" timers. Beside active timer with accelerometer I have also 2 other timers. One is dedicated only for C/L having settings for delay, throttle, setting/allowing turning prop after arming, warning before landing or powered landing, soft start ... and may I forgot something :-))) - we use them on indoors

http://www.netax.sk/hexoft/docu/CLtimer_en.pdf

... and second is free programmable sequencer , so you can set your own throttle every second :- ))) it also allows loops in program, digital inputs (from button, elevator, I do not know what) and one digital output (contrill switches, or connect to another timer input)  it has interupts, timeouts etc ... typically used for slope gliders (setting elevator after launch, determalizator timer, or broken line timeout) ... all programmable with standard jetibox - and those two without accelerometer cost only 15 Euro, so they are not so expensive I think, and yes they work with any ESC (not only Jeti SPIN, but it is clever to use SPIN as the same box works for all and Jetibox is really very univerzal tool, not only for programming), or servo (in case of use with IC)

http://www.netax.sk/hexoft/docu/itimer_en.pdf

but to orriginal question - I think it is good to find available ESC first. If you have well working ESC with governor, it is easy to find timer, you can use almost any. However looks like some combinations are better then others, so for example I would choose (if I was not maker of mine) Hubins timer with castle ESC especially because CC does not have SWITCH, if you have ESC without governor (some sizes are difficult to have with well working governor - for example those small for indoors ) I would choose Renecle timer because it have GOVERNOR inside ... especially in case that you are beginner and you expect crashes. And if you think you want end up in WCh level solution now on next year, write me :- )))))))))))

Or you build your own timer.

http://lijnbesturing.nl/index.php/werkplaats/electro/de-zelfbouw-timer

Greetings Robert-Jan

Duke,

The Hubin timer is quite good in that it provides accurate flight time and allows you to set the constant speed rpm. If what you are looking for is something to give you constant flight speed and shut off when programmed to do so it will give you great service. To make this timer work you need to purchase a relatively expensive ESC that has a heli governor mode. Although the timer only costs $10 the ESC will run you somewhere around $79-85 and you will also need to pick up the Hubin RPM box (another $60). When you get more electric models you will only be looking at a cost of $89-95 for the timer/esc combo.

If you want something that will allow you to experience electric flight that has increased rpm when in maneuvers then the KR Governor is the one you want. The KR Governor and the Hubin timer differ in the way they control the rpm. The Hubin timer works through the ESC's throttle control by using a percentage of maximum throttle. This works out pretty well. The KR Governor works by actually reading the emp pulse of the motor shaft so it does not need the ESC to help control the rpm. That is why an inexpensive ESC can be used. Both the Hubin and the KR have an accurate flight time function.

The KR Governor has it's own ultra soft start function as well as the major safety feature of instant shut down of the ECL system in the event of a prop strike. Once you burn up a $600 ECl system like I did you will understand how important that feature is!

Only the KR Governor allows you to choose how much additional rpm will be fed into your motor when you go into a maneuver. With the exception of Igor's amazing system there is no other timer out there that will do this. Imagine the old style 4-2-4 break or the modern tuned pipe and that is what you can accomplish with the KR Governor. When you consider that the KR Governor costs $42.50 and an ESC for it only costs $25-50 it is easy to see that not only is the KR governor superior to other timers (except forIgor's) but it is much less expensive initially and in the future. When you combine the cost with the added features the KR Governor stands head and shoulders above any of the other timers available.

+1 for the KR timer. It works brilliantly and Keith is a pleasure to deal with.

Thanks to all who helped me decide which timer would work best for me.  I went with the Hubim timers.  It was a easy process and Will was great to deal with. The timers must have went out the door the same day, I think it was three days from payment to my door, which includes the weekend. Can't wait to build a plane for one. I'll start with a 1/2A trainer for my niece and nephews, then a .15 size Akromaster.  I already have the kits and motors for those projects.

Limited how??  The only difference between the KR timer/ESC of your choice system and the Timer of your choice/GovernorMode ESC is which computer is doing the RPM control - the computer in the ESC or the one in the timer.  I have both systems and the KR is just as easy to program (easier really, since I can do it at the field, between flights rather than sitting in front of a computer) and I only have to program the timer, not both the timer and the ESC.  I also have Hubins in just about every derivative - including the FM-9's with programming box.  My own opinion of the flight characteristics is that the KR does the better job of RPM control.

Additionally, the KR has the advantage of shutting things down reliably in case of a prop hang-up.  The difference in cost is significant enough to make the KR my main system.

I agree!!  I have nothing but KR timers and have never lost a speed controller or motor due to a prop strikes.  Another member of our club has lost two setups due to motors binding up for one reason or another.

     OK, I can take back the comment about limited, since I don't have both systems to make comparisons.  The original question was for an "opinion" and like belly buttons we all have them.  As far as making changes at the field, RPM  and flight time is about the only thing most of us change at the field, and that is done through the Hubin programming box.  Yes, changes in the CC ESC's are made with a Castle Link system and requires a computer but is not a major inconvenience.  From a competition standpoint I believe there is an advantage there.  Igor's system takes that up a notch, maybe more.

   I know Duke and have flown with him and his boys on more than one occasion.  It only makes sense to me that if he has questions on set ups it would make sense to have a system that is more familiar to whom he is asking.  Most of us are using the Hubin/Castle Creations set up.

    Again, I cast no aspersions toward other systems.  My point still stands at what others are using, most notably NATS.  Most used the Hubin/Castle set up, but, the Igor set up won both Open and Advanced.  Like auto racing, many competitions are won before the event.  If my budget would allow I would change to what is winning.  Meanwhile I'll just stand my ground.

Just to add a few final words about my system, the KR governor timer was stared as a simple low cost system to get newcomers and sport fliers into electric stunt without major expenses. As things worked out over the last few years, it certainly did just that, AND the performance became very competitive, especially since I added the differential gain that gives some extra kick in the hard corners. I did notice that two of my systems were used at the last US Nats, and three were flown in the 2012 world champs in Bulgaria. It certainly worked very well in the extreme high wind that blew many models out of the sky on one of the bad days, so I can confidently say that I have more than achieved my original goals in creating this system.

I have sold many units now (+/- 800) thanks mainly to Eric Rule of RSM and to Andy Borgogna that has done so much to promote the system. I'm always grateful for Andy's technical backup as well. Barring Igor's active regulation system that is in a class of it's own, I would humbly submit that my system can compete favourably with any other governor system.......at a lower cost as well. It isn't a cheap system either.......it just costs less! 

What is great for the sport/hobby is that there are now some choices and that it always good news!

Keith R

Not that money matters but, I just bought 2 Hubin timers for $23 shipped ($10 each). I think the KR-1 is $35 each.

MM

Yes but the Hubin timer requires an $100 speed controller to get constant RPM.  The KR works with a $30 speed controller.  If bad things happen the speed controller is the first to burn out.  I prefer a cheep speed controller but I still want constant RPM.

$100 speed controller? Castle Creation Edge Lite 50 = $74.94 with free shipping.   

True it's $75 not a $100 but it's still not $30, and the KR timer provides auto shout-down if anything goes wrong.  I have tested it by grabbing the motor with a rag to stall it.  The turn off is instant without any smoke.  Admittedly you don't have data-logging with the cheep speed controller however only top competitors need data logging. Top competitors understand it takes a certain amount of money to compete at that level.

I will also admit that the cheep speed controllers need a program card but it cost all of $10 and I only have one for all my speed controllers. However what you don't need is a computer and a day and a 1/2 to figure out how to program the cheep controller.

I guess what I am saying is that my Pop can beat up your Pop - but who cares.  All of the setups work and work well.  If you are just getting into electric I would recommend that you seek the advice of local flyers.  Use what they use because they can help you with problems.  However if you are on your own I would recommend the KR timer with a cheep speed controller.  It will protect your setup from most of the beginner mistakes.  I will add one more thing to the mix.  The KR timer does require soldering of one wire to a motor lead.  If you can't solder perhaps you should stay away from electric flight or learn how to solder.