DA-85 Question....

[Paul Cataldo]

Guys,
I recently was reading over the manual that came with my new DA-85, and it seems they have added a few updates, since I last read a DA manual, a few years ago.
One quote that comes from the manual is as follows:

"Always turn the prop a few revolutions after running the motor to discharge the ignition system."

Does anyone here practice this procedure? I have never heard of this, or seen it mentioned on the forums. I have however, had a DA ignition module that needed replacing after only a couple months back when I bought my first DA, the DA-50. Could the fact that I never "discharged" the ignition module after each flight, possibly have something to do with the fact that my IGN had to be replaced when it was only 3 months old?
I ran a DA-100 for almost a year after owning the DA-50, and I never had a problem with that IGN module, and I also never had "discharged" the ignition after each flight either.

My second question is in regards to props. Most guys I know do NOT balance their giant scale props. I too am guilty of not balancing many of my props either.
Is this a bad idea? SHOULD I be balancing my props? I run wood AND carbon fiber Mejzlik.
IF I want to balance my props, then HOW can I do so? I do not know of a prop balancer that works for such large, heavy props.
I know someone will mention making my own prop balancer, but I'm not so sure how to best do this. Can anyone help?
Thanks guys.

[50%plane]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo
	Guys, I recently was reading over the manual that came with my new DA-85, and it seems they have added a few updates, since I last read a DA manual, a few years ago. One quote that comes from the manual is as follows: "Always turn the prop a few revolutions after running the motor to discharge the ignition system." Does anyone here practice this procedure? I have never heard of this, or seen it mentioned on the forums. I have however, had a DA ignition module that needed replacing after only a couple months back when I bought my first DA, the DA-50. Could the fact that I never "discharged" the ignition module after each flight, possibly have something to do with the fact that my IGN had to be replaced when it was only 3 months old? I ran a DA-100 for almost a year after owning the DA-50, and I never had a problem with that IGN module, and I also never had "discharged" the ignition after each flight either. My second question is in regards to props. Most guys I know do NOT balance their giant scale props. I too am guilty of not balancing many of my props either. Is this a bad idea? SHOULD I be balancing my props? I run wood AND carbon fiber Mejzlik. IF I want to balance my props, then HOW can I do so? I do not know of a prop balancer that works for such large, heavy props. I know someone will mention making my own prop balancer, but I'm not so sure how to best do this. Can anyone help? Thanks guys.

I don't know anyone that doesn't balance the prop. Here's a cool video to watch about it:

Click the play button to start.
Right click here to save the video

[larshkj]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Cataldo
	Guys, I recently was reading over the manual that came with my new DA-85, and it seems they have added a few updates, since I last read a DA manual, a few years ago. One quote that comes from the manual is as follows: "Always turn the prop a few revolutions after running the motor to discharge the ignition system." Does anyone here practice this procedure? I have never heard of this, or seen it mentioned on the forums. I have however, had a DA ignition module that needed replacing after only a couple months back when I bought my first DA, the DA-50. Could the fact that I never "discharged" the ignition module after each flight, possibly have something to do with the fact that my IGN had to be replaced when it was only 3 months old? I ran a DA-100 for almost a year after owning the DA-50, and I never had a problem with that IGN module, and I also never had "discharged" the ignition after each flight either.

BUMP!

I would like to know this as well.

Lars

[DATech]

The ignition can hold a "charge" for several minutes after the power is turned off. Flipping the prop a few times after the power is turned off insures the "charge" is dissapated so that the engine can not start inadvertantly. Just a safety procedure.

[3D Meatshield]

With the ignition turned off, is there still a chance that the "charge" could yet fire the engine, even if it was just a "pop" or two? Could be a knuckle-buster if someone was lackadaisical about those after-run flips...someone like me

[DATech]

Yes, it can fire. Always treat an engine like it's armed and ready to fire when ever the prop is turned.