Start Button

[Richy B]

Was wondering how difficult it would be to install a Start button
Noticed a kit priced £50 from Halfords
Where's best to fit the button, will I still need the key for Aux and Ignition


Jerry!

[Sam G15]

Hello,
Don't forget you'll need the key for the steering lock too!

Absolute doddle to fit, once you've worked out which wires are the start position on the key, although visit one of the motorsports places or car builder solutions for a lot less than £50, you can even get a plate with ignition, a doomsday switch (I like these, the ones with the red covers) and a light if you want to remove any remaining semblance of security from the ignition circuit.

Not to sound like L-e-C but on my Ginetta I have a dash mounted ignition switch with a key (CBS) and decided push button starters were not in keeping and I've gone for a sprung toggle switch instead, a very satisfying way to start the car .

Sam

[Richy B]

Hi Sam

Thanks for the info, like the idea of a toggle switch, cannot beat the flicking of a few switches before firing up on a toggle!

[amarshall]

Hi Sam

Thanks for the info, like the idea of a toggle switch, cannot beat the flicking of a few switches before firing up on a toggle!

Don't forget to add one for the fuel pump then

"Atomic batteries to power"...

[Sam G15]

Oh yeah,

I use the doomsday switch for the fuel pump, so that in the event of needing to stop everything a quick panicky flail should hit most stuff and turn it off! Then you may as well fit a proper isolation switch too, followed by a plumbed in extinguisher and then pull Tees on the outside, then strip the interior, harness and buckets......

Other uses for them on the Land Rover for the derv pump decomnpressor solenoid and on the previous rally car (Volvo 144) was for the overdrive with "Destroy" written on it!

Careful Or I'll post a pic of the Ginetta dash

Sam

[Richy B]

Oh yes Sam, you know you want too!

Something like this..
Instead of winch, could be start?

[Sam G15]

Ah, no, it's much scruffier than that one.
Decided not to use it for the starter cos I wanted to toggle down to start not up if you see what I mean!
Will take a pic tonight then!

Sam

[Richy B]

Thinking along the lines of roof mounted switches (this is becoming a bad idea now!)
Might just stick to the key up to the IGN stage then button to start, as I have an immobiliser which needs to be disarmed before starting

[Sam G15]

Oh yeah,
The immobiliser is easy, just have a gurt big red switch with "immobiliser On/Off" written on it in huge letters, can't see an issue with that.

Sam

[MrCoolA]

this is mine........................




moved fag lighter in to glove comp and converted to a dual take off for sat nav etc


Just looking to see what i put in the hole where the choke was next................

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Sorry to sound even more like L-e-C..... but my starter button on the Clan trumps all of you...it's on the steering wheel which is removable so the starter button is in fact a removable security feature.

Of course senior forum members will know I have done my bit on this and the "old forum" re: Excel specific technical matters so recent Clan-related posts comprise the minority of my post count.

I've updated my avatar in case folk doubt that I own one!

[Sam G15]

Ah you have! Don't fear, I'm only joking about the Clan thing, and cross talk between different cars and ways to solve things is always useful. I have to say, looking at the Avatar your Lotus looks pretty darn tidy too!

Annoying I've just turned down a removable steering boss
Anyhow, I bet your dash is nicer than mine:





Just a thought on roof switches, it'd be worth noting where your head might end up if things go upside down, it may not be so good.

That push button starter does look the business though and really fits in, I'm resisting doing much more on my Lotus till the G is on the road..............

Sam

[RRHANS]

With al those buttons you will need one of these.

"Just a moment darling........"

LOTUS EXCEL PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST


FIRST
1. Fuel Quantity -- CHECK VISUALLY for desired level in BOTH Tanks
2. Fuel Filler Caps -- CHECK SECURE
3. Windshield -- CHECK
CABIN
1. Pilot's Operating Handbook, ARW -- AVAILABLE IN THE PLANE
2. Control Wheel Lock -- REMOVE
3. Ignition Switch -- OFF
4. Master Switch -- ON
5. Fuel Quantity Indicators -- CHECK QUANTITY
6. Flaps -- 10°, CHECK for proper extension
7. Master Switch -- OFF
8. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH
LEFT WING
1. Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security
2. Brakes -- CHECK for cracks and security
3. Fuel Sump -- DRAIN small amount, CHECK FUEL, CHECK CLOSED
4. Cabin Air Intake -- CHECK for blockage
LEFT WING Leading Edge
1. Pitot Tube Cover -- REMOVE and CHECK opening for blockage
2. Stall Warning Opening -- CHECK for blockage
3. Fuel Tank Vent Opening -- CHECK for blockage
LEFT WING Trailing Edge
1. Flap -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
2. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
3. Position Light -- RED
Empennage
1. Rudder Gust Lock -- REMOVE
2. Control Surfaces -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
3. Antenna -- CHECK for security
RIGHT WING Trailing Edge
1. Flap -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
2. Aileron -- CHECK freedom of movement and security
3. Position Light -- GREEN
RIGHT WING
1. Main Wheel Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security
2. Brakes -- CHECK for cracks and security
4. Fuel Sump -- DRAIN small amount, CHECK FUEL, CHECK CLOSED
4. Cabin Air Intake -- CHECK for blockage
C-172 PREFLIGHT INSPECTION CONT C-172


NOSE
1. Engine Oil Level -- CHECK, do not operate with less than 6 quarts. Fill to 8 quarts for extended flight
2. Fuel Strainer -- DRAIN for 4 seconds, CHECK CLOSED
3. Propeller and spinner -- CHECK for nicks and security
4. Alternator belt -- CHECK for tightness
5. Carburetor Air Filter -- CHECK for blockage
6. Landing Light -- CHECK for condition and cleanliness
7. Nose wheel Strut and Tire -- CHECK for proper inflation and security
8. Static Source Opening -- CHECK for blockage
CABIN
1. Master Switch -- ON
2. Flaps -- RETRACT
3. Radios -- ON and WORKING, listen for ATIS, get CLEARANCE (CRADS)
4. Radios -- SET
5. Radios -- OFF
6. Lights (all), Pitot Heat -- ON and WORKING
7. Lights, Avionics Power Switch, Pitot Heat -- OFF
8. Master Switch -- OFF
9. Elevator Trim -- TAKEOFF
10. Baggage Door -- CLOSED and LOCKED
11. Tie Downs -- DISCONNECT
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
1. Preflight Inspection -- COMPLETE
2. Passenger Briefing -- COMPLETE
3. Seats, Belts, Shoulder Harnesses -- ADJUST and LOCK
4. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH
5. Radios, Electrical Equipment, Avionics Power Switch -- OFF
6. Circuit Breakers -- CHECK IN
7. Brakes -- TEST and SET
STARTING ENGINE ABOVE FREEZING
1. Mixture -- RICH
2. Carburetor Heat -- COLD
3. Prime -- AS REQUIRED, IN, and LOCKED
4. Throttle -- OPEN 1/2 INCH
5. Master Switch -- ON
6. Rotating Beacon -- ON
7. Propeller Area -- CLEAR
8. Ignition Switch -- START (RELEASE when engine starts)
9. Throttle -- ADJUST for 1000 RPM or less
10. Oil Pressure -- CHECK
11. Mixture -- LEAN for Max RPM's or RICH below 3000'
12. Radios, Avionics Power Switch -- ON
13. Transponder -- Standby
TAXI
1. All Radios -- ON
2. Turn Coordinator -- WORKING
3. Magnetic Compass -- FULL OF FLUID
4. Suction/Vacuum -- WORKING
5. Electrical (Ammeter) -- CHECK
BEFORE TAKEOFF
1. Parking Brake -- SET
2. Cabin Doors -- CLOSED and LATCHED
3. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH
4. Flight Controls -- FREE and CORRECT
5. Throttle -- 1700 RPM
a. Mixture -- LEAN for Max RPM's, RICH below 3000'
b. Magnetos -- CHECK (RPM drop should not exceed 125 RPM on either
magneto or 50 RPM differential between magnetos)
c. Carburetor Heat -- CHECK (for RPM drop)
d. Engine Instruments -- CHECK
e. Ammeter -- CHECK
f. Suction Gage -- CHECK
6. Flight Instruments -- SET including D.G., A.F., Alt.
7. Throttle -- 1000 RPM
8. Throttle Friction Lock -- ADJUST
9. Parking Brake -- RELEASE
Cleared For Takeoff
1. Strobes -- ON
2. Time -- COPY
3. Airspeed -- ALIVE
4. Runway heading -- ON D.G.
5. Transponder -- ALT
TAKEOFF
Normal Takeoff
1. Wing Flaps -- UP
2. Carburetor Heat -- COLD
3. Throttle -- FULL OPEN
4. Elevator Control -- LIFT NOSE WHEEL at 55 KIAS
5. Climb Speed -- 80-90 KIAS (78 KIAS Vy)
Short Field Takeoff
1. Wing Flaps -- UP
2. Carburetor Heat -- COLD
3. Brakes -- APPLY
4. Throttle -- FULL OPEN
5. Mixture -- RICH (Above 3000 feet, LEAN to obtain MAX RPM's)
6. Breaks -- RELEASE
7. Elevator Control -- SLIGHTLY TAIL LOW
8. Climb Speed -- 64 KIAS (Until all obstacles are cleared)
9. Wing Flaps -- RETRACT slowly after reaching 78 KIAS
ENROUTE CLIMB
1. Airspeed -- 70-90 KIAS
2. Throttle -- FULL OPEN
3. Mixture -- RICH below 3000', LEAN for MAX RPM's
BEFORE APPROACH
1. Seats, Belts, Harnesses - ADJUST and LOCK
2. Mixture -- RICH
3. Carburetor Heat -- ON
4. Fuel Selector Valve -- BOTH
APPROACH (Prior to IAF)
1. Missed Approach Review -- COMPLETE
2. ATIS -- ALTIMETER SETTING
3. Radios -- (NAV/COMM - IDENTIFY)
4. Time to MAP -- COPY
5. Heading Indicator -- SET
6. Altitude -- (MDA-30 sec, DH-50ft)
At FAF or for Holding
1. Turn -- AS NEEDED
2. Time -- ONE MINUTE
3. Twist -- SET inbound course
4. Throttle -- SET to holding speed
5. Talk -- AS NEEDED
LANDINGS
Normal Landing
1. Airspeed -- 60-70 KIAS (Flaps UP)
2. Wing Flaps -- AS DESIRED (below 85 KIAS)
3. Airspeed -- 55-65 KIAS (Flaps DOWN)
4. Touchdown -- MAIN WHEELS FIRST
5. Landing Roll -- LOWER NOSE WHEEL GENTLY
6. Braking -- MINIMUM REQUIRED
Balked Landing
1. Throttle -- FULL OPEN
2. Carburetor Heat -- COLD
3. Wing Flaps -- Retract to 20°
4. Airspeed -- 55 KIAS
5. Wing Flaps -- RETRACT (slowly at 60 KIAS)
AFTER LANDING
1. Flaps -- UP
2. Accessories -- OFF
3. Carburetor Heat -- COLD
4. Transponder -- Standby
5. Trim -- To Takeoff
6. Strobes -- OFF
SECURING AIRPLANE
1. Radios -- OFF
2. Electrical Equipment, Lights -- OFF
3. Mixture -- IDLE CUT-OFF
4. Mags -- OFF
5. Master Switch -- OFF
6. Flight plan -- CLOSE

"Now we are ready to go darling......"
..............

[MattDebbage]

Can i please have a couple of pints of whatever you have been on please?
Especially if its Zot - I do love that

[RRHANS]

Ah! Brugse Zot is a very nice beer indeed.

I like buttons and switches as long as they make life easier, not more complicated.
What I do not like either is the, one rotary switch & one screen does it all, as in the new beemers, audi's & mercs.