Firefly Slide Show

Getting Simonini Victor 1 Ready To Go - Starter Switch

This view of the starter switch shows a safety device in place to prevent inadvertent activation of the starter. This will be used in the hangar and at fly-ins to prevent the starter from be activated by the curious, etc. While flying, it will be in my pocket or in the forward luggage compartment.

The starter was rotated 180 degrees to shorten the distance between the starter terminal and the start switch, and to save weight.

This is the view from the front side. The copper strap that connects the switch to the starter is made from flattened thin wall water pipe. The battery lead for the other side of the switch will come up from the bottom through a hole in the mounting plate. The white device between the switch leads is a connector for the cable to activate the switch by pulling it to the left. And to the left of the cable connector is the reaction member for the cable sheath.

This is an exploded view of the starter switch. Several switch components were taken from a PrimeLine starter solenoid (Part # 7-01684-1). The solenoid portion was cut away and the contactors and springs were used. A nylon screw and nut activate the moveable contactor and the spring opens the contactor just like it did in the solenoid. An additional spring is placed under the head of the screw to get more return or opening force. As described previously, the head of the screw is used by a safety device to prevent switch action. The switch will be activated by pulling on a woven fish line.