Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Matt Parker's "Bill"

Got this email from Matt Parker on July 4, 2017.  Click the youtube link at the bottom to see it run!
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Allen,

Thanks again for helping me to solve my hall sensor problem. Even though it wasn't anything more than a bonehead move on my part, it was you who insisted it was the hall sensor leading to me finding the issue.
The below video is my engine finally taking its first breaths of life. Thanks to your father for a great set of plans which allows folks like me to accomplish these builds. I look forward to the next engine build.

https://youtu.be/HcVUV9TMys4

Thanks again,
Matt Parker





Matt Parker's Powerhouse

Got this email from Matt Parker on July 4, 2017.  Click the youtube link at the bottom to see it run!
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Allen,

Thanks again for helping me to solve my hall sensor problem. Even though it wasn't anything more than a bonehead move on my part, it was you who insisted it was the hall sensor leading to me finding the issue.
The below video is my engine finally taking its first breaths of life. Thanks to your father for a great set of plans which allows folks like me to accomplish these builds. I look forward to the next engine build.

Thanks again,
Matt Parker


https://youtu.be/HcVUV9TMys4

Monday, May 1, 2017

Missing crankshaft/bearing hole on Farmboy?

Here's a valid question I received from Richard Piaseki on May 1, 2017:

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I just bought the plans for the Farm Boy engine and after reviewing the drwgs., I have a question. Sheet #3 does not show a .500 hole for the crankshaft/bearing. Is there a reason for this or just an omission error?
Regards,
Richard Piasecki
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I wasn't sure, and I also noticed a similar issue with the connecting rod end, so I asked "EngineMaker" Jim (builder of Farmboy #3).  Here's his reply:

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On page #3 your Dad gave the dimensions for the placement of the holes as 1.820" from the back edge of the frame and 1.280" from the back of the lap joint. Now the size of the hole is the .500" dimension shown on the crankshaft bushings shown on page #9. Half of the hole is in the bearing cap and the other half is in the frame. I drill and ream my 1/2" holes as the bearing should be captured by the bearing cap ( so it doesn't spin) bur not crush the .376" inside bushing dimension.

On page #8 if you look at the connecting rod drawing, the bottom of the connecting rod dimension is .400" wide and the cap is also .400" wide. The hole goes at the seam of the 2 parts and in the center ( the .900" divided by 2 = .450") from  the edge. The hole size is the .561" dimension shown on page #8 as the rod end bushing. You could actually make the hole drilled an reamed .562" and the bushing .561" dimension .562". In this case the rod cap bolts going through the bearing keep the bearing from turning. My guess is that your Dad meant to say "Drill and Ream a .562 hole through rod big end" instead of .282" as shown on the rod big end assembly picture shown on page #8.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

PICTIM ignition module runs fine on 9v smoke alarm battery

PICTIM ignition module running on a standard 9v battery for the past two hours.  For this demo, the PIC chip has been programmed to simulate a 4-cycle running at 2000 RPM.  Visit www.model-engine-ignition.com for more details.

See this link for YouTube video:

https://youtu.be/yHBO0y3P4e4

Note: BUZZCOIL ignition works great on 9v as well!

Monday, October 10, 2016

Bob Cooke's V4 Update

Bob just sent me these photos.  Just a little ignition work, and it'll be ready to run.  Looking great!




Monday, October 3, 2016

Steve Gould's V2

Here's an e-mail I received from Steve Gould on Oct 3, 2016:

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Hi Allen,

My Howell V2 engine is nearing completion, it’s a handsome looking engine and a bit more difficult to produce than my original assumption. There is still a number of steps to go before completion, but all the main parts are working fine and the cam gear train works very well. Here is a picture, it looks the part when polished!
Regards

Steve




Sunday, July 24, 2016

Dave King's engine collection

Got this e-mail from Dave King today. His engines look and run great. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Allen
Just a quick note to say I have finished my third engine 'Vickie' and what a stunning looking engine she is.
I had all my engines running together today and have included a picture and a link to a Video. What fun!

https://youtu.be/COjWPn4bqRk

My next project is the Ringbom - Stirling Pump Engine to keep me busy for another year.
Many Thanks
Dave King.