Button Timers

[CRAIG HOLLIER]

What are the best button timers used for 1/2a-A,p-30 and coupe. I know Capp sales them,but which are the best !

Craig

[Dean McGinnes]

For those models, I use the “Badge” type of button timer as sold by FAI Model Supply. They are a little stiffer than the true “button” timers.

I recommend some type of force multiplier between the timer and the DT line. November 2004 NFFS Digest shows a good one, or you can utilize the Rat Trap as developed in Australia or New Zealand.

I can send you a PDF file of the Rat Trap. This allows you to use a very weak spring to run the timer but still be able to hold the tail down adequately.

[DAN BERRY]

Larry Kruse has posted a number of pics of a good device in Flying Models. He and Gene Smith use it exstensively. I use it on my HLG and CLG planes.

[Anonymous]

Hi Craig H

There are 4 types of viscous fluid timers sold by FAI Supplies;
Button Lite, Button Classic, Badge Lite and Badge Classic. The one favoured for small power models (and P-3O) is the Badge Lite as already mentioned and works best with the force multiplier system better known as a “Rat Trap”.

The Button timers are best suited to CLG/HLG/ DLG models. Hope this helps clarify what type to get.

Ployd

[Ralph Hotz]

Hi Dean,

Would you give me a little help please?? I’m an oldtimer and I’ve never used a badge timer before. I bought one from FAI and it came with an additional vial of a viscous liquid which I know is for the timer. However they’re are no instructions as to how to get it into the timer, where to get it into the timer and such.

I’d also like to ask you if you would send me the PDF file for the Ozzie “Rat Trap” that you mention.

Sorry to be so dense, or maybe it’s old-age, but I sure am having trouble with these new-fageled gadgets such as pressure feed, viscous timers, Rat Traps, etc., etc. In the old days we trimed them, tuned the engine-they seem to run pretty darn good without this pressure deal, light the fuse and let’em go. I gotta get out of the 50s obviously. Thanks, Ralph

@flydean wrote:

For those models, I use the “Badge” type of button timer as sold by FAI Model Supply. They are a little stiffer than the true “button” timers.

I recommend some type of force multiplier between the timer and the DT line. November 2004 NFFS Digest shows a good one, or you can utilize the Rat Trap as developed in Australia or New Zealand.

I can send you a PDF file of the Rat Trap. This allows you to use a very weak spring to run the timer but still be able to hold the tail down adequately.

[Anonymous]

Hi OldFreeFlighter

You can download the PDF file on the Ozzie “Rat Trap” by Barry Frederickson from http://www.pelaero.com.au click on “general products” in the navigation bar and go to the bottom of the page.

I am surprised that FAI sent you a vial of viscous fluid as the timer (Badge and Button) normally comes with the fluid sealed in the timer body and there is no way you can top it up without destroying it. Adescription of the timer you purchased would help here.

Ployd in OZ

[Dean McGinnes]

Oldfreeflighter,

Ployd pretty well answered your question. My rat trap file is the one from his site (and credit given). I never heard of being able to add fluid to any of those timers.

You might have lucked into a tube of Ambroid from an old Comet Kit!! 🙂

[DAN BERRY]

Flinger, watch for a PM. I have a pic of a good rig on a CLG. It is too big to attach to the forum.

[DAN BERRY]

I meant Old Free Flighter!
Great, now I can hide my own easter eggs, also.

[Anonymous]

I have 20 viscous timers in stock at the moment. They are perfect for P-30, and I cut them down a little for HLG and CLG.

The price has gone up some, but I have seen them sold for alot more.

dedmonson@comcast.net

[BRUCE ROBERTSON]

My regular supplier. You are still less than last years price for the same item, you know that! I think we have a couple club member hoarding our last orders!!
Bruce

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