FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW
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TEXAS 3F A TIMER -THREE FUNCTIONS
FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW
Click on the photos for a larger picture
WHY IS THIS A GOOD PRODUCT?
A fair question. Very simply it eliminates the need for the Remote Pinch Off (RPO) and the extra effort needed to install and hook it up. Plus it makes life a lot easier when you have a high thrust line plane like the T-Bird. The timer can be down on the fuselage so there is a straight line to the DT on the tail, or the timer can be mounted on the pylon pod with the DT line run in an aluminum tube to the tail. Click here to see how champion flier Larry Davidson did this on his new 585 square T-Bird with OS MAX .29 power. The application is on the MAX A timer, but the 3F A would be the same. And it is very easy to move the timer between planes.
This timer mounts in the same opening needed for the 3F timer but with a different screw hole pattern. We do suggest our plywood mounting plate and dust cover be used to make installation easy as well as reliable.
We strongly suggest using our Split Rings on the DT post to help ensure reliable operation. Never just loop a rubber band or a line on the DT release post. This is a failure waiting to happen. See our Hints for examples of what not to do as well as how to attach lines to the timer.
This is a timer to meet the needs of fliers who are using auto surface control requiring three functions, as well as those who demand the best timer they can buy for Nostalgia, or AMA Classic. It uses construction methods to make it a very strong timer. One that is made to take the beating from today's hot and high revving engines. For example, the faceplate is constructed using much thicker metal than our other timers, the rear posts on the clock are soldered in place-no screws to come loose, a special steel screw has been made to hold the scroll and disk assembly to the main shaft. This provides added strength as well as offers a wider slot for our new winding and setting tool, which greatly adds to the ease in winding the clock as well as setting precise times for the Function 2 delay and scroll DT time.
And, if you will be using big engines with a lot of vibration, this timer is for you. We have incorporated a new type of scroll that has extra deep threads to insure the DT wire stays in place. Plus, the wire used for the DT is 20% thicker than used in the past. This actually DOUBLES the stiffness of the wire.
Perfect for the new F1P event.
We have learned that many of our customers are actually using the second function as a quick DT, an excellent use for this timer.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Faceplate size 2.5 x 1.08 inches
Weight is 23.9 grams.
A remote device to shut off the fuel is NOT needed. The fuel mousetrap is built into the faceplate.
The standard Texas Timer Stop Lock manual start stop switch is included but one can use one of the available "start on release" switches now on the market.
The lower engine run time disk is fairly large to aid in accurate time settings. This disk is keyed to the main shaft, so it will not slip when adjusting the second function or DT. The disk can be set to different keyed positions in 90 degree increments.
The second function disk is free to rotate for any setting needed.
The function wires are very stiff, and you can expect extremely accurate and repeatable time settings and delays.
A very special feature is the auto repel on the second function wire. It absolutely can not fall down or bounce back into the disk, or cause a malfunction.
The winding ears used on our other timers have been eliminated based on many requests. We offer an optional winding tool that is convenient to use and aids in setting the delay times on the second function and DT. This winding and adjustment tool is shown in the photos with the timers.
A special all steel screw is used to hold the scroll and disks. This screw has a wide slot to accept the optional winding tool.
The timer is designed to use our Split Rings on the function posts, or something similar of your choice.
The faceplate is made with substantially thicker metal to "beef it up". This was requested by many customers now using Seelig timers
The rear clock assembly posts are all soldered in place.
Loctite 242© is used on all front assembly posts.
Two versions of the timer are offered. The 3F IIIA, for Cat II and III flying, has a first 360 degree turn of about 21 seconds, and a DT time of over 3 minutes. The 3F IA for Cat I has a first turn of about 30 seconds and a DT time of over 5 minutes. We do this to keep the rotational speed as high as possible to achieve optimum accuracy for tight engine run time settings.
Is it expensive? It may be, if you are looking for an "el cheapo" timer. I do not make timers like that. Is it really expensive?.
Note on Installation Kit: We do not
have the plywood plate that is perfectly sized for this timer. We do have the
one for the standard 3F timers, and it is quite close, but you will need to
drill your own mounting holes for installation. Until we have the correct one,
we are selling the one for the 3F timer for only $3 when ordered with the timer.
The dust cover and screws are included. This is better than not using the kit at
all.
| SPECIFICATIONS (Typical) | 3F IA | 3F IIIA |
| First 360 ° Rotation time (seconds) | 30 | 21 |
| Maximum DT time (minutes) | 5+ | 3+ |
| Faceplate size (inches) | 1.08 X 2.50 | 1.08 X 2.50 |
| Weight (grams) | 23.9 | 23.9 |