Glowdriver use?

[frank mccune]

     Hi All:


    Has anybody used or is now using a glow driver in lieu of a standard battery for heating the glow plug? If so, what are your thoughts concerning them? I am asking about the devices that were powered by a 12 volt source and sent a pulsed current to the plug.  These were supposed to alter the current upon demand many times a second to keep the glow plug heated to a chosen heat despite air temps and amount of  fuel in the engine.   The firm of Northeast Engineering comes to mind but I think that were other suppliers.  I think that I remember seeing articles and plans for making your own.  Perhaps Howard Rush mentioned that he had made his own.  They sound like the cat's pajamas.  Perhaps they are great for starting inverted engines that are easily to flood.

                                                                                                                                             Tia,

                                                                                                                                             Frank McCune 

[frank williams]

Hi Frank
Model Builder Jan 1976 was the first glow driver circuit I ever saw published.  It was based on a 741 op amp.  I have a copy of the article if you're interested.
Check the web for more modern versions.
https://www.google.com/search?q=glow+driver+circuit&espv=2&biw=1264&bih=769&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSpL739-DJAhVEyWMKHXAEAisQsAQIGw
 Frank

[frank mccune]

     Hi Frank:

     Thanks for all of the information!!!!! Sure was a boatload!

                                                                                      Be well my friend,

                                                                                      Frank

[FLOYD CARTER]

Electronic glo drivers are a standard product.  You R/C catalog will show several types to use with a 12 volt battery.  Some are configured to also run an electric starter.

[Fredvon4]

Are you asking about an on board system or external for starting? sounds like external

I use two methods...

On my non combat flight box a 12VDC  9AH gel cell powering a Hobbico Accu-Glo mkII that is CURRENT adjustable but constant 1.5VDC and a close-pin type glo plug clip

My other for combat birds is a Hand held RCATS glo driver with lithium battery that is computer (logic) controlled like Howard Rush's design

http://rcatsystems.com/rc.php

• 5200 mAh battery capacity for long battery life (over 1 year with normal use)
• Adjusts current automatically to keep the plug lit
• “Soft Start” slowly delivers current to prolong plug life
• User-selectable startup delay feature (~5 seconds)
• Built in charging system
• Auto shut-off
• Easy to read LED bar graph
• Modular plug clip for easy customization
• Internationally rated power supply (100-240V, 50/60Hz)